Golisano, Florida and Responsible New York

A lot of hay has been made about Tom Golisano's decision to move his primary residence to Florida. Me, I think it's what rich people do when they get older. I suspect that Golisano's reason for moving isn't as much about saving money on taxes, although $13K per day is nothing to sneeze at. I think he probably would have gone anyway, but he gets to use the move to make a point that he has been trying to make for a long time.....that New Yorkers pay too much in taxes. He tried to make the point with his PAC, Responsible New York, which I think tanked because of his choice of the political thug, Steve Pigeon to run it. Turns out that there may have been some felonies committed in the operations of Responsible New York. Anybody shocked by that?

A few words for Tom Golisano. Thank you, sir, for the good things you have done for our region. The purchase of the Sabres, the huge donations to the likes of Niagara University, and the calling attention to the issues like our overwhelming taxes are just a few of a long list of philanthropic or community serving endeavours. I wish you well in your new home. Would you consider taking Larry Quinn and Steve Pigeon with you?

A few words to everyone else. Losing anyone from our community is a sad day. Losing a large patron of the community, even worse. Be clear, though. Golisano will probably still be active in this community, as he already has a lot invested here. I imagine he is looking forward to enjoying the fruits of his labor, and that is easier to do without wading through snow to get to the car. Golisano has an opportunity here. He is heading to warmer climes and he gets to make a point on his way out the door. It is way more poignant a point when a billionaire makes it than when a recent college graduate who can't find a good job makes it.