Here’s what Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone had to say about Gov. David Paterson’s State of the State address earlier today:

“I am encouraged by the resolve displayed by Governor Paterson today in facing and overcoming the dire financial crisis that now envelops our state and its local governments. The governor realizes as I do that, in order to emerge from this crisis, government must follow the example of New York’s families and do more with less—- an endeavor we have already begun in the city of Yonkers.

“But as we work together to address record budget deficits through spending reductions, we must not allow New York State to forsake its primary responsibilities: providing a sound public education for its children, preserving the public health and supporting local governments that provide direct services to all New Yorkers. Therefore I renew my call to the governor and our representatives in the State Legislature to immediately address the chronic inequities in the state education funding formula as it is applied to Yonkers, a problem that threatens to be made worse by the governor’s recent budget proposal. No matter how big the pot of money, it is incumbent upon New York State to distribute those resources fairly. Solving this problem will help the governor accomplish the goals he laid out today.

“For our part in Yonkers, we promise to continue the transformation of Yonkers Public Schools into a first rate education system and to achieve permanent fiscal solvency through the aggressive expansion of our local economy. We will also support the governor on the progressive agenda he has set for New York especially lowering the oppressive cost of doing business in our state, capping property taxes, relieving state mandates, creating a sustainable energy infrastructure and aiding local governments in becoming more efficient and cost effective. In short, Governor Paterson will find a willing partner in the city of Yonkers, and we expect the same from New York State.”