I came to Albany as one of 18 new Assembly Minority Conference members. Our charge was to change the culture of Albany, shrink a bloated government, and help the beleaguered taxpayers of New York reduce their sky-high property taxes. My colleagues and I worked hard to pass an on-time budget, which closed a $10 billion deficit by cutting the out-of-control growth of government.

I have co-sponsored major legislation to revitalize the communities ofthe Southern Tier with Article X power generation reform – increasing power production and lowering consumer costs, known as Power NY– which will reduce costs for businesses and create jobs. Our state needs a comprehensive long-term energy policy that works for everyone.

There is still plenty of work to be done in Albany. Above all, we must get 800,000 unemployed New Yorkers back to work by cutting job-killing taxes and reducing onerous regulations.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the local governments, municipal and public-works employees, first responders, volunteer firefighters, the countless charities, and good Samaritans who helped us through some difficult times in the past couple months with the flooding. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed nor unappreciated. Your selflessness has helped us cope with a devastating situation and remain on our feet to move forward. You have the everlasting gratitude of our community.

We took a major step in putting New York State back on the right track, but our work is far from done. Having an open dialogue with constituents is the best way to ensure that your needs are represented. I would like your opinions and suggestions on issues facing New York, so I hope you will take the time to read over this survey and return it to my office. I will continue working hard for the people of Chemung, Schuyler, and Tioga counties as well as the future of this great state.