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CAR FRESHNER IS GREATER
WATERTOWN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
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Senator Jim Wright attended
the Greater Watertown Chamber of Commerce breakfast on
Wednesday, where Car Freshner Corp. was honored as the
Chamber’s 2007 Business of the Year. Car Freshener, best
known for its “little tree” brand, employees 300 people
locally and also has plants in Iowa and New Hampshire.
The 2007 Business of the Year award was designed to
recognize a company that has shown a history of
significant sales growth, overall stability, job
retention, capital investment, innovation and a high
level of customer service. The company also needed to
show a commitment to the community and to work force
development.
WITH WINTER WEATHER IN THE
FORECAST, HANNIBAL
CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF SALT BARN
The Town and Village of
Hannibal celebrated the completion of its salt storage
building-- just in time for winter. Senator Wright
joined Town Supervisor Ron Greanleaf, County Legislator
Jack Beckwith, Highway Supervisor Dan Mahaney and
highway department employees for the official ribbon
cutting. Senator Wright secured funding to help the Town
and Village offset construction costs.
SENATOR WRIGHT HELPS BREAK
GROUND
ON HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT
Senator Jim Wright recently
joined Mayor Randy Bateman, Assistant Commissioner for
the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal and
other local officials in Oswego to break ground on a
housing redevelopment project. Hamilton Homes, a
fifty-plus year old housing low-income housing complex
will be completely renovated into modern, energy
efficient, affordable apartments. The $13 million
project is being funding by several state programs,
including DHCR low-income tax credits.
SENATOR WRIGHT HONORS
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Senator Jim Wright was
recently a guest at the Diocese of Ogdensburg Catholic
Charities annual dinner. Senator Wright presented a
Senate Citation to the Knights of Columbus of the
Diocese of Ogdensburg, who were being honored with the
Caritas Award for their longtime support of Catholic
Charities and other community faith based organizations.
SHELAND FARMS BEGINS PRODUCING RENEWABLE
ENERGY WITH ANAEROBIC DIGESTER
Sheland Farms, Ellisburg, NY, held an open house
today to demonstrate how the farm will produce
its own heat and electricity by converting waste
manure into renewable energy. The farm recently
completed installing the North Country’s first
anaerobic digester. Senator Jim Wright, Chairman
of the Senate Energy Committee, was instrumental
in securing significant state funding for the
$1.5 million project that will provide
alternative green energy to the farm, replace
traditional fertilizer and make environmentally
friendly bedding for the cows.
WITH WINTER WEATHER IN THE
FORECAST, HANNIBAL CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF SALT BARN
The Town and Village of
Hannibal celebrated the completion of its salt storage
building-- just in time for winter. Senator Wright
joined Town Supervisor Ron Greanleaf, County Legislator
Jack Beckwith, Highway Supervisor Dan Mahaney and
highway department employees for the official ribbon
cutting. Senator Wright secured funding to help the Town
and Village offset construction costs.
SENATOR WRIGHT VISITS
COPENHAGEN AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Senator Wright enjoyed
games of human foosball and volleyball during a recent
visit to Copenhagen Central School’s after school
program. The school was celebrating “Lights on After
School” week, which promotes after school activities and
programs.
SENATOR WRIGHT, ATTORNEY
GENERAL’S OFFICE EDUCATE WATERTOWN STUDENTS ON NEW
STUDENT LOAN PROTECTIONS
Senator Jim Wright, joined
by Special Assistant to the Attorney General Benjamin
Lawsky and Assemblyman Darrel Aubertine, spoke to about
70 Watertown High Students on Wednesday about a new law
that provides protections regarding student loans. The
event, which was hosted by the New York State Attorney
General’s Office was designed to brief students on the
new “Student Bill of Rights”, the first of its kind in
the nation. The bill of rights is part of a new state
law, the Student Lending Accountability, Transparency
and Enforcement (SLATE) Act of 2007, which provides new
rights and protections to safeguard students and
families from deceptive loan practices. The law results
from the Attorney General’s investigation into the
college loan industry. New York is the first state to
pass legislation of this kind.
SENATOR WRIGHT RECOGNIZES
RENEWAL HOUSE 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Senator Wright recently
attended the Renewal House 25th Anniversary dinner,
where he presented the Renewal House President Natasha
Hill and Executive Director Eileen Burke with a Senate
Citation honoring its 25 years in assisting women and
children who have experienced domestic violence.
SENATOR WRIGHT HONORS
VICTIMS ASSISTANCE VOLUNTEERS
In recognition of Domestic
Violence Awareness Month, Senator Wright attended the
Victims Assistance Center Appreciation luncheon where he
honored local people who have contributed their time and
effort to assisting women and children affected by
domestic violence. Pictured, Senator Wright presents
Madonna Westlake with the Volunteer of the Year Award
and a Senate Citation.
SENATOR WRIGHT ASKS TOUGH
QUESTIONS DURING SENATE HEARING ON SPITZER’S NEW
DRIVERS’ LICENSES POLICY
Senator Jim Wright
participated in a Senate hearing on Monday regarding
Governor Spitzer’s proposal to allow illegal immigrants
to obtain New York State drivers’ licenses. Senator
Wright and his colleagues questioned dozens of people
directly affected by and involved with this new policy
for most of the day. Senator Wright opposes this
proposal because it jeopardizes the security and
reliability that a New York State driver's license is
intended to provide.
SENATOR WRIGHT WELCOMES
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TO EMERGE NNY
Senator Jim Wright gave the
welcome address at the 2007 Emerge NNY, a summit
designed to bring young professionals and students
together to network, as well as explore and develop
potential ways to improve Northern New York both
economically and culturally.
JEFFERSON COUNTY CHILDREN’S
HOME WELCOMES SENATOR WRIGHT
Senator Jim Wright recently
visited the Jefferson County Children’s Home, where he
toured renovations that are currently underway in
several “cottages,”—where the students live. Senator
Wright also met with members of the Children’s Home
student government association. The Senator asked them
questions about their role in making rules for the
school, and they asked the Senator about his role in
making laws for the state.
Senator Wright Visits
Clarkson to Open Energy Expo, Announces Energy
Efficiency Funding for the University
Senator Jim Wright visited
Clarkson University today to open the “Clean Energy &
Transportation Expo,” which features displays and
research presentations from Clarkson faculty, students
and the community. The focus of the expo is renewable
and sustainable energies.
As part of his visit to the
expo, Senator Wright also announced $250,000 to support
the acquisition of an energy efficient combined heating,
cooling and electric power system, planned for the new
15,000-square-foot addition to the Cora and Bayard
Clarkson Science Center. Senator Wright was joined in
making this announcement by Assemblyman Darrel J.
Aubertine.
SENATOR WRIGHT AND SENATOR
MARY LOU RATH TOUR ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY
Senator Mary Lou Rath from
Western New York recently visited St. Lawrence County
with Senator Jim Wright to take a look at tourism
initiatives in Morristown and Heuvelton. Senator Rath is
chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Tourism,
Recreation and Sports Development.
In Morristown, Senators
Wright and Rath met with the Mayor of Morristown,
Cynthia Holmes, at the Gateway Museum. During the visit,
they discussed several community projects, such as the
boat tours to Singer Castle and the development of a
waterfront hotel.
In Heuvelton, Senator
Wright and Senator Rath visited Pickens Hall, where the
first floor of the building recently opened as a general
store with Amish goods and other local products. The
Senators met with Mayor Barb Lashua and Deputy Mayor
Mike Hebert and shared ideas on tourism projects taking
place in the North Country and Western New York.
OSWEGO COUNTY COOPERATIVE
EXTENSION HOSTS OPEN HOUSE
Building’s Exterior Restoration Completed
Senator Jim Wright was a
guest at Oswego County Cooperative Extension’s open
house on Monday. Cooperative Extension recently
completed restoration of the historic building’s
exterior. Painting and additional renovations are
continuing on the inside of the building. Senator Wright
secured funding for the façade restoration.
SENATOR WRIGHT JOINS
GOVERNOR SPITZER AT SUNY OSWEGO, NORTHEAST BIOFUELS
Senator Jim Wright recently
joined Governor Eliot Spitzer for a couple stops in
Oswego County.
First, the Senator and
Governor attended a round table discussion on local
economic development issues at SUNY Oswego.
Following the visit at SUNY
Oswego, Senator Wright and Governor Spitzer headed over
to Northeast Biofuels in Volney, where the northeast’s
first ethanol plant is under construction. Northeast
Biofuels is expected to begin ethanol production by
the end of the year.
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY SENIORS HOST SENATOR WRIGHT
Senator Jim Wright attended the New York
Statewide Senior Action Council meeting in Gouverneur on
Friday, where he spoke to the seniors about legislative
initiatives aimed to assist their demographic. In
particular, Senator Wright expressed his support for
“Granny’s Law” which calls for harsher penalties on
those who attack senior citizens and the need for
additional property tax relief for New York’s seniors.
SENATOR WRIGHT AND SENATOR RATH HOST ROUND TABLE
DISCUSSION ON TOURISM IN THE NORTH COUNTRY
Senator Jim Wright Senator Mary Lou Rath, from
Western New York and Chairwoman of the Senate Tourism
Committee, and Ogdensburg Mayor Bill Nelson recently
held a round table discussion in Ogdensburg with
business and tourism officials from across St. Lawrence
County. Much of the discussion focused on creating
regional partnerships to enhance tourism efforts as well
as the hindrance of strict border requirements.
SENATOR WRIGHT
ANNOUNCES $5000
FOR SUNY CANTON
Senator Jim Wright
announced $5000 to assist SUNY Canton nursing students
during a reception Sunday at the home of Dr. Michael
Maresca and his wife, Barbara. The funding will be part
of the Maresca Family Challenge, a scholarship endowment
established by Dr. Maresca and his wife, which has now
raised more than $170,000 in donations. When the
Marescas announced their gift of $100,000 in May, they
challenged college alumni, local businesses, community
members, and friends to join them in supporting the
educational needs of future nursing students at the
college.
Pictured: Senator
Wright, Dr. & Mrs. Maresca, and Kristin Knight, a SUNY
Canton nursing student receiving a scholarship from the
Maresca Family Endowment.
Over 1000 Attend
Senator Wright's Senior Fair
Over 1000 senior
citizens from Jefferson County attended the annual
Senator Jim Wright/Office for the Aging Senior Fair.
This year marked the 5th time Senator Wright and the
Office for the Aging have organized the event. The
senior fair includes over 60 businesses and
organizations with services and programs for seniors.
SENATOR WRIGHT
TOURS SOUTHERN JEFFERSON COUNTY STATE PARKS WITH PARKS
COMMISSIONER CAROL ASH
Senator Jim Wright joined NYS Parks and Recreation
Commissioner Carol Ash, Deputy Commissioner Dan Kane,
and several members of the staff of NYS Parks & Rec for
a tour of southern Jefferson County state parks. The
group visited Robert J. Wehle State Park in Henderson,
Wescott Beach State Park in Sackets Harbor and the
Sackets Harbor Battlefield. Ms. Ash was in town as part
of a two day tour of state parks in the North Country.
Pictured: Senator
Wright talks with Commissioner Ash during the tour of
Wescott Beach.
SENATOR WRIGHT, ASSEMBLYMAN AUBERTINE,
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND STATE TAX AND FINANCE HOLD
INSTRUCTIONAL SESSION ON 2007 STAR REBATE
Senator Jim Wright joined Governor Spitzer's Northern
New York representative Steve Hunt, Assemblyman Darrel
Aubertine and Jeff McLaughlin from New York State Tax
and Finance for an instructional session on how to fill
out your 2007 STAR rebate application. Applications were
mailed to Jefferson County residents beginning September
3rd and are due back to the State Department of Tax and
Finance by November 30, 2007. Seniors who receive
enhanced STAR benefits do not need to apply, and checks
were mailed out in Jefferson County to those seniors
the week of August 27th. You can apply for your rebate
online at
www.nystax.gov or by
returning your paper application.
SENATOR WRIGHT TOURS BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT
SITE
Antwerp Mayor Bert Corey recently gave Senator
Wright a tour of the former Antwerp Express Mart site,
which is a registered brownfield. The site is currently
undergoing clean-up through funding assistance from the
DEC’s Restoration Program and $15,000 secured by Senator
Wright. The Village of Antwerp hopes the clean-up with
make the site marketable for future commercial use.
PICKENS GENERAL STORE OPENS IN HEUVELTON
Senator Jim Wright was recently a guest at the
grand opening of Pickens General Store in Heuvelton.
Among its products, the store will sell local Amish
goods as well as local McAdam and Heritage cheeses.
Senator Wright assisted the Village of Heuvelton in
securing a $300,000 RESTORE NY grant in October 2006 for
the renovation of Pickens Hall. During his remarks
at the ribbon cutting ceremony, Senator Wright announced
he has secured $50,000 for additional revitalization
efforts of Pickens
Hall.
REDFIELD OFFICIALLY OPENS
BOAT LAUNCH
Senator Jim Wright helped to officially open the
Redfield boat launch on the banks of the Salmon River
Reservoir with a ribbon cutting ceremony. In addition to
the launch, the area includes a handicap accessible
fishing area. Senator Wright secured $12,500 for the
project.
CLAXTON-HEPBURN EXPANSION UNDERWAY
During a recent trip to Ogdensburg, Senator Jim
Wright took in the progress being made on Claxton
Hepburn’s $11 million expansion project. The expansion
includes a new surgery center, expanded radiology
department with state-of-the-art MRI equipment, as well
as new mental health and obstetrics units. Senator
Wright secured $250,000 to assist Claxton with the
construction and development of the mental health unit.
SENATOR WRIGHT MEETS WITH TOWN OF MORRISTOWN
OFFICIALS
Senator Jim Wright recently met with Town of
Morristown officials, including Town Supervisor Frank
Putman, Town Clerk David Murray and Town Highway Dept.
Supervisor Michael Bogart, to discuss the energy
efficiency project at the highway department facility.
Senator Wright secured a $20,000 state energy efficiency
grant, which Morristown will use for lighting, heating
and insulation improvements at the town barn.
Senator Jim Wright and Member of Ontario
Provincial Parliament Bob Runciman Host
Can-Am Issues Forum in Clayton
New York State
Senator Jim Wright and Bob Runciman, Member of Ontario
Provincial Parliament, today hosted a forum at the
Antique Boat Museum in Clayton to discuss shared border
issues such as the environment, economic development,
homeland security and tourism. During the session, which
was attended by over 70 people from the Canadian side
and Thousand Islands area, much of the discussion on
these issues focused on how the two sides of the border
can work together better to meet challenges and to
maximize opportunities.
SENATOR WRIGHT MEETS WITH MEXICO VFW
Senator Jim Wright and Assemblyman Will Barclay
recently met with members of the Mexico Veterans of
Foreign War Post 369 to discuss the development of the
Oswego County Veterans Museum and Heritage Center.
Senator Wright also toured the new Mexico VFW Post
building.
Black River Rediscovery Phase I Completed
Senator Jim Wright attended the official opening
of the Black River Rediscovery project, Phase 1 in
Watertown.
This new access point
to the Black River from the north side of the river
connects to an existing kayak play spot. Senator Wright
helped to secure $104,630 in funding administered
through the state Department of State’s Environmental
Protection Fund. The portion of the Black River that
runs through Watertown is a popular kayaking destination
and has been the site of national and international
kayak tournaments in recent years.
SENATOR WRIGHT, GOVERNOR SPITZER OFFICIALLY
BREAK GROUND ON SUMMIT WOODS
Senator Jim Wright joined Governor Eliot Spitzer
and other local and state officials to officially break
ground on the Summit Woods housing project, located off
outer Washington Street. The $30 million project is
receiving a $3.2 million loan from New York State funds
which were obtained to assist in the construction of new
community housing. This project also combines both
Federal and State low income tax credits. Once
completed, Summit Woods will have 200 units—100 located
in the City of Watertown and 100 in the Town of
Watertown—and will be open to all community
members—military and non-military.
SENATOR WRIGHT VISITS WITH INDIAN RIVER
GOVERNMENT CLASS
Senator Jim Wright recently visited the Indian
River High School summer government class, where he
participated in a discussion with students on state and
local issues including energy policy, community housing
and infrastructure. Senator Wright also discussed how he
became involved in local and state government and how
students can also get involved in their communities and
local governments.
CLEAN UP AT FORT LA PRESENTATION
NEARS END
Senator Jim Wright recently visited Fort La
Presentation in Ogdensburg where observed progress on
clean-up efforts at the Fort. Rehabilitation of the Fort
grounds is currently underway to get the Fort ready for
the French & Indian War 250th Anniversary Commemoration
Signature Event in 2010. Over the last few years,
Senator Wright has secured $355,000 to assist the Fort
La Presentation Association with clean-up efforts.
Senator Wright has also been instrumental in
negotiations between the Fort La Presentation, City of
Ogdensburg and Exxon-Mobil to ensure that the oil
company maintained accountability for decade-old spills.
Pictured: Fort La
Presentation Association Barbara O’Keefe and
Commemoration Commission members present Senator Wright
with medals from each French & Indian War signature
event that has been held thus far.
Pictured: DEC project
manager Lincoln Fancher gives Senator Wright an update
on the clean-up. The project is expected to be completed
during the week of August 5th. (6100)
SENATOR WRIGHT VIEWS PROGRESS AT SANDY CREEK,
PARISH LIBRARIES
Senator Jim Wright recently visited the Annie P.
Ainsworth Memorial Library in Sandy Creek and the Parish
Free Library, where he viewed progress of construction
projects. This past spring, the Annie P. Ainsworth
Library received an $88,000 state Public Library
Construction grant to build a 1400 square foot addition,
and the Parish Free Library received $25,650 to renovate
its basement to create a children’s room.
CLAXTON-HEPBURN EXPANSION UNDERWAY
During a recent trip to Ogdensburg, Senator Jim
Wright took in the progress being made on Claxton
Hepburn’s $11 million expansion project. The expansion
includes a new surgery center, expanded radiology
department with state-of-the-art MRI equipment, as well
as new mental health and obstetrics units. Senator
Wright secured $250,000 to assist Claxton with the
construction and development of the mental health unit.
SENATOR WRIGHT OBSERVES PROGRESS OF UNITED
HELPERS EXPANSION/RENOVATION
Senator Jim Wright recently visited the United
Helpers nursing home in Ogdensburg to observe the
progress being made on the $26 million construction,
renovation and merger project. Construction on one wing
of the expansion is complete, and residents will be
moving in soon. The new wings are designed as
neighborhood “environments” with shorter hallways,
smaller groupings of residents and specialized care
centers. The wings will have 88 private rooms and 46
semi-private rooms. Senator Wright has assisted United
Helpers in securing several million dollars in state
funding.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES WELCOMES SENATOR WRIGHT
Catholic Charities of Oswego County recently
welcomed Senator Jim Wright to its headquarters. During
his visit, Senator Wright met with members of the
Step-by-Step transitional work program, and they showed
him the new van that is used to transport Step-by-Step
members to work. Senator Wright secured $25,000 in 2006
for the purchase of the van.
OSWEGO FIREFIGHTERS RECOGNIZE SENATOR WRIGHT FOR
HIS SUPPORT
City of Oswego firefighters recently presented
Senator Jim Wright with a plaque in recognition of his
support of firefighters from Oswego and across the 48th
Senate District. During his visit to the West Side fire
station, Senator Wright also toured the exercise
facility. In 2006, the Senator secured $9,000 for new
exercise equipment.
SENATOR WRIGHT TOURS
LADIES HOME OF OSWEGO
Senator Wright recently
toured the Ladies Home of Oswego, which provides housing
and long-term care for senior women. During his visit,
Senator Wright met with Gracie Moore, a former colleague
from the Department of Social Services, which is where
the Senator first began his career in public service.
Senator Wright also met administrator Leann Walker and
board member Cynthia Anderson to discuss improvements
and renovations at the Ladies Home that would make
residents more comfortable and save energy at the same
time.
SENATOR WRIGHT
RECOGNIZES LITERACY VOLUNTEERS AND STUDENTS FOR THEIR
HARD WORK
During a recent
visit to Oswego, Senator Wright attended the Literacy
Volunteers of Oswego County annual picnic and awards
ceremony, where he talked with literacy tutors and
students and recognized their hard work in either
teaching others to read or learning to read themselves.
Senator Wright helps announce an expansion at the Great
Lakes Cheese Company in Adams, New York.
The Company will more than double its processing
capacity. The Senator was able to secure $2 million in
state funds for the project.
SENATOR WRIGHT VISITS
LOCAL COUNTY FAIRS
During his visit to the
Jefferson County Fair, Senator Wright visited with local
dairy farmers and their next generations who are showing
cattle at the fair. Here, Senator Wright meets one of
Adam Fields' prized jerseys and then helps Adam to clean
up the calf's bed. In 2005, Senator Wright secured
$30,000 to assist Jefferson County Fair with purchasing
new livestock tents.
Senator Wright visits with
Oswego
County
4-H students.
FORT ONTARIO MAKES IMPROVEMENTS
TO HISTORICAL CEMETERY WITH FUNDING SECURED BY SENATOR
WRIGHT
With $5,000 secured by
Senator Jim Wright, Fort Ontario recently made several
improvements to the site’s historical cemetery,
including the installation of new fencing,
interpretative signage and new flag poles. Senator
Wright recently visited the cemetery to view the
changes.
SENATOR WRIGHT NIGHT AT
THE DUFFY DOME!
Senator Wright was the
sponsor of a Watertown Wizards game on Saturday,
7-7-07. It was a
“lucky” night for all children who attended the game, as
they each received a Frisbee, on which many children
collected signatures from Wizards players.
Local Wizards player, Jordan Allen
from Sackets Harbor, signs a frisbee.
HARBORFEST BOOSTS PROMOTION
WITH HELP FROM FUNDING SECURED BY SENATOR WRIGHT
During a recent visit to
Oswego, Senator
Wright met with Harborfest organizers and viewed some of
the promotional materials that were produced with
funding secured by the Senator.
Here, Senator Wright and Mike Redding
look over the Harborfest program which will have a
larger statewide distribution this year.
SENATOR WRIGHT HELPS
OFFICIALLY OPEN BACKSTREET APARTMENTS
Senator Jim Wright
participated in the ribbon cutting and grand opening of
Backstreet Apartments, in Fulton. The housing
units, owned and operated by Oswego County
Opportunities, provide permanent and supportive housing
for homeless individuals and families from the Fulton area. The
apartments were constructed with the assistance of state
funding from the Homeless Housing Assistance Program.
SENATOR WRIGHT DISCUSSES NEW
RECREATION TRAIL WITH FULTON
OFFICIALS
Senator Jim Wright met
with officials from the City of Fulton and Black
Clawson to discuss the development of a recreational
trail along the
Oswego
River.
The trail, which would be used for biking, walking,
running and fishing, would be located on a peninsula
strip in the
Oswego
River,
directly behind the Black Clawson factory.
SENATOR WRIGHT ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR TOWN OF MINETTO
Senator Wright recently
visited the Town of Minetto
to announce that he has secured $75,000 to assist the
town with several local initiatives. Town Supervisor Dan
Capella and Town Supervisor Michael Ferlito showed
Senator Wright what the funding will be used for, which
includes running a sewer line from the town garage to a
hook-up on County Route 31 as part of the overall
renovation of the town garage; rehabilitation of a
community playground; and refurbishment of Riverside
Park.
Pictured:
Senator Wright, Supervisor Capella and Councilman
Ferlito discuss the Riverside Park project.
SENATOR WRIGHT HONORS
TIMELESS FRAMES WITH SENATE "NY WORKS" AWARD
Senator Jim Wright
visited Timeless Frames today, where he presented
President and CEO Lisa Allensworth Weber and staff with
the New York State Senate "NY Works" award. Timeless
Frames operates out of three buildings in the Watertown
Industrial Park and currently employs over 200 people in
positions ranging from marketing to assembly to
shipping. Timeless Frames prides itself on its diverse
line of products and quick three-day turnaround with
orders.
The
Senate "NY Works" award provides recognition to a single
business from each Senate District whose success and
achievement stands as an example of the continuing
entrepreneurial spirit that helped build this state and
who is a key job producer in the local economy.
SENATOR WRIGHT HELPS REDEDICATE CLAYTON VETERANS
MONUMENT
Senator Jim Wright recently participated in the
rededication of the Clayton Veterans Monument. The
monument was first dedicated on Memorial Day, 1961 and
received only minimal maintenance in ensuing years. The
effects of ice within the monument caused serious
deterioration. It was taken apart late in 2006 and its
internal structure was covered to prevent additional
damage. Following extensive fundraising efforts by
community members, the monument was refurbished and was
rededicated on May 28, 2007-- Memorial Day-- as part of
the traditional Clayton American Legion Parade.
JUNE IS DAIRY MONTH
Senator Wright attended
the annual Jefferson County Dairy Festival on Friday,
where he passed out yogurt to children. June is National
Dairy Month, and New York State is the number 3 dairy
producer in the US. Two of three leading counties in
dairy production in New York State are in Senator Wright's district: St. Lawrence and Jefferson.
LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADER, SUPERINTENDENT RECOGNIZED
AS WOMEN OF DISTINCTION
Mary McDonald Mascott of
Clayton and Suzanne Tingley of Watertown have been
nominated by Senator Jim Wright as 2007 Women of
Distinction.
CLICK HERE FOR PRESS
RELEASE
SENATOR WRIGHT MEETS WITH LOCAL REALTORS IN ALBANY
Senator Jim Wright recently met with several realtors
from Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties in
Albany. During the meeting, they discussed several
issues of importance to realtors and the local housing
market, including taxes and land preservation.
CAPC WELCOMES SENATOR
WRIGHT TO MULTICULTURAL FAIR
Senator Wright recently
attended the Jefferson County CAPC Head Start
Mulitcultural Fair. During his visit, he helped children
from the Head Start program make crowns depicting
elements of various world cultures; he sampled foods
from other parts of the world; and listened to a
Scottish bagpiper.
Senator Wright: STATE
OFFERS INCENTIVES FOR DEVELOPMENT AND SALE OF BIOFUELS
E-85
Also Now Available in New York State
In Albany, Senator Jim
Wright participated in the opening of the first E-85
ethanol fuel pumps in New York State for public use. The
opening of the E85 pumps today also highlighted the
availability several incentives for the development and
retail sale of biofuels in New York State, including tax
credits for the production and dispensing of ethanol;
$20 million for the development of two cellulosic
ethanol plants; and $9.5 million in state funding
available for the siting of up to 300 E85 or biodiesel
pumps across New York State.
SENATOR WRIGHT HONORS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB YOUTH OF THE
YEAR
Senator Jim recently met
with Willie Moore, the Ogdensburg Boys & Girls Club
Youth of the Year, in Albany. Senator Wright talked with
Mr. Moore about his accomplishments and goals, and
congratulated him on receiving this honor.
SENATOR WRIGHT ADDRESSES
IPPNY CONFERENCE
Senator Jim Wright was
one of the featured speakers at the 2007 Independent
Power Producers of New York annual spring conference.
The theme of the conference was "Galvanizing New York's
Growth: Energy's Role in Economic Development."
Pictured here, Senator
Wright speaks with Gavin Donohue, Executive Director of
IPPNY.
SENATOR WRIGHT HONORS HAMMOND, GIRLS BASKETBALL STATE
CHAMPS, IN ALBANY
Senator Jim Wright honored Hammond, the 2007 Class D
Girls Basketball State Champions, on the floor of the
Senate today in Albany. A resolution recognizing the
team's achievement was read during Session, and Senator
Wright offered his congratulations to the team and
community.
On
March 18, 2007 the Hammond girls defeated S.S. Seward
52-51 to win the Class D Girls Basketball State
Championship. It was the first state basketball
championship for any Section X team-- girls or boys.
SENATE DELIVERS ON PROMISE OF RELIEF TO DAIRY FARMERS,
KEY UPSTATE INDUSTRY TO RECEIVE MAJOR BOOST
Nearly 5,000 Checks Sent to Farmers Statewide
Senator Jim Wright, (R,C,I- Watertown) and Senator Cathy
Young (R,C,I, Olean) today joined John Lincoln,
President of New York State Farm Bureau at Clover Crest
Farm in Belleville (Jefferson County) to publicly
announce the delivery of $30 million in funding for
dairy farmers from across Upstate New York.
Clarkson University Awards Bertrand H. Snell Award to
Senator Jim Wright
Clarkson University's highest community service honor,
the Bertrand H. Snell Award, was bestowed upon State
Senator James W. Wright at a dinner hosted by Clarkson
President Tony Collins on the campus Saturday evening.
Bertrand H. Snell (1870 - 1958) was an entrepreneur,
U.S. Congressman and generous benefactor to Clarkson
University.The Bertrand H. Snell Award assures the
remembrance of Clarkson's patron while it recognizes and
honors a new generation of North Country leaders.
Recipients of the award are chosen for their
professional, business or educational accomplishments,
combined with demonstrated integrity and concern for the
community. The award has only been given out nine times
previously.
Read
more:
www.clarkson.edu/news/view.php?id=1790
NORTH COUNTRY LIBRARY
SYSTEM DEDICATES TRAINING ROOM TO SENATOR WRIGHT
The North Country
Library System (NCLS) held its annual open house and
grand opening of its renovated headquarters today.
During the recognition ceremony, Stephen Bolton,
Executive Director of NCLS, dedicated the training room
to Senator Wright, who secured funding for the facility.
Among its amenities, the training room is equipped with
nearly two dozen computers and projection system.
SENATOR WRIGHT VIEWS
PROGRESS ON DEVELOPMENT OF BIOFUEL TECHNOLOGY
Dr. Phil Leveson of
Golden Technology Management and Sean Kelly of ZeroPoint
Clean Tech, Inc. recently explained to Senator Wright
about the companies' latest biofuel technology
innovation, ZeroPoint Clean Tech, which turns biomass
into liquid fuel and also offers clean water solutions.
ZeroPoint Clean Tech's
biomass to energy and clean water technologies will
provide sustainable and carbon neutral electricity,
transportation fuel, and water purification solutions to
communities around the world. Much of the development
and testing of the technology is done in Potsdam in
conjunction with Clarkson University.
St. Lawrence County
Chamber Honors Senator Wright for Record on Business
Issues
Thomas Coakley and Karen
St. Hilaire of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of
Commerce presented Senator Wright with a plaque at the
Chamber's monthly meeting, honoring him for receiving
the NYS Business Council's Highest Ranking for the third
consecutive year. The Business Council of New York, the
state’s leading business organization, released its
third legislative “report card” in October ranking state
legislators on a “Vote for Jobs Index.”
For the third straight
year, and every year since the report card’s existence,
Senator Wright has achieved the highest scored among the
state’s 212 legislators. Legislators' grades on the
“Vote for Jobs Index” reflect their actions or inaction
on bills that address legislative priorities identified
by The Council.
LOCAL AMBULANCE CREWS VISIT ALBANY
Senator Jim Wright met with local commercial ambulance
crews on Tuesday in Albany. The group, comprised of
leaders of commercial ambulance squads from Jefferson,
Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties, talked with Senator
Wright about local emergency management issues and their
legislative priorities.
Richville Library
Welcomes Senator Wright
Senator Wright visited
the Richville Free Library on Thursday, and Librarian
Lila Youngs gave him a tour of the one-room facility.
Senator Wright recently announced that he has secured
$10,000 for the Richville Library, which will be used to
to construct an addition to the existing facility.
The addition will include
space for instruction and activities, technology center,
career center, reference and research, and
administration.
SENATOR WRIGHT HONORS
CLAYTON VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
Senator Jim Wright
recently attended the Clayton Volunteer Firefighters
annual awards banquet, where Mr. William Bender (left)
was honored as the 2007 Most Active Senior Firefighter,
and Mr. Ben Barton was honored as the 2007 Most Active
Junior Firefighter/ Explorer.
Senator Wright Announces $125,000 for DPAO
Senator Jim Wright
announced today that he has secured $125,000 for the
Disabled Persons Action Organization. The funding will
be used for the proposed construction of a new free
standing respite home. Senator Wright made the
announcement during a press conference at the DPAO
center in Watertown.
He was joined by Executive
Director, Joe Rich. The respite home will be for
developmentally disabled people of any age who currently
live at home with parents or caregivers. It is geared
toward providing temporary care for a developmentally
disabled individual when the family is confronted with
an emergency, has formal business, or needs time for
leisure or family support activities.
SENATE CALLS ON
GOVERNOR, ASSEMBLY TO ACT ON DEATH PENALTY BILLS
With four law
enforcement officers being shot in the last two weeks in
New York, including a state trooper who was killed
today, the New York State Senate joined with the state
Sheriff's Association today in Albany to call on
Governor Spitzer to push the Assembly to pass
legislation that would reinstate New York's death
penalty law and enact the dealth penalty for people who
kill police officers. The Senate has repeatedly dealth
penalty legislation.
Senator Jim Wright was
joined by Oswego County Sheriff and President of the NYS
Sheriff's Association Reuel Todd, who was meeting today
with legislators in the Capital.
"The Senate will
continue to do everything we can to reinstate the death
penalty to protect law enforcement officers and bring
the ultimate punishment on violent criminals who target
them," said Senator Wright. "These cowardly attacks on
law enforcement personnel are nothing less than assaults
on our families, communities, and our society's values."
Pictured: Livingston
County Sheriff and Chairman of the NYS Sheriffs
Association Executive Committee John York speaks with
Senator Wright, Sheriff Todd and other members of the
Senate.
SENATOR WRIGHT BROKERS
ELIMINATION
OF HEATING FUEL TAX
Senator Wright today
announced he has agreed to introduce legislation that
would continue the .75% sales tax for Jefferson County
which is set to expire in December of 2007. This
legislation will maintain the local sales tax level at
3.75 through 2009. The local sales tax extension
requires approval of the state legislature and the
consent of the Governor.
CLICK HERE FOR PRESS
RELEASE
Senator Jim Wright hosted the National Champion SUNY
Oswego mens hockey team in Albany on Wednesday.
A resolution honoring
the team was read during the Senate's session, and the
team also met with Governor Eliot Spitzer and were
introduced during the Assembly session. This is the
first national team championship in any sport for SUNY
Oswego.
Assemblymen Dave Townsend,
Bob Oakes, and Will Barclay joined Senator Wright, coach
Ed Gosek and members of the 2007 National NCAA
Championship Hockey team for a photo on the "Million
Dollar Staircase" in the Capitol.
SENATOR WRIGHT VIEWS DESTRUCTION AT PINE HILL CEMETERY
IN MORRISTOWN
Senator Jim Wright took in the destruction that recently
occurred as a result of vandalism at the Pine Hill
Cemetery in Morristown. Headstones, some dating back
nearly 300 years, were tipped over and smashed during a
vandal attack that is suspected to have occurred
Thursday night last week.
SENATOR WRIGHT ANNOUNCES FUNDS FOR REMINGTON ART MUSEUM
AND CITY OF OGDENSBURG
Senator Jim Wright announced recently that he has
secured $150,000 to assist the Frederic Remington Art
Museum with replacing its front porch and $100,000 to
assist the City of Ogdensburg with renovating the 420
Ford St. building.
 BIG
SKY AIRLINES OFFICIALLY OPERATING OUT OF OGDENSBURG
Senator Jim Wright participated in a ribbon cutting on
Tuesday at the George B. Looney Ogdensburg International
Airport to officially welcome Big Sky Airlines to
Ogdensburg and to open the new airport terminal. Big Sky
Airlines is now operating daily Delta Connection flights
out of Watertown, Ogdensburg and Massena non-stop to
Albany and Boston.
Senator Wright discusses the new air service with Big
Sky Airlines operations manager, Craig Denny
Mr.
George Looney cuts the ribbon with help from Ogdensburg
Mayor Bill Nelson and Wade Davis, Executive Director of
Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority. A
SWEET WEEKEND IN THE NORTH COUNTRY
As
part of the annual Maple Weekend of New York State,
Senator Wright visited Pierce's Sugar Spigot in
Harrisville, Lewis County. New York is the third leading
maple producing state in the nation. Early spring is
known as the "sugaring off" season in the maple
industry, because as the temperature climbs to the 40's
in the day and eases back below freezing at night, the
warm days and cool nights cause the sap to run through
the trees.
Senator Wright is pictured here with Carl and Karen
Pierce.
SENATOR WRIGHT RECEIVES
‘FRIEND OF AGRICULTURE’ AWARD
Senator Jim Wright is
this year’s recipient of the New York State Association
of County Agriculture Agents (NYSACAA) “Friend of
Agriculture” award. This award is given annually by
NYSACAA to one individual outside of the Cooperative
Extension System who has made significant contributions
to the agricultural industry of New York State.
SENATOR WRIGHT RECOGNIZED BY NEW YORKERS FOR
CONSTITUTIONAL FREEDOMS
At
their annual legislative conference in Albany on
Tuesday, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms
recognized Senator Jim Wright for receiving a 100%
rating from the organization for his voting record in
2006. NYCF is an organization that monitors legislation
regarding the preservation of Constitutionally
guaranteed freedoms.
SENATOR WRIGHT RECEIVES
FARM BUREAU'S CIRCLE OF FRIENDS AWARD
Members of the St.
Lawrence County Farm Bureau recently visited Albany
during the New York Farm Bureau's Legislative Days.
During their visit, St. Lawrence County Farm Bureau
President Jon Greenwood and members presented Senator
Wright with Farm Bureau's Circle of Friends award.
"It is an honor to receive
this recognition by New York Farm Bureau, an
organization that leads the fight for agricultural
issues and policies,"
Senator Wright said. "The collaborative efforts of the
New York State Legislature and New York Farm Bureau are
essential to ensuring a strong, thriving future for New
York agriculture."
The Circle of Friends award is based upon a legislator’s
voting record on issues of importance to New York
agriculture, sponsorship of bills that Farm Bureau
supported during the legislative session and
demonstrated understanding of and support for
agriculture in his or her district. Pictured from left
to right: Grace Hargrave, Jim Hargrave, Bernhard Gohlert,
Jon Greenwood, Senator Wright, Fred Perrin, Kirby
Selkirk.
SPORTSMEN MARCH ON ALBANY!
Senator Jim Wright Wright met with nearly two dozen
sportsmen from Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence
Counties on Tuesday in Albany. The men were in town as
part of the Annual Sportsmen March on Albany.
They
talked with Senator Wright on legislation regarding
issues such as youth hunting licenses and environmental
concerns.
GROUP URGES SENATOR WRIGHT TO INVEST IN KIDS
Four leaders of the "Invest in Kids NY" organization met
with Senator Jim Wright on Tuesday in Albany to ask for
his support for programs that help to keep at-risk youth
from committing crimes.
The
group included Oswego County Sheriff Reuel Todd, Invest
in Kids NY Director Meredith Wiley, Deputy Director
Arielle Bernstein (not pictured) and Janice Grieshaber.
Ms. Grieshaber and her family were large proponents of
Jenna's Law, as the legislation is named after their
late daughter. Jenna's Law requires first time violent
felons to serve 85% of their prison sentence.
SENATOR WRIGHT MEETS
WITH CHAIRMAN OF EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT CORP.
Senator Jim Wright
met with Pat Foye, the State Chairman of the Empire
State Development Corporation (ESDC), on Tuesday in
Albany.
Mr. Foye and Senator
Wright discussed state energy issues. On a local
level, they talked about the impact of low cost
power on Alcoa's future in Northern New York.
Alcoa's Massena facility is the longest continually
operating aluminum facility in the world. The
facility employs 1400 people and is the largest
employer in New York State north of the Thruway.
CONSTITUENTS ASK ABOUT
EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE, HIGHWAY FUNDING AT SENATOR'S
OSWEGO BUDGET HEARING
Senator Jim Wright held
his second of three district budget hearings in Oswego
Thursday evening. Constituents asked him questions and
voiced concerns about issues ranging from health care
funding to criminal justice services funding.
Senator Wright will hold
his third district budget hearing in Canton on Thursday,
March 15th. This meeting will be held at the County
Courthouse and will begin at 6:30 pm. SENATOR WRIGHT HOLDS
FIRST OF THREE DISTRICT BUDGET HEARINGS
Senator Wright holds
town hall meetings across his district annually. This
year, he scheduled these meetings around the negotiation
period of the budget so that he could hear input from
constituents on state budget items that are important to
them.
The first of three meetings
took place last week at the State Office Building in
Watertown. Senator Wright has two more budget hearings
scheduled in his district:
March 8
Oswego County Courthouse
2nd Floor
Oswego
6:30-8pm
March 15
St. Lawrence County Courthouse
Legislative Chambers
Canton
6:30-8 pm
SENATOR WRIGHT TAKES
PART IN READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY
In celebration of Read
Across America Day, Senator Jim Wright read "The Cat in
the Hat" to a group of 475 students, as well as teachers
and parents, at Knickerbocker Elementary in Watertown.
This year marks the 10th
anniversary of Read Across America Day-- which coincides
with Dr. Seuss's birthday-- and the 50th anniversary of
"The Cat in the Hat."
SENATOR WRIGHT VISITS
JEFF-LEWIS BOCES
In recognition of
Career & Technology
Education Month, Jefferson-Lewis BOCES invited Senator
Jim Wright to tour the Watertown campus, which has
undergone extensive renovations and upgrades to
classroom and hands-on learning areas. During the tour,
culinary students presented Senator Wright with a cake
in celebration of his birthday last week.
Following the tour, Senator
Wright spoke at press conference about the importance of
a BOCES education and the need for technically skilled
workers in the North Country. BOCES Superintendant Jay
Boak unveiled Jeff-BOCES new logo and tagline: "BOCES
Career Tech: Training Tomorrow's Workforce...Today".
SENATOR WRIGHT SWEARS IN
LOCAL COUNTY SHERIFFS
Oswego County Sheriff
Reuel Todd was sworn in yesterday in Albany by his wife,
Valerie, and Senator Jim Wright. Sheriff Todd was also
elected President of the New York State Sheriff's
Association.
Senator Wright also
swore in Jefferson County Sheriff John Burns. The
Sheriff's were in town for the New York State Sheriff's
Association annual meeting.
SNOW, SNOW AND MORE SNOW
Senator Wright visited
Oswego County again on Friday, as a noreaster and
continuing lake effect dumped more snow on the area this
week. This time, Senator Wright stopped in Parish,
Mexico and Pulaski, where he talked with local officials
and ambulance crews about how communities are coping
with the relentless snow. Senator Wright also met with
National Guard Highway crews as they worked to move snow
off the roads. As a result of the state of emergency
that Governor Spitzer declared in Oswego County late
last week, the area is receiving assistance from the
National Guard.
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