Maggie Brooks Proud of Fiscal Responsibility; Blames State for Putting County in Jeopardy

By Peter Iglinski

Brighton, NY – Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks describes the state of the county as strong, stable, and in jeopardy.

Brooks delivered her seventh State of the County address Tuesday night at Monroe Community College.

She praised the people and companies for the strength of the county. But Brooks blames Albany for putting Monroe County in a state of jeopardy. Brooks says, "For far too long, New York State has lived well beyond its means, The state spends too much, borrows too much, taxes too much, and enables people instead of empowering them." Brooks calls state government a "dysfunctional circus that is unable to sustain a long list of program that don't even come close to helping taxpayers and their families."

Brooks says she's most proud that--for the sixth straight year--the county did not raise the property tax rate. She also says the county did not reduce critical services, such as parks, public health or safety.

Brooks says the county's top priority is good-paying jobs. And she says that's the result of partnership. She praised the county's collaboration with MCC in meeting the increasing demands of local manufacturers.