Harry Wilson, the Republican candidate for New York state comptroller, visited Cornell July 13 during a campaign swing through the Southern Tier.

Wilson and members of his staff visited with Cornell administrators, who gave Wilson an overview of the university and how it relates to New York state.

They discussed Cornell's outreach mission, the New York State Retirement System, the Cornell Cooperative Extension joint local government institute now operated with the comptroller's office, contracting relationships with New York state and reimbursement systems.

Stephen Philip Johnson, vice president for government and community relations, welcomed the group to Ithaca. Senior Vice Provost for Research Robert Buhrman followed with an overview of university research. Wilson then introduced himself and the planks of his campaign.

Land grant and statutory colleges were the topics covered by Ronald Seeber, senior vice provost, and Nathan Fawcett, special assistant to the provost. Elmira Mangum, vice president for planning and budget, talked about the role of the New York state budget and delayed payments on state contracts. The session finished up with a discussion about Cornell and Cornell Cooperative Extension audits and the state led by University Auditor Michael Dickinson.

Wilson is a native New Yorker with experience in the financial industry. He served in several positions in the U.S. Treasury Department and was appointed to the task force that restructured the nation's auto industry.

The comptroller position is held by Thomas DiNapoli.