134th District candidates focusing on employment

Bill Reilich Sr. and Dave Garretson both agree that the top issue facing voters involves jobs, but their thoughts on the issue vary.

Reilich, a Republican incumbent, and Garretson, a Democratic political novice, are vying for the state Assembly's 134th District seat.

Reilich, who has held the post for three two-year terms, said government should not create jobs but should create an atmosphere that is conducive to employers. He is also endorsed by the Conservative and Independent parties.

"Manufacturing is not dead in New York, but manufacturing as we know it is dead," he said. "I see small businesses stepping up to the plate ... small businesses are our future in New York."

Industries such as high-tech manufacturing and computer-chip manufacturing make sense around here, said Reilich, who touted work he has done to address workers' compensation reform. Reilich is chairman of the Monroe County Republican Committee.

Garretson said the Rochester area is rife with innovators, and said government leaders have to find ways to "nurture the seed." He said energy technology has vast potential in the area.

Industrial development agencies, such as the one for Monroe County, are abused by business owners and need more regulation, Garretson said.

Garretson is endorsed by the Working Families Party.

"You're putting public money into the private sector, and there's no accountability," he said. "We need performance standards. We need clawback provisions."

Those provisions would require businesses to return money to IDAs if the business owners do not uphold their end of prearranged agreements, such as not hiring as many employees as they promised.

Reilich and Garretson also spoke of the need to reform health care and the need for belt-tightening. Reilich said the top problem in New York is high taxes, and said cutting taxes would lead to more jobs. Garretson said Gov. David Paterson should continue to take the lead, and said politicians and constituents alike should realize that not every "pet project" can be done.

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20081028/NEWS01/

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134th District candidates focusing on employment