Republicans hold grand opening of county headquarters

NORWICH – The Chenango County Republican Committee held the grand opening of their election headquarters at noon Tuesday, and several state and local officials were there to celebrate.

“At this time of year, I get excited,” said Republican Chairman Thomas Morrone. “I’m proud to open our headquarters and to have so many people here to show their support.”

Morrone said he thinks this year’s Republican ticket is exciting, and he is hopeful that the Republicans will carry New York State. This year, several state seats will be up for election. Attending the event were Assemblyman Cliff Crouch (R-Bainbridge), Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R-Schoharie) and Assemblyman Gary Finch (R-Springport).

Representatives for Richard Hanna, a candidate running for congress against Michael Arcuri, and Senator James Seward, also attended the event.

Crouch, who is running unopposed, said he thinks big issues during this election season will be property taxes, energy costs and the state budget. “A lot of people are concerned about the state budget and its potentially negative effect on property taxes,” Crouch said.

He explained that he hopes cleaning up the corners in Albany will help to eliminate some of the state spending. “We need to take a look at the administrative levels and look at what positions weren’t there two years ago. A lot of positions were created that we got along fine without before,” Crouch said.

With the effects of the Wall Street economy taking a toll on the state’s revenue, Crouch said state spending has to be addressed. “New York doesn’t have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem.”

Lopez, who is also running unopposed, cited property tax relief as one of his top priorities as well. Other priorities for Lopez include farms and small businesses, creating jobs, and energy independence. According to Lopez, the issues are interrelated. “Farms and small businesses are our economic backbone. We need property tax relief to help the local businesses and create jobs to keep the young people in this area,” Lopez said.