Assemblyman Lopez Joins Area Officials In Support of Hudson Correctional Facility

Recognizes regional impact of facility closing

February 14, 2008

Assemblyman Lopez (R,C,I-Schoharie) today joined local and state officials in calling for the governor to keep the Hudson Correctional facility open. The governor’s 2008-2009 Executive Budget proposes the closure of the Hudson facility and three other security camps located in New York State.

“Although the facility is outside the boundaries of my Assembly District, my constituents have voiced concern over the negative economic impact closing this facility will have on our already economically distressed area,” said Assemblyman Lopez. “The number of jobs that will be lost by New Yorkers in the area cannot be tolerated or accepted.”

Having heard the outpouring of support for the facility from those inside his district, Assemblyman Lopez has reached out and contacted concerned citizen groups as well as other elected officials, such as Assemblyman Marcus Molinaro, Senator Saland, and Columbia County Sheriff David Harrison, Jr., to offer his support and add his voice to those concerned about the repercussions if this proposed closure is allowed to go forward.

Echoing Assemblyman Lopez’s statement, Senator Saland said, “The governor’s decision to close a facility which is operating near full capacity and is considered a major employer in the area is perplexing. The closure will be devastating to the more than 300 employees and their families, as well as local businesses, and the social fabric of the area. The governor said in his State of the State address that we have to make tough choices. ‘Tough’ we can take – ‘unfair’ we cannot. The governor’s decision is patently unfair.”

Regarding Lopez’s support, Assemblyman Molinaro stated, “I can’t stress how vital it is to have the region fully represented on this issue. Assemblyman Lopez has proven himself a full partner in serving Columbia county and I’m pleased to have Pete add his leadership and abilities to our collective efforts to protect Hudson Correctional."

“Assemblyman Pete Lopez has done a very good job in representing Columbia county and I appreciate his understanding of Hudson Correctional’s importance to all of Columbia county and the surrounding region,” said Columbia County Sheriff David Harrison. “I’m happy to have Pete working with us on this important issue.”

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