They don't "deal with upstate" as it is. Any candid state politician will tell you that they're treated like junior partners by downstaters, and when local government officials from up here attend statewide summits, they're basically Sat down at the kids table with a box of crayons.
Just ask Joe Morelle, they guy who was the favorite for Silver's vacant speakership, before it became obvious that downstate Dems weren't going to let that happen.