Weld and Faso talk inspires RBA members at Annual Small Business Day in Albany

Each member that attended this year's Small Business Day in Albany said a highlight of their trip was the discussion turned good spirited debate between the State's top two Republican candidates for Governor, former Massachusetts Governor William Weld and former New York State Assembly Minority Leader John Faso.

Both candidates had a similar message; that New York must get control of its spending appetite, reduce its taxes and reduce other unusually high business costs, such as workers' compensation insurance. Weld proposed eliminating the state income tax on the first $75,000 of income and both proposed something be done to reduce property taxes on a state and local level, with Weld pointing to a two and a half percent cap he installed as Massachusetts Governor. Eliminating the estate tax, a reduction of corporate franchise taxes and elimination of trucking industry taxes were among Faso's proposals.

RBA member Robert Salmon of H&S Sales and Consultants said the Weld, Faso discussion/debate was "worth the price of admission." He found Faso more specific in his ideas and was impressed with Weld's track record of dissolving gridlock in Massachusetts.

Lou Silver of Silver Roofing Inc., said "Both were very bright and well thought out and had a lot of specific answers on the issues. It's a coin toss who was better." Silver said the prevailing feeling in Albany was that Democratic candidate Eliot Spitzer would win in a walk. He found that unfortunate because both Republican candidates made excellent presentations.

After the positive talks offered by former Massachusetts Governor William Weld and former New York Assembly Minority Leader John Faso, Governor George Pataki warned that state legislators were considering a budget that offers little in the way of tax-relief and a large increase in spending.

"I'm very concerned that the reforms we need aren't going to be included in the budget," the Governor said, specifically mentioning taxes, Medicaid, welfare and workers' compensation programs. Pataki urged the 400 people in attendance to knock on their legislators' doors and urge lawmakers to pass reforms necessary to improve the state's business climate.

The budget in question was in fact passed on March 31.

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