Politics on the Hudson

Upstate Empire State Development Corp. Chairman Daniel Gundersen finally made a public statement late today on Gov. Paterson’s plans to fold his position into one statewide economic development chairman.

Paterson’s move leaves questions about Gundersen’s future, yet Paterson said he wants to keep Gundersen, who works out of Buffalo.

Gundersen’s statement essentially suggests he supports whatever direction Paterson wants to go and reaffirmed Paterson’s commitment to the upstate economy. (Yet Gundersen spelled Plattsburgh wrong in the release.)

Here it is:
As Commissioner of the New York State Department of Economic Development, I share Gov. Paterson’s view that New York must be unified to compete effectively in the global marketplace.
Governor Paterson has visited a number of upstate communities including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Plattsburg to underscore his commitment to Upstate. He has already pledged to keep Upstate a priority of his administration and has strongly demonstrated that commitment with the $700 million Upstate Revitalization Fund included as a part of this year’s budget.
As upstate chairman of ESD, my charge has been to focus on the ailing Upstate economy to create jobs and improve communities and, in so doing, better position all of New York to compete for economic opportunities. Significant improvements have already been realized in these communities.

I look forward to working with the governor on his vision to position all of New York State so that it can compete compete as a leader in the global economy.