2010: A Gubernatorial Odyssey

As we hope for Rudy Giuliani to run for Governor of New York in 2010, we must look at his record and ask ourselves if he is really the right man for the job. Well first we must ask, what is the job?

New York State is currently suffering at the hands of the current leadership in Albany. We have a dysfunctional legislature. The State Senate spent over a month this past summer in an impassé while both the Republicans and Democrats battled over who had control of the senate, with the only clear fact being that Governor David Patterson certainly did not. The current leadership has done more wasteful spending than one could dream of, giving raises and bonuses in a time of financial crisis. We have bailed out the MTA, leaving New York City and seven surrounding counties with huge financial burdens to support, while the MTA continues to spend money unchecked, with no forensic audit having been done. Governor Patterson was not only unable to broker the deal, he has given the Chairman of the MTA a contract that awards him a half million dollars upon resignation. Taxes have been increased. The wealthy have received a host of new taxes, prompting them to pick up and leave New York, along with many jobs. New smaller taxes have been implemented to nickel-and-dime taxpayers. And we have instituted, for the first time ever, a tax on tax-exempt institutions in the twelve counties comprising the “Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District.” Unemployment is at the worst it has been since the early ‘90’s. Private sector jobs have dropped nearly 4 percent in the past year, that’s over 200,000 jobs across the state. New York State has reached a level of 8.6 percent rate of unemployment, and New York City has a 9.6 percent rate of unemployment. And under the current leadership we have hit a projected deficit of 8.6 billion dollars. Now ask yourself, could Rudy do a better job?

In 1993 when Rudy Giuliani took office as the Mayor of New York City he inherited a 2.3 billion dollar deficit. By responsible fiscal action in cutting spending and reducing the municipal payroll, Rudy was able to turn that deficit into a multi-billion dollar surplus, all while he lowered taxes. In fact, during his tenure as Mayor, Rudy enacted over 2.5 billion dollars in tax reductions. As Mayor, Rudy created over 450,000 jobs in the private sector as a result of his fiscal policies. Rudy dealt endlessly with the MTA’s many problems, having helped broker deals with employees to prevent strikes and helping to manage their never-ending fiscal problems, all while doing his best to prevent fare increases and service cuts. New York City is now one of the cleanest, safest and most prosperous cities in America, thanks to Rudy.

Rudolph W. Giuliani has demonstrated the experience, the knowledge, and the ability to lead New York State. We need a Governor who will take control of our state. Who will reign in wasteful spending. Who won’t increase taxes. Who will create jobs. Who will create functionality in our government. And who will stand up for the rights of our citizens. We need Rudolph W. Giuliani for Governor in 2010.