12/15/09: Unshackle Upstate Rolls Out a Call to Arms

The Unshackle Upstate business coalition today unveiled a multifaceted web-based communications platform designed to give a louder voice to New Yorkers who have grown increasingly frustrated with the dysfunction of state government and its abysmal tax-and-spend culture.

In today's 3 p.m. webinar and news conference, Unshackle Upstate Executive Director Brian Sampson demonstrated the site's functionality and described its purpose - to provide taxpayers and employers with information on important legislative and policy issues while empowering them to make informed choices in next year's statewide elections.

In November 2010, all 212 New York state Senate and Assembly members will run for re-election. Unshackle Upstate has vowed to track the actions of legislators throughout the year, speak out against those who do not support the best interests of taxpayers and employers, and endorse those who do.

"Following a year that included unprecedented hikes in taxes and fees, the passage of a bloated and unsustainable budget and two failed extraordinary sessions, the need for reform-minded and disciplined leaders has never been more urgent," Sampson said. "Our social networking platform allows New Yorkers to read about the issues and react immediately by sending messages to elected officials, including the governor."

Home base for the new platform is the Unshackle Upstate Facebook site (www.facebook.com/unshackleupstate), which also is accessible from http://www.unshackleupstate.com/. Once on the Facebook site, visitors can submit ideas to improve state government, share their personal stories of hardship, engage in online conversation, donate to Unshackle Upstate and learn more about the issues impeding economic progress and reform in New York. Visitors can learn more by searching for Unshackle Upstate on Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, Slideshare and other social networking sites. These sites also are listed and linked on the coalition's Facebook site.

"While New York is experiencing dire economic circumstances, this initiative is first-and-foremost about finding solutions that lead to real reform," Sampson said. "Unshackle Upstate is committed to reform, but we need more taxpayers and employers to speak out if we truly expect our elected leaders to hear our message and share this commitment."

Those who were unable to join the webinar may view the PowerPoint here.