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The results of the first-ever workplace climate survey by the State Police on the daily working conditions of our members and civilian staff are, quite frankly, concerning ("State Police survey finds low morale," Nov. 9).

The responses flagged numerous areas that need improvement including poor morale, a lack of transparency between leadership and troopers, concerns over recruitment, and, perhaps most alarming, the safety of our vehicle fleet.

Troopers also noted that the advent of new technology, emerging threats, and shifting public attitudes toward policing have made their jobs more complex, requiring leadership to be nimbler in addressing and adapting to challenges as they arise.

Identifying problem areas is an important step by the agency toward transparency and addressing low morale. However, now that the results are in, it’s imperative that leadership commits to working collaboratively with unionized troopers to remediate these issues. To fulfill their primary mission of protecting New Yorkers in as safe a manner as possible, troopers require resources and support. Our members must feel acknowledged, empowered, and protected, and believe that their concerns are taken seriously by their superiors.

Even as our jobs have grown more difficult and demanding, troopers have risen to the occasion and will continue to do so. The proper institutional support will ensure their future success.

The writer is the President of the New York State Troopers PBA.

Published Dec. 9, 2024

For the first time in 31 years, I am unsure if my career and employer can survive in New York due to the Advanced Clean Truck Rule set to begin in 2025. Our industry has weathered many crises before, but this rule could be the final blow to Burr Truck, a family-owned business based in Broome County since 1967.

Burr is one of many dealers urging state officials to pause the state’s implementation of the Advanced Clean Truck Rule, along with the Trucking Association of New York and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. This rule, set to begin Jan. 1, 2025, will require our dealership to sell one battery electric vehicle before every 10-13 clean diesel trucks. Even with incentives, these electric trucks cost $110,000 more than their diesel counterparts, with fewer than 40 sold statewide since 2021. High costs, limited availability, and lack of state-funded, heavy-duty infrastructure are impossible hurdles to overcome.

The potential impact? Losses of $18 million in annual sales, $4.8 million in parts and service revenue, and 30% fewer jobs. For Burr, these limitations will mean cuts to our sales department, and eventually spill over to the service side, with fewer trucks to maintain and repair.

We support sustainability and have invested in electric truck technology, but our state is clearly not ready. Businesses and livelihoods are at stake if state lawmakers can’t find a sensible path to a cleaner, greener New York.

The writer is the Corporate General Manager/Director of Sales for Burr Truck.

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