What happens in Colorado might not stay in Colorado. It might come to New York.

People in a group of counties in Northern Colorado are trying to form a new state. They want their counties to secede from Colorado, because urban (ie: Denver) representatives ignore concerns of rural folks. This movement boasts some clout.

Upstate New York has seen several similar movements over the years. They went nowhere. However, if the Colorado movement ever succeeds, my guess is that it will light a fire under those in the Empire State.

Not to mention secession movements in other states. A lot of downstate Illinois folks would love to secede from crime-infested, corrupt Chicago. As would many Michigan citizens love to dump Detroit.

Good idea for upstate New York? Absolutely.

Upstate has zippo power in the state legislature. Because reps from downstate (the New York City area and Long Island) dominate Albany. This has been true for decades. It is growing worse, because Upstate is losing population while downstate gains residents and voters. This means Upstate gradually sends fewer reps to snout through the hog trough in Albany.

There are lots of New York City people who would be happy to split the state in two. They complain the city has to subsidize Upstate. Wherever that is.

That is not sarcasm. Because it is the essence of the argument for seceding. Too many downstaters know nothing about Upstate. They know sweet nothing about its history. Or its cities. Or its towns. Or its farming. Or its festivals. Or, its problems.

Too few downstaters know that Upstate’s cities have bled population. Have lost businesses, lost tax base. Have struggled to avoid bankruptcy.

Downstate residents are well represented in Albany, with their politicians exhibiting the same ignorance of Upstate. That’s why they have created monstrous bureaucracies in Albany. It is why they have no qualms about smacking Upstaters with outrageous taxes and regulations. I suspect if you quizzed all the downstate reps, few of them could name 10 upstate cities.

Could a West New York work as a state? Sure. It would likely work better than Albany does for Upstate now.

First, it would have a much smaller bureaucracy. That would be a plus. Second, its taxes and regulations would be more sympathetic to the needs of Upstate. Why? Because upstate voters would force the issues. That’s the way representative government is supposed to work. As it is now, upstate voters can force zip. And influence zip.

Albany simply does a poor job of serving Upstate. Its sludge of corruption, mostly from downstate, makes matters worse.

The time may be ripe for secession movements like these to go before voters in various states. The concept of a fixed number of states is not set in stone. And the problem of citizens in one part of a state getting shafted by those in another part is a genuine issue.

A sign of a country’s health is its ability to flex, to adapt to changing times. If the state split, it might well re-invigorate both parts. Especially Upstate. Wherever that is. 
From Tom…as in Morgan.

Tom Morgan writes about political, financial, and other subjects from his home near Oneonta, in addition to his radio shows and TV show. For more information about him, visit his website at www.tomasinmorgan.com

Part of what makes the Finger Lakes area so exceptional is its potential to be an economic generator for all of New York. The fertile farmland throughout the region, paired with a growing demand for highly skilled manufacturing, could add up to a real catalyst for the state’s economy.

There is tremendous opportunity here to get our talented young men and women into the workforce, and area community colleges are a successful way to do so. The Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) and Monroe Community College (MCC) are two examples of schools looking to get people working in high-demand degree fields. Both offer certificate programs and classes that provide the next generation of skilled manufacturers, agriculture, and viticulture workers with the education and training they need to fill these quality jobs.

The big role of SUNY, community colleges, and professional groups

As a proud alumnus of FLCC and a former manufacturer, I recommend the school’s excellent advanced-degree manufacturing programs, including mechanical technology, instrumentation, and control technologies and engineering sciences. I also support the certificate programs encompassing continuing education for advanced manufacturing and “cleanroom” operations. More information on the wide array of available degree programs and course offerings is available on the FLCC website (www.flcc.edu).

On a similar note, MCC offers two-year degree programs dealing with biotechnology, electrical engineering, electronic optics technology, engineering science, mechanical technology, and precision machining as well as certificate programs covering electronic technology, precision machining, and precision tooling. These are also great programs aimed at just what we New Yorkers and manufacturers need — the ability to create and fill quality jobs with highly skilled local workers. Visit the MCC website (www.monroecc.edu) for more information.

The State University of New York (SUNY) is now fully immersed in the Federal Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training program, which pairs more than 150 New York businesses and economic-development groups with SUNY to create programs and address the needs of employers in nanotechnology and other advanced manufacturing fields. The $14.6 million grant allocated last year is set to help match job openings with those who have the training, education, and skills. MCC has been chosen to spearhead this important program.

The Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), through its Partners for Education and Business program, is working to raise student awareness of these exciting job opportunities. MACNY works with students, teachers, employers, and job seekers to help generate interest in skilled jobs and make valuable connections. See the MACNY website (www.macny.org) for more information.

Agribusiness is big business in the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes Viticulture Center in Geneva, set to begin construction next year, will serve as the home of FLCC’s new Viticulture and Wine Technology program. The facility will feature a winemaking lab, grape crushing pad, and a teaching vineyard. Students will be trained for employment opportunities within New York’s wineries.  Details about FLCC’s Vitculture Program can be found at flcc.edu/academics/viticulture.

MCC’s Agriculture and Life Sciences Institute offers education and academic instruction for farmers, winery operators, and professionals involved in renewable energy as well as interested landowners looking to increase the potential profits on their land. Expertise in land-use policy, planning, rules and regulations are all vital to a thriving agribusiness climate. MCC offers training at workshops, on-site consultations, webcast seminars, and television conferences. Visit www.monroecc.edu/depts/agriculture for more information.

Manufacturing and agribusiness are increasingly important as we move toward economic recovery. But a recovery is not enough. With our abundant natural resources and world-class educational community, Finger Lakes businesses should be at the forefront of agricultural production and high-skilled advanced manufacturing. Working families need quality jobs to stay in our community, and local companies are paying good salaries to qualified workers. There is great potential in this state, and only through education and training can it be fully realized. 

Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C–Canandaigua) is the New York Assembly Minority Leader and represents the 131st Assembly District, which encompasses all of Ontario County and parts of Seneca County. Contact him at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us