In the New York State Assembly, a home rule request refers to a local government's appeal for the enactment of a specific law. One such special law that is increasingly being adopted by cities, towns, and villages in New York state is the hotel occupancy tax. This tax is levied on visitors staying in hotels and short-term rentals, like Airbnb, and the additional revenue generated helps provide relief for property taxpayers in those municipalities.
During his four years in Albany, Assemblyman John Lemondes has supported home rule request legislation pertaining to hotel occupancy tax 37 times, allowing other municipalities to implement their own hotel occupancy tax. However, when the city of Auburn sought his help with a home rule request this year, he responded with a no.
In central New York, John Lemondes has assisted the following municipalities in establishing a hotel occupancy tax:
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City of Syracuse: Established a 2% hotel tax (Bill A09707-A), Lemondes voted yes.
City of Cortland: Established a 3% hotel tax (Bill A10014), Lemondes voted yes.
Town and village of Skaneateles: Established a 5% hotel tax (Bills A07286 and A07287), Lemondes voted yes.
Village of Weedsport: Established a 7% hotel tax (Bill A07391), Lemondes voted yes.
Town of DeWitt: Established a 2% hotel tax (Bill A06558), Lemondes voted yes.
Throughout his time in the Assembly, Lemondes has consistently supported every hotel occupancy tax home rule request that has come before him, except for Auburn. His actions suggest that he prioritizes the interests of property taxpayers in other municipalities over those in Auburn, indicating a lack of support for our community.
Fortunately, there is something we can do about this. Ian Phillips is running for state Assembly. Having known Ian for several years, I can attest to his genuine concern for our community. His approach and engagement with voters during this year's campaign demonstrate that he will be an Assemblyman who represents everyone, including the residents of Auburn. I encourage you to reject John Lemondes' efforts to undermine Auburn by voting for Ian Phillips for state Assembly.
Chuck Mason is Auburn city clerk.
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