Assemblywoman Roann Destito speaks to members of the City Council and Mayor David Roefaro about the proposed sales tax hike. (GNC-2/6/2010)

Utica, NY – Assemblywoman Roann Destito came out strong at today’s Utica City Council Budget Committee meeting held in the Mayor’s conference room.  Destito called the sales tax proposal “regressive” and said she wouldn’t balance the budget for the city.  She also took strong exception with the continued pointing of the finger by local officials at state government.

Destito pointed to pension and other monies sent to the city of Utica, and asked where they went.  Councilman James Zecca, D-2, and Council At-Large Ed Buccerio, a Democrat, spoke in favor of the proposed sales tax increase.  ”We have run out of options,” Zecca said.

Senator Joe Griffo, R-47, also attended the meeting but was more aprehensive to make a commitment for or against the sales tax proposal.  When pressed by Councilman Frank Vescera, D-1, to state where he stands, Griffo replied that he wanted the city to “continue looking at other options.”

Budget Director Storms Out

At one point the conversation became heated between Destito and Budget Director Anthony Arcuri.  When Councilman Buccerio started reading from numbers provided by Arcuri, and said he “hoped they were accurate,” the Budget Director stormed out of the meeting.  ”This is the council’s show, not mine,” Arcuri said as he walked out.