Long Island lawmakers participating in a UUP-sponsored Legislative Forum said they were not in favor of further mid-year cuts to the state university.

Assemblymen James Conte (R-Huntington Station), Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove), Andrew Raia (R-E. Northport), Joseph Saladino (R-Massapequa), Robert Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst) and Rob Walker (R-Hicksville)—all endorsed by NYSUT in their respective state Assembly races—spoke those words during an Oct. 16 question-and-answer session at SUNY Farmingdale. Barbara Maertz, the chapter’s legislative chair, arranged the event.

Before the candidates’ forum got under way, UUP President Phillip Smith warned that further cuts to SUNY would only add to the decline of the state’s troubled economy, noting that every dollar invested in the state university generates an average of between $6 and $8 for local economies. Maertz added that continued budget cuts would prevent SUNY from fulfilling its core mission of a quality, affordable, accessible education for all New Yorkers.

“In this time of economic crisis, SUNY is the solution,” Smith said.

The lawmakers pointed out that they would be asked to make additional cuts when they return to the Capitol Nov. 18, but agreed that SUNY is worth the investment.

On hand during the event were, above, from left: UUP statewide Vice President for Professionals John Marino; Assembly-man Conte; Assemblyman Saladino; UUP statewide Secretary Eileen Landy; Assemblyman Raia; Maertz; Assembly-man Sweeney; Assemblyman Lavine; Farmingdale Chapter President Michael Smiles; UUP?President Smith; and Old Westbury Chapter President Candelario “Kiko” Franco.

Also attending was Farmingdale State College President Hubert Keen.

— Karen L. Mattison