Libous moves into Senate’s number two spot

By Jessica Lewis

Sun Staff Writer

jlewis@evesun.com

NEW YORK – Senator Joseph Bruno (R- Brunswick) resigned from the position of New York Senate Majority Leader this week, leaving openings in the Senate Majority’s top two spots.

Tuesday those spots were filled, as Senator Dean Skelos (R-Long Island) was elected to the position of Senate Majority Leader, and Senator Thomas Libous (R-Binghamton) was chosen to take the number two spot as Deputy Senate Majority Leader.

“If I had to put it as a slogan, I’d say stronger in Albany. Stronger at home,” said Libous, who represents Broome, Chenango and Tioga counties, when asked what effect the change will have on Upstate.

Libous’ new role will allow him to bring Upstate issues to the forefront in Albany. He explained that historically, the Deputy Majority Leader has been responsible for running the Senate floor and chairing the Rules Committee. “This gives me better access to state agencies and others. This means good things for Chenango County, because I’ll have more ability to be helpful when it comes to economic development issues, which I’ve always done, but we can do better. Even better than before,” Libous said. “It will provide new and improved opportunities for the district.”

Libous said some of his priorities as the Deputy Senate Majority Leader will be to work with the Skelos and Governor David Paterson to institute a tax cap. “That is the most important thing we can do for New York,” Libous said. Earlier this month, the New York State Commission on Property Tax Relief released a preliminary report calling for a property tax cap, along with other suggestions to relieve the growing property tax burden in New York. Governor Paterson has spoken out in support of the tax cap.