NORWICH – U.S. Representative Richard Hanna said he is thankful to retain Chenango County after redistricting in New York because of the highly-driven business and government leaders he reconnects with on his periodic visits here.
He particularly complimented City of Norwich Mayor Joe Maiurano for engaging his office so often.
“You just don’t see that every day. He does a great job for you,” the 24th District Republican told a group of about 30 Commerce Chenango members yesterday. Hanna was on a campaign trip through the county Tuesday, making stops in the morning at New York Pizzeria in New Berlin and at Fred’s Inn for a Chamber-sponsored luncheon.
Rep. Hanna recently received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit of Enterprise Award in recognition of his voting record in the House. He scored the highest in New York – 100 percent – on key votes to support economic growth and job creation, including the repeal of 1099 reporting requirements, the 3 percent withholding requirement from contractors and the president’s health care law.
“Supporting small businesses, working to help rebuild upstate New York’s economy and therefore putting people back to work has been a hallmark of my time in office,” he said.
Hanna employed more than 450 people at his construction business which he operated in nearby Marcy for 30 years prior to entering politics.
He said people living in Chenango County are a microcosm of the country at large, facing all of the same issues from unemployment, high property and school taxes, to oppressive regulations that thwart enterprise and a declining population. After the 2010 population census, New York lost two seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“People with means are leaving the state to invest and live where there is no inheritance tax. ... Young people are leaving to find jobs, so you’re a missing the vibrance of your youth. People are disengaged. I meet with people everyday who say it’s not worth it in New York. Well, it’s getting to be that way for the country. We are shoving people off the borders,” he said.
