Published: May 19, 2008 04:08 pm            

MONDAY: SCHUMER: New York’s other senator talks WNY economy (4:08 p.m.)

Ask U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer about the economy of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area and he'll likely refer you to recent labor statistics that suggest the region has, at the very least, kept pace employment-wise with the rest of the nation.

While he admits the numbers aren't exactly awe-insipiring and are certainly of little consolation to residents losing their jobs at places like American Axle and Delphi, the Democrat from Brooklyn who has represented the area since 1999 believes Western New York is still well positioned to survive, and perhaps even thrive, during the nation’s current economic downturn.

"The worst is over here," Schumer said during a recent sit-down visit with members of the Niagara Gazette's editorial staff. "Now, we've got to start working to make things better."

While it may not feel like it to some, figures from the New York State Labor Department show private sector employment in the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metro area increased by 1,700 jobs, or 0.4 percent, over the 12 months ending April 2008. Nationally, the number of unemployed persons increased from 6.8 million to 7.6 million over the same time period.

Schumer views those numbers has cause for optimism locally. He noted that the area has its share of strengths, including a potentially vibrant tourism industry, proximity to one of the largest transportation hubs in all of North America, an abundance of inexpensive commercial property and a dedicated, highly skilled workforce.

The key, he said, is capitalizing on what's already here.

In Niagara Falls, that means tourism.

Schumer, who pushed hard for federal approval of legislation that will turn Niagara Falls into a national heritage area, said the designation will allow millions of dollars of added revenue to flow to the area for parks development. Up to $1 million per year could come the Falls way and the money will be doled out by a local commission working with representatives from the National Park Service, according to Schumer.

"That is going to generate some significant dollars," he said.

Schumer also believes Niagara County will generate significant private investment through the continued development of its transportation assets, including the Niagara Falls Intermodal train station and the Niagara Falls International Airport.

The senator helped secure the necessary federal approvals to allow construction to soon begin on the Falls new Amtrak station, to be located near the Whirlpool Bridge in the city's historic Customs House.

He also worked with other members of the local delegation to secure funding for a new terminal apron and other improvements at the airport.

While the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is building a new passenger terminal at NFIA, Schumer believes the facility may have a brighter future as a cargo hub, in large part due to its proximity to the bustling greater Toronto area.

"The main thing is you have to get the airport ready," he said.

Schumer was far less optimistic about the future of local manufacturing. In the increasingly competitive global market, Schumer believes Western New York's could be found in the business of back office space, noting that such ventures rely heavily on items the region already has to offer: cheap land and good workers. Schumer cited the development of Geico's Amherst customer service center - and the hundreds of jobs it has created - as a good example of the type of business Western New York should continue to pursue.

"These are the places where we have some strengths," he said.

One of the state’s strengths, according to Schumer, is its economic development department, which he said has at its disposal low-cost electricity and other attractive incentives that are unique to the area.

“We have packages as good as North Carolina,” he said.



What else did he have to say?

Schumer offered his opinion on a variety of other topics, including:



• the next president of the United States: Schumer still thinks the right man for the job is a woman - his preferred presidential candidate and Democratic colleague U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. While all but eliminated from contention for the Democratic Party's nomination, Schumer said he'd like to see Clinton continue on through the last presidential primary which is set for June 3.

"I am still of the view you don't count Hillary out," he said.



• the war in Iraq: "It has been totally bungled. Totally," Schumer said.

While admitting he voted in favor of the war and generally takes more of a hawkish approach than many of his Democratic colleagues, Schumer believes Iraq has been one misguided step and costly step after another and it is time to develop a sensible plan for getting out, and soon.

"Leaving there is going to be a mess," he said. "But, anytime we leave, it's going to be a mess."



• the rising cost of gasoline: Schumer believes federal lawmakers have moved too slowly to authorize domestic exploration and drilling. Only recently, Schumer said, has Congress started to allow companies to explore the oil rich eastern portion of the Gulf of Mexico, an area that he said has more oil to offer than Alaska, a main battleground state in arguments between oil producers and conservationists.

Schumer added that more work has to be done to reduce America's dependency on foreign oil, including requirements for green building standards, better use of alternative fuels and improved mileage standards for domestic vehicles.

"China has better mileage standards than us," he said.



• the future of the Buffalo Bills: Schumer, who has had several candid conversations in recent months with Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson, said he's confident the franchise has a future in Western New York. While Toronto appears to be an attractive market with some willing buyers, Schumer said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, a Jamestown native, has given him every indication that he does not want the team to move anywhere, including Canada.

"We're working hard to do everything we can to keep the Bills in Buffalo," he said.



• the nation’s health care situation: While he admits he’s not sure exactly what should be included in a national health care plan, Schumer said it’s obvious the current system just doesn’t work. He recommends a few relatively simple steps that could potentially save millions. Among them: cutting down paperwork costs by simply requiring all health insurers to use the same forms and reducing the burdens of long-term care by mandating regular check-ups, colonoscopies and other screenings that often lead to less cosly preventative care measures.

Contact reporter Mark Scheer at 282-2311, ext. 2250

        

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