We have everything we need except politicians willing to do the right thing and that is to cut the size, scope and infringements of government on the people of Erie County and WNY.

We need the right leadership and the right legislature members to start working in defense of the people.

Buffalo News - New York has assets to overcome its economic malaise

Western New Yorkers who follow news about the long-standing economic malaise here can be forgiven for harboring bleak thoughts about the region’s economic prospects. After all, we’ve known for years about anemic job growth, distressing population losses and the role of short-sighted government policies in worsening both problems.

Now there’s some good news: a survey of influential New Yorkers confirms the need for new policies and offers refreshing reminders about some strong assets New York can use to recover. The survey, by the New York State Economic Development Council, shows that New York’s leaders in business, academia and government are pessimistic about the effects of high taxes and high job-creation costs - but notably cheerier about New York’s strengths in other areas that are critical to growth.

Four of five respondents confirmed that New York’s tax burden, especially income and property taxes, is a big problem. Seven of 10 expressed concern about two other key costs, workers’ compensation and energy. And more than half said New York is at a disadvantage in trying to keep talented New Yorkers in New York.

But in other areas critical to development, respondents seemed downright sunny. For example:

Two-thirds said employers’ ability to find skilled workers with the right skills is either an advantage (17 percent) or competitive with other states (55 percent).

Four of five said New York’s training programs are an advantage (20 percent) or competitive with other states (59 percent).

Eight of 10 said New York’s climate for collaboration with colleges and universities is an advantage (41 percent) or competitive (40 percent).

Nearly eight of 10 respondents said New York’s opportunities for outdoor recreation are an advantage.

One can be optimistic about these findings without being Pollyannaish. They show that New York’s problems largely originate with government policies that are within government control. If the state can make steady, sustained progress in reducing these high employer costs, we have many great assets on which to build future growth.

In its new report, NYSEDC also outlined a detailed list of policy ideas to promote growth. These include more aggressive marketing of New York’s high-tech advantages; preserving the strength of state and local economic development programs; cutting taxes and other key employer costs and integrating state-funded Centers of Excellence into local economies through new regional collaborations.

This report can be a blueprint for Gov.-elect Eliot L. Spitzer’s efforts to ease the economic malaise that afflicts much of the state. It should give all New Yorkers reason for hope - because it shows that we can compete for growth if we address our well-documented problems and take advantage of our many strengths.

Brian McMahon is president of NYSEDC.