Statement from Senator Joe Griffo

							Statement from Senator Joe Griffo
When I learned Congressman McHugh was selected by President Obama to serve as Secretary of the Army, my first thought was of the proud men and women that serve this country and what an outstanding leader they had gained. But quickly, I also realized that their gain was our loss and that the 23rd Congressional District would sorely miss John McHugh’s tremendous leadership and diligent representation in Washington. In the wake of that announcement, I was very honored to hear from constituents, supporters and community leaders asking me to consider representing the 23rd Congressional District. We face great challenges today in Washington and I am deeply concerned about the course of policy on the federal level. But at the same time, it’s clear that we face tremendous challenges in Albany with a State government badly in need of direction, competency and most of all reform. I have been working hard in Albany on these issues which have been central to my commitment to public service. And as part of the historic change underway in Albany to empower individual legislators and create bipartisan leadership in the Senate, some of those reforms that I have fought so hard for have been adopted. I believe that we have a unique opportunity today to fundamentally change the way business is conducted in Albany. Until we reform the way that the New York State Legislature operates, we cannot cut spending, reduce taxes and reform the bloated system of government authorities that drags down our state. It is going to be a battle and we have already seen the lines drawn by entrenched interests of narrow constituencies that want to preserve partisan advantage instead of making government work for all the people of New York. It’s going to be a fight and I have never backed away from a fight. So, in the end, while I am honored to be considered as a candidate for Congress, I plan to continue my service to the people of Central and Northern New York by working to reform the state Legislature and the state budget process. I will continue to advocate for the reforms that will open up the closed system of Albany and create a new era of possibilities and opportunity for the people of my region. There are certainly many outstanding people who will be actively pursuing the Congressional Seat, I urge our county leaders to have an open and active selection process and I look forward to supporting the Republican candidate for the 23rd District.