“The Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) will not solve the larger issues of the Southern Tier community. It won't pave roads or rebuild bridges. Those issues don't get the red carpet glitz and glamour that the Upstate ‘Hunger Games’ commands. We won't get Medicaid relief through these funds, even though the state obviously has the money to assume the responsibility. Albany remains committed to short-term solutions accompanied by pats on the back instead of working for the small businesses on Main Street and middle-class families that are being driven from the state in droves. Enough with the false self-praise. Let's work hard at solving the big issues for good. We'll have earned our praise then.”