Galef Talks Bear Mountain Parkway at Business Council Breakfast

State Senator Greg Ball and Assemblywoman Sandy Galef discussed state issues that affect local business owners at Thursday morning’sBusiness Council Breakfast at the Colonial Terrace.  Among the several questions asked, one business owner inquired about on the Bear Mountain Parkway.

Galef told the crowd of about 100 that the Department of Transportation had plans to do something but does not have the money, but that they “may” get money to do something soon. Governor Cuomo wants to bond $25 billion towards roads, bridges and dams and that the DOT might be able to pay for safety improvements to the Bear Mountain Parkway through that money, Galef said. She explained that the DOT looks at all state roads and that there are others that experience more accidents than the BMP and take priority.

Galef and Ball also spoke about several other issues. They both took pride in being a part of a legislature that they believe is repairing state policies and practices that were damaged by a formerly dysfunctional state government.

Senator Ball said that there “were many dark days in the state legislature, but that has changed.”

Ball strongly supported the property tax cap, and explained that it forced local government to look at their spending.

“It has forced real discussions at the local level about taxes,” Ball said.

He said another positive outcome of the cap is that it has led local municipalities to force the state government to recognize the burden caused by mandates.

Galef touted Governor Andrew Cuomo’s work with unions to freeze salaries and get members to contribute more to their health care.  

She also said that the state is working to attract biotechnology industries to our area and more power plants.

Galef explained that the state is focused on more public/private partnerships, tourism and attracting biotechnology and power plant industry to our area.

Also at the Business Council Breakfast, Chamber Director Deb Milone encouraged local businesses to get involved in this year’s Gateway Experience on March 24. Read more about the large business exposition on Patch this Sunday.

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