Rockland County small businessman says Assemblyman Zebrowski’s fiscal irresponsibility, inability to pass budget has led to closing of 55 parks 

VALLEY COTTAGE, NY— Frank Sparaco (R-Valley Cottage), local small businessman and 94th Assembly District candidate, today blasted Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, Jr. (D-New City) for failing to pass a state budget to keep state parks open including Harriman State Park, High Tor State Park and Rockland Lake State Park.

 The Paterson Administration is closing 41 state parks and 14 historic sites due to the inability of the state legislature to pass the 2010-11 New York State budget — which is now 47 days late.  Sparaco noted that as a member of the Assembly Democrat Majority, Zebrowski should allegedly have influence with his fellow Democrats to save the parks, but instead has done nothing to keep the parks open, end the gridlock and pass a budget.

 “Spring has sprung but families won’t be enjoying a day at the park because Assemblyman Zebrowski is incapable of doing his top job – passing a state budget. It’s disgraceful,” said Sparaco, who noted that New York is facing bankruptcy because of years of overspending and overtaxing by Zebrowski.

 “Our park system is a jewel and one of the few areas of state spending enjoyed by all New Yorkers regardless of income. It’s inexcusable that families are being forced to suffer because the politicians in Albany won’t sit down and talk to each other to pass a fiscally responsible budget.  Let’s not close our parks and destroy our natural legacy that so many New Yorkers have fought so hard to preserve,” said Sparaco.

 Sparaco noted the state parks system is just the latest victim of the dysfunction in Albany caused by the lack of a budget.  Construction has stalled on some state projects as the paychecks of construction workers is held hostage while school districts have been left in the dark on the amount of state aid they’ll receive. 

 “Our parks are more than just an affordable place for families to spend a few hours; they are a promise to future generations that they too will inherit our rich, natural heritage. It should never have come to this and it wouldn’t have if Ken Zebrowski was more responsible with our tax dollars. This land is our land not the state’s to close. This land belongs to you and me,” concluded Sparaco.  

 The 94th Assembly District includes Clarkstown, Haverstraw, and Ramapo.