SYRACUSE -- State Senator David Valesky and four other upstate Democrats including Senator Darrel Aubertine of Cape Vincent are calling on Governor David Paterson to drop the plan to re-issue new license plates and its associated fees.
When asked about why he now opposes the new plates and the accompanying $25 fee, Senator Valesky said he's heard from many constituents. "I never agreed with this fee in the first place," Valesky said.
Critics, including Republican State Senator John DeFrancisco, are quick to point out that Valesky and other Democrats voted in favor of the new plates when they passed the state budget earlier this year. DeFrancisco told reporters Friday that Valesky "voted for everything in that budget including the new license plates." He added, "now because of public pressure and outcry... (Valesky) got religion."
Valesky explained that the "budget is voted on as part of a package." He said he "led the charge" to eliminate a number of other proposed fees including the soda tax and the tax on gym memberships.
Valesky says he will take the opportunity to eliminate the license plate proposal when the legislature resumes its special session next week.
