LI groups back state economic czar choice

Nine business groups on Long Island have endorsed the appointment of Kenneth Adams to be New York State's economic development czar.

Adams' Jan. 27 nomination by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to lead the Empire State Development Corp. will soon be considered by the State Senate, according to a spokesman for the Senate's Republican majority. Adams, former chief executive of the Business Council of New York State, has many friends in the upper chamber and his confirmation is likely.

In a letter this week to Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, the groups called Adams "the right person at the right time" to "send the message to the business community that the state is serious about fostering a business friendly reputation."

Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) is the only Long Islander among the state's top leaders. While the letter was addressed to Skelos, copies were sent to Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan), Lt. Gov. Robert J. Duffy, and the Island's nine senators and 21 Assembly members.

The groups backing Adams, 50, of Brooklyn, are the Long Island Association, Association for a Better Long Island, Hauppauge Industrial Association, Long Island Forum for Technology, Long Island Builders Institute, Long Island Software and Technology Network, Long Island Metro Business Action, Long Island Contractors' Association and Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce.