ALBANY - Cathy Young won't be leaving Albany for Washington any time soon.
The state senator told The Post-Journal on Monday that she is backing former Corning Mayor Tom Reed for the Congressional seat vacated by Eric Massa's resignation.
Young said she arrived at her decision after considering how she can best serve the people in her district.
"I've been urged by many, many people to run, and I've given it serious consideration" Sen. Young said.
"We've got so many issues in New York state government right now," Sen. Young continued. "We've got to stop the out-of-control taxes and spending and turn around the economy."
Sen. Young said she also wants to help ensure that her party takes the senate majority in this year's election. Upstate's voice needs to be heard, she said. Especially right now, as "everything is controlled by New York City, with disastrous results."
Though she appreciates everyone's confidence in her, Young said she wants to focus on the state senate.
"We need to be focused on solving the state's fiscal crisis and turning around the economy," Sen. Young said. "Right now, that's not happening because of all this upheaval. So we're pushing very hard in our conference to try to get the other senators and the assembly members and the governor to get down to business."
As a "Southern Tier guy," Reed understands the issues of New York's 29th district, according to Sen. Young. The Congressional district includes Allegany and Cattaraugus counties as well as several Monroe County towns.
Sen. Young said she looks forward to meeting with both Reed and Amo Houghton on March 20. According to Sen. Young, the former district congressman is also supporting Reed.