“As many of you know, the Mohawk Valley and North Country regions were set to begin Phase 2 today. County executives and business leaders were in contact with state officials with the plan to move to the second phase, but at the 11^th hour, the governor decided to pull the rug out from under our businesses and announce a pause on moving forward.

“Instead of entrusting local officials and previously stated guidelines, the governor has decided that a team of “international experts” knows what’s best for our region. The insensitivity shown by the governor clearly displays that he has no regard for our struggling businesses and how they operate. I’m calling on the governor to stand by his word and allow our region to begin Phase 2 immediately. Our residents deserve better. It’s time we move forward.”