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Today's Poll: What's your initial reaction to Gov. Paterson's proposed budget?

By Howard B. Owens
Doug Yeomans

It doesn't cut enough and taxes too much - 42%. BINGO! The citizens of this state are over taxed on multiple levels.

I dislike NY state in so many ways. Being that I was born here, all family is here, having long term employment here and being tied to 2 pieces of property, it's difficult to just "up and leave."

You can bet that when the time is right, Alaska here I come.

Jan 20, 2010, 10:05am Permalink
terry paine

To the voters (40 at this point) that think the cuts are too deep or think certain things are being cut too much, answer this question. What kind of violence do you support to collect a citizen's portion of a 6.5 billion dollar tax increase that they can't afford? Assume that a payment plan isn't a option because their financial situation will probably be the same or worse next year.

Jan 20, 2010, 10:48am Permalink
terry paine

Doug - I've been to Alaska a dozen times. It's beautiful and the people are great but it's still expensive. Look into New Hampshire and the Free State Project (www.freestateproject.org). New Hampshire is the most free state in the country; no state tax, no sales tax, politicians make $200 per term. In just the last few years this project already has helped at least 6 liberty-minded people get elected to state office. It's sad that although Batavia is a great place to raise a family and the people in the community are caring and a joy to be around, to stay ahead of things it's necessary for many to move to a less expensive location.
As a person that has had to fund my retirement myself and at age 49 is finding it harder and harder to do so, I'm left with only two options. Leave the place I've lived my whole life or die earlier. If anyone has another choice let me know.

Jan 20, 2010, 11:26am Permalink
C. M. Barons

If the special interests are howling over Paterson's cuts, if the legislature has deemed the governor's budget proposal dead-in-the-water; what chance do you hold for more severe cuts. If New Yorkers do not rally around Paterson's proposed budget, the senate and assembly will pass a fattened version of last year's budget.

If you doubt this, just sample the Hypocrite Hawley response: Oh God- not the sacred snowmobilers!!!!!!! He may be our idiot, but ...

Jan 20, 2010, 12:04pm Permalink
Doug Yeomans

Terry, I've had a life long pull towards Alaska. In July of 1994 I went there alone for 11 days and camped out of the back of a minivan. I went from Anchorage to Fairbanks, up the west side and down the east. From there I hit a day trip to Nome and then I spent the remainder on the Kenai peninsula. The trip there just made me want to be there even more but I was in love and had other plans which never worked out..go figure.

I know it's expensive but I'd go there for the isolation, scenery and adventure. I'm probably getting too old for adventure but the clock is ticking and I keep procrastinating. I'm right behind you at 47.

Spending my money isn't a problem for me. Who it goes to and whether it's forced out of my hand or not is what matters. My bread and butter is HVAC work so I'm sure I can find lots of job opportunities wherever I go.

I also fund my own retirement account and have just shy of 17 years vested where I now work so it's difficult to just quit with nothing else to jump into. There are 2 years remaining on my contract and the future after that is not promising so who knows, my "jump" may be turned into a "push."

Thanks for the heads-up on N.H.

Jan 20, 2010, 12:22pm Permalink

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