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New York must cut spending, not ask for government bailout

    I read with interest the Sept. 17 editorial, “Bad news for Wall Street, worse for state,” regarding the impact the financial problems on Wall Street are likely to have on the state.
    In general, I agree with the stated issues, but I do not agree with the suggested solution — to ask the federal government for more financial help.
    Our state leadership (and apparently the Gazette editorial staff as well) just don’t get it. Stop looking for more money to spend. Rather, stop spending!
    Why can’t we cut back on some of the unnecessary spending that takes place on a daily basis? A few examples that quickly come to mind: Employment levels on the state Thruway — at least twice what is required. Recent announcement regarding the $40 million (which will likely grow to $50-plus million) replacement of the Exit 6/7 interchange on I-87. Excessive health/ pension benefits for state employees. Excessive number of state employees. Guess who is the largest employer in the state? Would you believe it’s the state of New York?
    Wouldn’t it be great if our state leadership would do the right thing at least once in a while? Instead of finding more money to spend, how about reducing expenses and employment levels by 5 percent across the board? I mean real cuts, not reducing expenses five years from now and claiming that the tough, necessary actions have been taken (as is the usual scam).
    R. L. CLINGERMAN
    Rexford