Unshackle Upstate endorses Maziarz

State Sen. George Maziarz has earned the endorsement of Unshackle Upstate in his campaign to return to the State Senate.

Unshackle Upstate is a bipartisan coalition of more than 80 business and trade organizations.  It represents more than 70,000 companies employing more than 1.5 million people.

"Sen. Maziarz is a relentless advocate for the interests of taxpayers and job-creators and has refused to buckle to the pressures of short-sighted interests groups that advocate unsustainable public policies," said Brian Sampson, executive director of Unshackle Upstate.

Maziarz said: "To put it quite simply, Albany has gotten in the way of business growth all too frequently -- people understand that. People know Albany is the problem. I was proud to be one of the sitting legislators Unshackle Upstate recognized for fighting to improve the oppressive climate for business we have in New York. We need to stop Albany from stifling economic development opportunities by piling on more taxes, fees, and regulations. Upstate New York will never turn around unless we turn state government and its downstate-driven policies around. I want to be a leader in that charge, and I am extremely grateful for the support of Unshackle Upstate."

Earlier this fall, Maziarz earned high marks on Unshackle Upstate's 2010 legislative scorecard, scoring 88 out of a possible 100 points. Maziarz also recently earned the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business, the nation's leading small business advocacy organization.

"My track record is clear, as these organizations know," Maziarz said. "I will keep looking out for taxpayers and businesses in Upstate New York. That's who makes our state great, and that's who I'm fighting for."