Broome Man: New York Is “Closed For Business”

A Binghamton-area man is taking issue with Governor Cuomo's contention that New York is more business friendly than in the past.

Victor Furman of the town of Barker is responding to Empire State Development's multi-million dollar ad campaign asserting New York is "Open for Business."

Furman, a vocal supporter of Marcellus Shale natural gas development, has responded by having thousands of bumper stickers printed with the message: "Cuomo's New-NY 'Closed For Business.'"

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Furman said he's distributed almost all of the first batch of 2,000 bumper stickers he ordered and he's ordered 4,000 more.

Although some of the stickers have been provided to Southern Tier residents, Furman said he handed out many of them near Syracuse this week.

Furman said he wants the stickers to be visible in the Syracuse area when the governor visits the state fair this summer. He said he plans to distribute his stickers in other upstate cities.

Furman has been frustrated by the delays in approving high-volume hydraulic fracturing for gas drilling in New York. He contends Cuomo is reluctant to approve fracking not due to scientific reasons but because of political concerns.

The New York Times has reported the Cuomo administration set aside almost $140 million for the "Open for Business" campaign. Furman said he pays $900 to have 2,000 "Closed for Business" bumper stickers printed and delivered.