Senator Libous’ Pocketbook Survey Rates Secession, etc.

A slim majority of Southern Tier residents apparently disapprove of any plans of governments in the region seceding to Pennsylvania.

Some officials in Kirkwood and Conklin have been mulling over the possibility of joining the Keystone State, which, some say, is benefitting economically from hydraulic high-volume fracture drilling for natural gas while New York State has an indefinite moratorium on fracking.

According to a “Pocketbook Survey” from State Senator Thomas Libous’ office, 42% of responding residents said they disapprove of secession, 37% support secession, 13% weren’t sure and 8% didn’t care.

Residents also listed their top three choices for New York to use over $5 billion from big bank settlements and fines. The #1 choice was a one time cash payment, #2 paying down local government debt and #3 funding one-time capitol expenses.

80% of the over 5,800 respondents said funding State political campaigns with tax money was a bad idea. 10% though it was a good idea. 9% weren’t sure and .37% didn’t care.

77% felt the 2% Property Tax Cap should be permanent with 10% against, 12% not sure and .55% didn’t care.

Finally, residents ranked lowering taxes and cutting red tape for employers #1 for job creation.  Giving loans to help small business expand was ranked #2 while targeting tax credits to employers that hire the unemployed was #3.