January 8, 2009

Legislator Kennedy Urges Governor on Senate Appointment

Following the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States, and culminating in Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton being chosen as Secretary of State under the Obama administration, it will be the responsibility of Governor David Paterson to appoint an individual to the soon-to-be vacated United States Senate seat. Legislator Tim Kennedy, who has come out in support of Congressman Brian Higgins, recently lead the charge within the Erie County Legislature which unanimously passed a resolution urging Governor David Paterson to appoint a Western New York candidate who understand the unique needs of this region.

"Congressman Brian Higgins is the regional champion we need," stated Kennedy. "He is an individual who understands the importance of waterfront development and tourism opportunities here in Buffalo as it relates to bolstering our injured economy. Most importantly, Congressman Higgins deals with these issues on a daily basis and has already begun alleviating them."

Kennedy also pointed out the fact that Western New Yorkers have not had a regional representative in the United States Senate since Charles Goodell of Jamestown served approximately 28 months of the unexpired term of Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Legislator Kennedy stated, "What this equates to is a disproportionate amount of our United States Senators coming from Downstate New York, specifically New York City."

The resolution enacted by Kennedy mentioned several strong points, and urged the Governor to appoint a representative who is familiar with the region, helping to combat the devastating loss of manufacturing jobs and the plummeting population. Kennedy stated, "Western New Yorkers have grown tired of watching their children and grandchildren move away due to a lack of opportunity. If Governor Paterson were to appoint someone like Congressman Higgins to the United States Senate, it would demonstrate his commitment to this region and give Upstate New York an equal voice in our state and in the United States of America."

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