I realize that I sometimes come down hard on our New York City legislators, especially when they push policy that will hurt upstate. That’s my job. It’s also my job to build relationships with those who work across the aisle so I can deliver for my district.

It’s a running joke in Albany – downstate doesn’t have a clue about upstate New York. The problem is that it isn’t funny. For example, we’ve had legislators pushing radical bills that would kill the backbone of our economy – agriculture – and in the same breath, they admit that they have never been on a farm.

A group of us, both upstate and downstate legislators, looked at this problem and decided to fix the problem. We wanted to learn what we have in common, where we differ, and what solutions will work best in all of our respective districts.

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano and I have been working with a group of legislators from New York City. Earlier this year they visited upstate and toured our farms and listened to our needs. Recently, we traveled downstate to learn from them. On each trip, we have been building our relationship with these legislators in the Majority and brainstorming about how we can help each other.

We have more in common than we realized, but our approaches to fixing universal problems are different. I know that these new relationships can help us develop and deliver solutions to the most pressing needs of all New Yorkers.

In the end, we all want New York’s economy and families to thrive, our children to receive a world-class education, and for our homes and lives to be affordable. Whether you grew up on a quiet tree-lined country lane or a busy brownstone-lined city street, these are things we all care about deeply.

I’ve always had an open door policy, and it has always worked. Bridging this gap of understanding will help New York government function again. I welcome more opportunities like this, and I am happy to be part of the positive change we will effect in Albany.

My open door policy is especially extended to you, my constituents. Do you have questions or ideas? Please call me at 493-3909 or visit me at 15 Bridge Street in West Carthage. You also can email me at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us.