The man looking to replace John Lemondes in the state assembly is criticizing the assemblyman for his comments following the announcement that Bimbo Bakeries would close its Auburn location.
In a Tuesday press release, Lemondes blamed “rising production costs and anti-business policies pushed by downstate politicians” for the company’s decision to close two of its New York bakeries in Auburn and Olean. He also criticized the Democrat-led state government for driving businesses out of the state while praising the policies of Texas and Florida.
It was announced last week that Bimbo Bakeries would cease operations at its Auburn location on September 6 and its Olean facility on November 2. The company cited a reduced capacity in the manufacturing network as its reason for the closures
Phillips, who is running against the Republican incumbent on the Democratic ticket, called his opponent “out of touch” and pointed out that Bimbo Bakeries is also closing a facility in the Lone Star State. Along with the New York closures, the company announced it would close a facility in San Antonio, Texas.
“Assemblyman Lemondes blaming the state government, that he is a part of, for failing to keep Bimbo open, is the latest example of his out of touch leadership,” said Phillips. “Citing Texas as some sort of business panacea, despite the fact that Bimbo is also closing a plant there, proves that he isn’t even paying attention.”
Phillips also criticized Lemondes for trying to “score political points” at a time when 49 Auburn workers and his constituents are facing unemployment.
“Instead of leaping into action to try to save jobs and reaching out to Mayor Giannettino to offer our impacted neighbors support, he decided to issue a press release in a sad attempt to score political points,” Phillips continued. “This is typical Albany nonsense. We’re sick of it. Lemondes should roll up his sleeves, stop making excuses, and actually get something done.”
Giannettino confirmed to Finger Lakes News Radio that, at the time of reporting, neither Lemondes nor his office has reached out to him regarding support following the closure announcement.
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