Category Archive

Dear eNews Reader, We’re experiencing a beautiful Fall season here in the Southern Tier. I can’t remember a better stretch of weather. I was able to get out and enjoy street festivals, car shows, concerts, baseball games, and more. Speaking of baseball, a big congratulations to the Rumble Ponies, our Eastern League Champions. They had a great season at Mirabito … Read More

Dear eNews Reader, August was a very busy month with local events, meetings, and announcements. Ross Park Zoo turned 150, Porchfest turned 10, and the 41st Spiedie Fest had perfect weather. I spent a lot of time meeting with groups who are worried about federal cuts to health care and food assistance. I’ve also been gathering information on the local … Read More

Dear eNews Reader, Summer is flying by. Between the heat and the rain, I’m not sure what happened to July. We finally got a break for a perfect Spiedie Fest weekend. I took a few days off this month and spent time visiting NY’s beautiful Hudson Valley. NYS has so many great destinations; this website has a lot of suggestions: … Read More

Dear eNews Reader, We wrapped up our 2025 legislative session on June 17, after many marathon days due to the late state budget. As is usually the case, the session included accomplishments and disappointments, bills that were finally able to pass, and bills that were set aside for additional review. My work is informed by the thousands of emails and … Read More

Dear eNews Reader, We are in the process of wrapping up our legislative session in a couple of weeks. In addition to passing bills of local and statewide importance, I also spend a fair amount of time opposing bills that would hurt our local interests. While many pieces of legislation are well-intended, its always the unintended consequences that we try … Read More

Dear eNews Reader, As I am writing this wrap-up from last month, we are in the process of finally passing this year’s state budget. This can’t happen soon enough, as we have until just the middle of June to finish our legislative work for the year. I have quite a few local bills and initiatives that will take time to … Read More

Dear eNews Reader, Welcome to Spring in the Southern Tier! The one thing that I cannot get enough of are the pirohi and fish dinners that our community is famous for. Later in the year we look forward to all the fairs and festivals that celebrate the many unique heritages that blend together here. Meanwhile, I’m spending most of my … Read More

Dear eNews Reader, Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Binghamton Firefighter John “JR” Gaudet who lost his life on February 12th fighting a blaze in the City of Binghamton. I was very moved by the eulogies at his funeral services; he was beloved by all, was the first one in to respond to a fire, and … Read More

Dear eNews Reader, I’m glad that January is behind us. It was very cold and I was sick for most of the month with a respiratory virus that wouldn’t go away. The Legislature reconvened in Albany and we are now in the middle of budget season. It’s more challenging than usual because of federal funding cuts and other complications. As … Read More

Dear eNews Reader, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and will spend the holiday season doing what you enjoy. The weather has certainly taken a turn, reminding us that our extended Fall could only go on for so long. As we look after our neighbors in need this season, please know how thankful I am to be living in … Read More