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Voters across the state need to be realistic when deciding upon the race for New York state's top position. No matter who wins, there will still be mandates and growing local property taxes.
Neither incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul or challenger Bruce Blakeman are addressing those crises facing residents, counties, municipalities and school districts. Instead, this race has come down to personalities.
In Hochul's eyes, her challenger is a President Donald Trump disciple. On the opposing side, Blakeman has used a line from Trump's "Apprentice" shows that is resonating with his campaign: voters need to fire our current governor.
Overall, there is reason for disappointment with both. Blakeman, despite his recent trip to Dunkirk, still lacks a grip on the mechanics of upstate. He's a downstate guy and executive of Nassau County, where the median income is $146,000. Do we really think he can relate to the financial struggles of Dunkirk, Jamestown and the rest of Chautauqua County?
During her stint as governor, Hochul has been supportive of a number of major county initiatives. Those include a new Brooks-TLC Hospital in Fredonia, investing in improvements at Cummins in the south county, $10 million in Downtown Revitalization Initiatives for both Dunkirk and Jamestown and major renovations at Wells Enterprises in Dunkirk that are absolutely impressive.
Take away the investments and, unlike when she was lieutenant governor under Andrew Cuomo, she has drifted just too far left. Annual minimum-wage increases are squeezing big and small businesses. Her directives against Immigrations and Customs Enforcement have had damaging results that also create a dilemma for law-enforcement agencies across the state.
What is hurting all of us most is energy. Hochul can blame Trump for tariffs and the war with Iran, but she is the one on the hook when it comes to the green energy effort that has supercharged monthly electric bills and made the state a greater importer -- than producer -- of power.
If there is one thing Blakeman can make a dent in, it is that. No one in our region has been unscathed when it comes to the high cost of energy.
Additionally, if voters get Blakeman into office, it will bring a balance to New York state. Right now, Democrats have the advantage in the Assembly, Senate and the governor's office. That has given the party free reign since 2019.
Albany is in desperate need of some checks and balances. We are far from impressed by Blakeman, but he is an alternative that deserves an opportunity to change the direction of the Empire State.