Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) today defended the Orange County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and its leadership following statements made by Sen. James Skoufis and Assemblymembers Jonathan Jacobson, Chris Eachus and Paula Elaine Kay, who denounced the agency’s recent actions.

Maher said the attacks are “inaccurate, politically motivated and damaging to public servants who have worked hard to bring responsible economic growth to Orange County.”

“The Orange County IDA, under the leadership of Bill Fioravanti and Jeff Crist, has operated with integrity and professionalism,” said Maher. “To portray these individuals as reckless or corrupt is simply false. They are respected community leaders who have focused on strategic, sustainable growth, not handing out public funds indiscriminately, as some would have people believe.”

The Majority delegation’s recent statement accused the IDA of “illegal” behavior for hiring an Albany-based firm to advocate for ending the state monitor’s oversight, calling the move a misuse of funds. Maher strongly disputed those claims, emphasizing that the IDA’s actions were legal, transparent and consistent with its duty to ensure local control of economic development.

“Let’s be honest, what’s really happening here is political theater,” Maher said. “These same lawmakers have helped make New York one of the most unaffordable and over-regulated states in the country, and now they want to shift blame onto the people trying to fix it. The IDA’s advocacy for local decision-making is not corruption, it’s common sense.”

Maher also highlighted the IDA’s recent community investments as proof of its local commitment:

• $250,000 toward a generator project for the Hudson Valley Food Bank,
• $512,000 for a water infrastructure study in Middletown, and
• $20,000 to support Vision Hudson Valley’s Quality of Life Report.

“These projects directly benefit residents, small businesses and local governments,” Maher said. “Bill Fioravanti, Jeff Crist, and the entire IDA Board are hardworking people who serve with integrity. If politicians continue using them as political fodder, we’ll lose good leaders and discourage future public servants. I’ll always stand up for the facts, defend local labor, and call out political gamesmanship when I see it.”