Summer is winding down and we have some great weather to look forward to this weekend!

State Issues Survey. While I recognize it is not scientific, I am gratified and intrigued with survey responses from my newsletter that hundreds of you have sent. If you haven’t filled one out yet, please take a few now to let your voice be heard by filling out my 2018 Community Survey now. I strive to keep a pulse on the opinions and interests of constituents in the 109th District and value getting your input.

Bill Signed on Prosecutorial Misconduct. I was pleased earlier this week to see that a bill was signed to establish a first of its kind commission on prosecutorial misconduct. New York has some of the higher rates of wrongful convictions, and I’m hopeful that this commission will help balance the scales of justice by ensuring equal and fair treatment under the law.

Opinion Piece on Justice Center. Assemblyman John McDonald and I wrote an opinion piece in response to a Times Union piece from late last month about the NYS Justice Center. While we agree in the early years of the Justice Center there were many problems with enforcement and investigations of disability programs and services, it’s also important to stress that the Center has demonstrated a serious willingness to change and adapt its practices. The establishment of clear standard for what constitutes abuse and neglect has been instrumental in bringing bad actors to justice and we are encouraged by the Center’s continued willingness to learn for the past.

Times Union Article on the Librarians Fighting Opioids. Public libraries are some of our most valuable community assets, not just for the access to information they provide but also because of their status as one of the last vestiges of truly accessible community-oriented public spaces. In an unexpected example of this civic pride, the Times Union’s Bethany Bump published a story earlier this week about the role of local librarians in addressing the opioid crisis. Thank you to all of our librarians mentioned in this article for continuing to demonstrate their selfless commitment to our community!

Gillibrand to Hold Local Town Hall this Sunday at HVCC! New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will be in the Capital Region this weekend for a public town hall. Join me there to learn more about how federal issues are impacting us locally this Sunday, August 26th from 5:00 – 6:30 P.M. at Hudson Community College in Troy.

Community Updates

Local EMT Wins Award. Congrats to Steven Kroll of Delmar-Bethlehem EMS for being named a 2018 National EMS Awards of Excellence recipient by the National Association of EMTs! Steven serves on the Executive Board of the Hudson Mohawk Regional EMS Council and Regional Emergency Medical Organization and as Chairperson of the Council’s Budget and Finance Committee. Steven is the immediate Past Chair of the New York State Emergency Medical Services Council, which advises the state government on EMS issues. He is an advocate for person-centered EMS through the collaboration of prehospital providers, the broader health care system, and social services. I’m glad to see your dedication to protecting our community recognized!

Have You Had Your Civility Cone? It’s no secret that Stewart’s ice cream is a regional favorite, and their recent ‘sweet’ promotion to encourage civility in our public discourse is another reason to eat ice cream. Support local business and civility with a “civility cone,” which in their words is ‘salty, sweet, and with no nuts!”

Albany Latin Festival. Albany’s Latinfest will be held this Saturday from 11:00 – 6:00 P.M. This annual family-friendly event celebrates the beauty and diversity of the Hispanic cultural heritage and acknowledges the contributions made by Hispanic Americans. It has established a hallmark, traditional cultural event that celebrates our local Hispanic and Latino community through music, food, and cultural events!

As always, for the latest news or for upcoming events, please visit my office online, on Facebook, on Twitter, or my Times Union blog. If you would like to reach my office, please feel free to send us a note, or give us a call at (518) 455-4178.

Pat