Local NYS Reps Say New Political Climate Could Benefit Residents

When West Islip's state representatives head to Albany in January to start the new legislative session, the political climate could be quite different. And that could ultimately benefit local residents, they said.

While the balance of power in the state Senate remains unclear as of now, , and , each feel the possibility of having Republicans regain control of the Senate in Albany would be a positive for Long Islanders, including those living in West Islip.

The defeat of State Sen. Brian Foley, D-Blue Point, along with the possible loss by State Sen. Craig Johnson, D-Port Washington, would shift control of the state Senate to Republicans. Should that happen, State Sen. Dean Skelos, R-Rockville Center, would likely become the Senate majority leader.

GOP control of the state Senate would be a boon to Johnson, a senior member of the legislative body who was first elected in 1972. When Republicans most recently held the majority in the Senate, Johnson served as chairman of the Finance Committee. But Johnson, who Tuesday night , felt it was premature to talk about what committees he might like to chair, should Republican regain control of the Senate.

"Albany has become dysfunctional over the past two years and that was caused by the Democratic majority," Johnson said. "The Democrats had the center of power and gave more to New York City and we [on Long Island] got nothing. I think that's over now."

He added that should the GOP regain control of the state Senate, more funding for needed programs and services would reach the suburbs.

Boyle, who returns to Albany for another two-year term in the Assembly following his , feels having the Republicans in control of the state Senate would be a "huge plus" for Long Island.

"Gov.-elect Andrew Cuomo on the campaign trail sounded like a fiscal conservative, and Sen. Skelos has long been a fiscal conservative, so they might be able to work together and stop the spending driven by New York City liberals in the Assembly," he said.  "For now I'm going to take the governor-elect at his word that he will be fiscally conservative."

When looking at the results from a macro perspective, Boyle believes voters sent a strong message that they have serious concerns about property taxes and spending in Albany. "There are problems that seem to continue election after election, and now the voters said if you're not going to listen to us, then we will through you out," he said.

But the challenge that faces the legislature and newly elected governor will be finding ways to cut or hold the line on spending while still providing programs local residents desire. "This is not a budget that has been cut to the bone," Boyle said. "I believe there is a lot of room for cuts and it's up to the leadership [in the state legislature] and governor to come up with those cuts."

One area of the budget that will be closely watched by many is state school aid. While this past spring and with Cuomo proposing a tax cap to hold the line on school spending, school districts could continue facing difficult fiscal decisions.

"I don't think there is going to be a great influx of funds for schools, "Boyle admitted. "But [Cuomo] has discussed the elimination of unfunded mandates for schools so if we stop making schools have programs they don't want or need, that will help school districts control some costs."