Tuesday afternoon, when newly installed Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks to New Yorkers, she’s likely to outline a vision for the state with a range of priorities. With that in mind, WBFO collected a series of open letters for Hochul, from agencies and advocates, that raise a variety of issues of concern to Western New York.
Dear Gov. Hochul. This is Jill Jedlicka, executive director of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper.
We are hopeful that as a native of Western New York and the Great Lakes region, you will seize the opportunity to assert strong leadership for our lakes, the environment and our communities. Our lakes and our home are a part of the largest freshwater system in the world. There are resources not to be exploited, but to be protected. We implore you, a proven water advocate, to help ensure that our environment, the blue economy and Great Lakes are prioritized in all of our state's environmental and economic policies.
Hello Gov. Hochul. My name is B.J. Stasio.
I would like to encourage you spend more money to give direct support professionals more raises and get us the staff we need so we can live the best lives possible. I would also like to encourage you set up a disability advisory board and I would like to be a part of it.
Congratulations, Gov. Hochul from Pastor George F. Nicholas.
As the first woman governor of our great state, I would urge you to center the needs of the poor in your administration. While Western New York has seen economic prosperity for the wealthy, 40% of African Americans are still suffering from poverty in our region, and all the social ills that accompany it. That pandemic has drawn attention to the tremendous health disparities that are driven by the social determinants of health. As governor, please reach out and listen to local leaders who are working with the poor on a daily basis. Don't just be a listening ear. Be a true leader by investing in resources that will transform communities by helping those who need the help the most.
Dear Gov. Hochul. This is Dottie Gallagher, president of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership.
As you begin your term, we really hope that you will do everything you can to fight the pandemic without unnecessary burdens and restrictions that can slow down our economy. There's a real need for you to step in to stabilize the unemployment insurance system. The brownfield cleanup program is incredibly important to our region and it'll be up to you to include it, an extension of that program, in your upcoming budget negotiations. And finally, of course, we need you to do everything you can to keep the Bills in Western New York. Go Bills and congratulations governor.
Dear Gov. Hochul. This is Jeff Patterson, CEO of Empower in Niagara County.
After 10 years of funding cuts, of being treated by state government as opponents instead of partners, we're just plain tired. Our service system is in trouble. The people we support feel undervalued, their families are worried provider agencies are broke. Our direct care workforce, primarily made up of women and disproportionately women of color, is overworked and underpaid. Let's get things back on track. Show them what a smart hard-working, down-to-earth Western New Yorker could do. Go get 'em. Best wishes.
Dear Gov. Hochul. This is Frank Cerny, executive director of the Rural Outreach Center in East Aurora.
My prayer is that you will govern with honesty and inclusiveness. I also would ask that you attend to all segments of your population, including our rural residents that are sometimes forgotten. Thank you.
Dear Gov. Hochul. This is Karl Shallowhorn, president of Shallowhorn Consulting LLC.
I'm a mental health advocate and educator. I think New York state should maintain its commitment to telehealth for mental health-related services and resources to address the opioid epidemic. Also for funding to provide mental health education and support in our schools. These initiatives are vital.
Dear Gov. Hochul. This is Sheri Scavone, CEO of the Western York Women's Foundation.
Thank you for serving as a true woman in leadership, paving the way for so many to follow your example. We know women in leadership govern with collaboration, integrity, inclusion and inspiration, making our state better for all. Let's start by working together to develop a universal childcare program that supports working parents, businesses and our future workforce. We are with you in sisterhood and solidarity. You go girl!
These are some of the voices from Western New York casting their hopes on incoming Gov. Kathy Hochul. If you’d like to add your voice, e-mail an audio clip to news@wbfo.org