Issues
Campaign Topics
1. Taxes – without a doubt taxes are the greatest concern of voters. The only way to
keep them from increasing is to reduce spending. It means creating an honest budget that
cuts wasteful spending. It means making smart investments in our community that benefit
you, not the politicians on project we need that we can afford.
Click here for a specific case example
2. Consolidation – while this idea is often bandied about, it requires careful
consideration. Information must be gathered to show real savings while not jeopardizing the
quality of services nor losing the character and individuality of communities. Another
misconception is that Broome County can impose consolidation on municipalities. It cannot
do that. However in the past there had been an Inter-governmental Relations Committee.
If consolidation is to be looked at seriously this committee should perhaps be revised.
3. Dissolution of the Village of Johnson City – again there are many misconceptions
about this idea. It will not solve all the problems. It may cause others. Public security must
not be endangered. Again, as Broome County Legislator, I will abide by the decision taken by
the people. If Broome County is asked to become involved ,at that point the Legislature can
act.
4. Prioritizing Senior Services – I will work closely with the Broome County Office for
Aging to ensure all the services that it can provide are clearly understood and well
communicated to the public. Ideally I would like to shift focus from certain social services to
senior issues but many of the Social Service programs are mandated by New York State and
Broome County must abide by the State’s guidelines. This could be improved by stopping
underfunded mandates.
5. Reviewing under-funded mandates – a complicated topic but what it means is
looking carefully at social programs New York State requires the counties provide but which
the State or Federal government does not adequately fund to do so. This issue can be
promoted by NYSAC (New York State Association of Counties). NYSAC pressure the state to
put a cap on Medicaid payments that has saved the County about $38 millions so far.
6. Gas leasing – Broome County will have to be prepared to take advantage of the gas
drilling in the area. It must determine what county lands could be made available. It must
be ready to capitalize on opportunities that may present themselves. On the other hand, we
must be very conscious of environmental risk. There are water shed issues which will be
beyond the scope of Broome County alone. This is a complex issue and it will require careful
consideration and public input.
7. Broome Transit – BC Transit provides essential transportation for many people (3.2
million rides per year) but of course even more people never ride the buses. So we have to
find a reasonable balance of expense between riders and the taxpayers. A fee increase is in
order.
1. Taxes – without a doubt taxes are the greatest concern of voters. The only way to
keep them from increasing is to reduce spending. It means creating an honest budget that
cuts wasteful spending. It means making smart investments in our community that benefit
you, not the politicians on project we need that we can afford.
Click here for a specific case example
2. Consolidation – while this idea is often bandied about, it requires careful
consideration. Information must be gathered to show real savings while not jeopardizing the
quality of services nor losing the character and individuality of communities. Another
misconception is that Broome County can impose consolidation on municipalities. It cannot
do that. However in the past there had been an Inter-governmental Relations Committee.
If consolidation is to be looked at seriously this committee should perhaps be revised.
3. Dissolution of the Village of Johnson City – again there are many misconceptions
about this idea. It will not solve all the problems. It may cause others. Public security must
not be endangered. Again, as Broome County Legislator, I will abide by the decision taken by
the people. If Broome County is asked to become involved ,at that point the Legislature can
act.
4. Prioritizing Senior Services – I will work closely with the Broome County Office for
Aging to ensure all the services that it can provide are clearly understood and well
communicated to the public. Ideally I would like to shift focus from certain social services to
senior issues but many of the Social Service programs are mandated by New York State and
Broome County must abide by the State’s guidelines. This could be improved by stopping
underfunded mandates.
5. Reviewing under-funded mandates – a complicated topic but what it means is
looking carefully at social programs New York State requires the counties provide but which
the State or Federal government does not adequately fund to do so. This issue can be
promoted by NYSAC (New York State Association of Counties). NYSAC pressure the state to
put a cap on Medicaid payments that has saved the County about $38 millions so far.
6. Gas leasing – Broome County will have to be prepared to take advantage of the gas
drilling in the area. It must determine what county lands could be made available. It must
be ready to capitalize on opportunities that may present themselves. On the other hand, we
must be very conscious of environmental risk. There are water shed issues which will be
beyond the scope of Broome County alone. This is a complex issue and it will require careful
consideration and public input.
7. Broome Transit – BC Transit provides essential transportation for many people (3.2
million rides per year) but of course even more people never ride the buses. So we have to
find a reasonable balance of expense between riders and the taxpayers. A fee increase is in
order.
Speaking with people, these are the issues that most often come to mind. However if
you have another issue of particular interest or concern to you, please contact me to
discuss it at ed@arzouian.com
you have another issue of particular interest or concern to you, please contact me to
discuss it at ed@arzouian.com
Your vote is important. In the last election only 95 votes separated your
Legislator Chris Kuzel from his opponent. As you may have heard I was asked by
the Republican Party to step in for three-term incumbent Mr. Kuzel when he
decided not to run this fall. I have Mr. Kuzel’s endorsement as well as that of the
Supervisor of Town of Dickinson and the Mayor of Johnson. I would ask for your
endorsement, too, and your vote.
Key among my goals in representing you is fiscal responsibility. We must reduce
spending where we can. This means close scrutiny of projects and proposals, not
simply rubber-stamping legislation. That is why balance is important in the
legislature. It is why I chose to run in this election rather than let the seat go
unopposed. Smart investment and development are also priorities. That means
targeting key sectors with the limited economic development resources we have
and communicating a clear plan of action, not the divergent, unfocused and varied
approach we have seen in the past. Additionally I will seek to shift spending in
social services towards senior services, a segment of our population that is
growing and has been under-represented.
Other issues of concern I intend to focus on are; BC Transit, Broome County’s role
in gas drilling and exploitation, the possible dissolution of Johnson City and the
consolidation of those services the municipalities and their residents deem
necessary.
I ask for your support and vote to work for you in this regard.
Legislator Chris Kuzel from his opponent. As you may have heard I was asked by
the Republican Party to step in for three-term incumbent Mr. Kuzel when he
decided not to run this fall. I have Mr. Kuzel’s endorsement as well as that of the
Supervisor of Town of Dickinson and the Mayor of Johnson. I would ask for your
endorsement, too, and your vote.
Key among my goals in representing you is fiscal responsibility. We must reduce
spending where we can. This means close scrutiny of projects and proposals, not
simply rubber-stamping legislation. That is why balance is important in the
legislature. It is why I chose to run in this election rather than let the seat go
unopposed. Smart investment and development are also priorities. That means
targeting key sectors with the limited economic development resources we have
and communicating a clear plan of action, not the divergent, unfocused and varied
approach we have seen in the past. Additionally I will seek to shift spending in
social services towards senior services, a segment of our population that is
growing and has been under-represented.
Other issues of concern I intend to focus on are; BC Transit, Broome County’s role
in gas drilling and exploitation, the possible dissolution of Johnson City and the
consolidation of those services the municipalities and their residents deem
necessary.
I ask for your support and vote to work for you in this regard.