Valesky speaks ahead of state supreme court ruling
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Festivities rang loud through Clinton Square once again for the annual Juneteenth celebrations, marking the end of slavery in this country as well as celebrating progress within the African-American community.
"Gives us an opportunity to get our word out, our message out, so that we can share some of the gains that we made," said Robert Sykes, the Operations of 100 Black Men vice president.
Coincidentally, this event promoting pride and unity comes at a time when state politics is the most dis-unified.
"It's time to stop acting like children and start acting like men and women with regards to hailing the challenges of what New York state needs at this time is leadership. Must I spell it out for the legislature? Leadership," said Dr. Rick Wright, the Juneteenth master of ceremonies.
Earlier this week, a coalition of 30 Republicans and two Democrats overthrew current Senate leaders, Malcolm Smith and David Valesky and replaced them with fellow Democratic Senator Pedro Espada, Jr and Republican Dean Skelos.
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While Michelle Paterson, who was Grand Marshall of the Junteteenth celebrations shied away from the issue:
"That's for David, that's his area. I'd rather not comment," said the first lady of New York State.
Senator David Valesky held few words back.
"When in this case, they try to install as the president of the senate, Senator Pedro Espada, an unethical senator at best, and I think that's saying it kindly, we quickly realize everything that we can and should do everything we can to prevent that from happening," said Senator Valesky of the 49th district.
Valesky believes the judge will rule in Democrats' favor. If the decision is announced early Monday morning, he says he wants to get back to work that afternoon.
"It's critical that we get back and do the people's business, get our economy moving again but that has to be done according to the will of the people and not some sham coalition," he said.
The end of this year's legislative session was supposed to be on June twenty second but because of this Senate drama, Governor David Paterson is now calling for an extension.