The political chaos that has paralyzed the New York State Senate has been the main topic on the lips of many political types across the metropolitan region, including in Westfield, which could be impacted by the split 31-31 upper house in Albany. In a change from seeking resident reactions, Westfield Patch decided to seek the reactions of politicians in town regarding what has been occurring across the Hudson.

Question

What are your thoughts on the political chaos in New York State with two Democrats joining the Republicans in the State Senate and one Democrat rejoining the Democrats causing a 31-31 Senate?

Answers

"It things are not getting done, it's time to shake it up. Government is broken in New Jersey and New York and if we don't rethink how government works we will dig ourselves into a hole. They should look to the town of Westfield on how government should work." Councilman Jim Foerst

"It's a nice spectator sport. I'm glad it's not here." Councilman Dave Haas

"I think people are free to vote how they choose. You can have an ideology but you are free to vote how you choose. It's undemocratic to be bound by any partisan affiliation." Councilwoman Joann Neylan

"New York State at that level is a mess, just like New Jersey is a mess. Things need to be shaken up big time. Anything that shakes things up at that level I am for." Councilman Frank Arena

"What's unfortunate is it's a state with big problems and you have elected officials spending more time worrying about politics and power struggles when they should worry about the big problems." Councilman Mark Ciarrocca

"It would be nice to have people cross the aisle more often to do the right thing." Councilwoman Vicki Kimmins