Brindisi And Picente Take President Trump To Task On Upstate Jobs Comment

President Donald Trump's suggestion that Upstate New Yorkers should move away to Wisconsin isn't sitting well with two local elected officials.

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi issued the following statement:

"Instead of telling this community that the answer to all our problems is to pick up our lives and families to move far away, President Trump should be doing what he promised and help us create jobs here at home. Not long ago, he visited Rome and promised the moon but is now telling us all to go pound salt. His offensive 'advice' should have us all asking the President 'just whose side are you on?' That is why I am challenging the President to visit us again and while he is here make promises he can keep."  

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente took to Twitter to chastise the President.

Trump told the Wall Street Journal that Upstate New Yorkers should pick up and move to states like Wisconsin, which have better job prospects.

SENATOR GRIFFO'S STATEMENT FOLLOWING PRESIDENT TRUMP'S REMARKS CONCERNING UPSTATE NEW YORKERS

President Trump’s remarks about upstate New Yorkers are unfortunate and unacceptable, but his poorly chosen words do highlight the critical plight of upstate New York that we cannot ignore. During his campaign last year, President Trump visited upstate and repeatedly made comments about the loss of jobs throughout these regions, so I am hopeful that he understands how important the success of New York is to our nation, as well as the significant challenges that stand in our way. Upstate New York is full of natural resources, beautiful topography, hardworking people and tight-knit communities that have much to offer when given the chance to thrive. But despite the efforts of local officials to encourage Foxconn to consider establishing a plant in Central New York, we understood the competitive nature of this endeavor. While President Trump’s comments come across as insensitive and dismissive, his remarks do call attention to our desperation to find a better way to reduce the tax and regulation burdens on upstate residents and businesses so we can welcome greater opportunity in our state. People are fleeing New York State for a many reasons, and both President Trump and our Governor, Andrew Cuomo – in their roles as executives – need to demonstrate leadership in working together with lawmakers to achieve those changes that can make Upstate New York great again.