Kate Lisa is reporting for Johnson Newspaper Corp. Republican George Amedore is encouraging state lawmakers to fight for upstate communities and for political balance in the Democrat-controlled Legislature in the next session as the retiring state Senator looks ahead to future endeavors. Amedore, of Rotterdam, served as state senator for the 46th Senate District from January 1, 2014 until December 31. He previously served as a member of the state Assembly from 2007 to 2012 representing Montgomery and Schenectady counties. He is the owner and president of Amedore Homes. Amedore was succeeded by Democrat Michelle Hinchey of Saugerties. Amedore chose not to run again in part, because he believes in term limits. He also left office to focus on developing his contracting business and spending more time with his family. As for Hinchey, Amedore said he advised her to always put upstate constituents first. “She’s there to serve the people and to represent the constituents and I hope she does that in an unbiased way,” he said. Amedore expressed concern for the Legislature’s one-party rule, with Democrats in control of both houses and the Executive Chamber under Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “We do not have a balance in government — it’s extremely dangerous,” he said. “All facets of levels of government in the majority and those who have the real decision-making capacity are from one political persuasion that is influenced from one geographic region, and that’s the city of New York...” Amedore encouraged lawmakers to focus on improving state infrastructure and high-speed broadband internet access. He also noted the need to fight for fewer regulations and more benefits for small businesses. During his tenure, Amedore championed improvements in Greene County, fighting for a comprehensive plan and infrastructure improvements for the Catskill Park. He also fought for Greene County to share in a special film tax credit program with a 10 percent benefit as part of the Empire State Film Production Credit program. A longtime advocate of infrastructure and highway department funding, he also secured several infrastructure and other improvement grants for smaller communities during his tenure, including New Baltimore, Athens, Cairo, and Catskill. “Time has gone by so quickly — it’s amazing,” he said. “I have a lot to be thankful for and appreciate the time and the trust that the constituents of the 46th Senate District have given me and the opportunity to serve throughout the years." Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.