Long Island Politicians React To News Of Amazon Leaving NY

Politicians all over Long Island are reacting to the news that Amazon has decided to cancel its plans to build a second headquarters in Long Island City, and they're all sad to see the company go.

Amazon announced its decision today, saying in a blog post that "...a number of state and local politicians have made it clear that they oppose our presence and will not work with us to build the type of relationships that are required to go forward with the project we and many others envisioned in Long Island City."

And while opponents of the project are celebrating, many others see it as a loss of what could have been a great economic opportunity not just for Long Island City, but for Long Island, too.

"When you are from Michigan, you do not attack the automakers; when you are from Iowa, you do not attack the corn industry; and when you are from California, you do not attack Silicon Valley. Yet, in New York we are very cavalier and short-sighted in attacking these job creators and state revenue generators," said Congressman Tom Suozzi. "We are in a major battle with other states and countries to attract employers who will bring good jobs and good wages. Make no mistake, this is a huge loss for New York and Long Island, and it will make it harder to attract major employers and jobs here in the future. We must be more strategic going forward."

"Disappointed that Amazon has abandoned its New York City Headquarters. This project offered unprecedented economic opportunities for our region and our residents, including thousands of high-paying jobs," Congresswoman Kathleen Rice said. "New York State, New York City, and Amazon should have been able to come to an agreement that balanced those opportunities with the concerns of the local community. This is a missed opportunity for everyone."

“Amazon’s decision to pull out of HQ2 is a missed opportunity that would have empowered people from all walks of life," said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. "In Suffolk County, we are laser focused on making the required investments necessary to support our local communities and bring diverse, high-skilled jobs to the region.”

“Hempstead Town, located approximately 15 miles away from Long Island City, would have benefited greatly from Amazon’s planned development and job creation package,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen. “I’m horrified and appalled that a small faction of local officials sought to kill an effort that was certain to bring countless economic benefits to millions of New Yorkers, including many in the Town of Hempstead.”

“Absolutely disgraceful and sad news for New York," said Hempstead Town Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney. "The anti-business politicians who led us to this point should now realize that words have real consequences and as a result our state and local communities will suffer due to this lost economic activity."

"Today, Amazon turned its back on New York and we only have our governor to blame," said State Assemblyman Doug Smith. "Our governor continues to advertise that New York is open for business, but our business climate has become so unattractive to new business and hostile to existing businesses that our towns, counties, and the state are forced to cut smaller deals just like this on a regular basis to keep jobs from leaving. If our governor was a true leader he would never allow protests and oppositions to get in the way of such prosperity."

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