Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) is encouraging everyone in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions to get out the vote for Watkins Glen as the coolest small town in America. Last year, Hammondsport of Steuben County took home the honors.

The contest is sponsored by Budget Travel Magazine, and people from all over the country submit their picks for the coolest small town. The town must have a population under 10,000. It also needs that indescribable something: independent shops, a sense of energy, an epic backyard, culture, delicious coffee, that something that really sets the town apart.

“I want to encourage everyone to go online and vote for Watkins Glen,” said Palmesano. “Watkins Glen is a great example of one of the many beautiful communities of the Finger Lakes region.”

The village is in the heart of the breathtaking Finger Lakes wine country and boasts so many wonderful mom-and-pop shops, making it a great place to visit. Of course, there is also the Watkins Glen International Raceway, which is another great draw for the community. The voting will take place until February 15, so go to Budget Travel Web site and show your support for this great Finger Lakes community.

Watkins Glen is among the top-nominated towns, but your help is still needed. Vote for Watkins Glen every 24 hours now through February 15.

To vote, go to the Budget Travel Web site.

Palmesano was re-elected in November to his second term in the Assembly. He now represents the new 132nd Assembly District which consists of the majority of Steuben County, all of Schuyler and Yates counties, and portions of Chemung (towns of Catlin, Erin, Van Etten and Veteran) and Seneca (towns of Covert, Lodi, Ovid and Romulus) counties.