I believe that the single most important part of my job is creating economic development opportunities for Niagara County. That's why I authored legislation that created the Seneca Niagara Casino, the state's first urban-based Native-American casino. The casino has created over 3,000 jobs and has delivered over $40 million to the local economy. I also believe in preserving low-cost hydropower for local industry and helping new industries take advantage of low-cost power projects. That's why I fought hard to secure an allocation of low-cost hydro power for Globe Metallurgical, a company that will bring in 500 new jobs in Niagara County and be a leader in the emerging solar industry in Niagara Falls. In addition, I secured funding for the construction of a new terminal at the Niagara Falls International Airport, and secured a $6.6 million grant for Niagara County Community College to create a new culinary arts facility for downtown Niagara Falls.

Other legislation that I supported to aid Niagara's economic development:

• Increasing the percentage municipalities receive from Indian gaming facilities in Niagara and Buffalo.
• Switching to low-cost hydropower in hospitals.
• Providing an electric energy tax credit for small businesses.
• Creating a Western New York development initiative fund to provide funding for reinvestments into Western New York's economic initiatives.
• Expanding production facilities that manufacture beer, wine and liquors in New York State to aid agriculture and working farms.
• Creating small-business technology investment programs aimed at attracting investors.