OLEAN – More than 60 people attended Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski’s first town hall meeting Thursday at the John J. Ash Community Center in Olean.

“We had a great turnout and it was exactly what I was hoping for. As their voice in Albany, getting feedback from everyone in the district is incredibly important to me. This is democracy in action. I’ll be holding other town halls in Allegany and Steuben counties in the coming months,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said.

Residents asked about budget negotiations in Albany, the HALT Act and how it’s impacting the ongoing prison crisis and the impact of proposed state and federal budget cuts.

“We had a lively discussion, but that’s the point. In America, the voters are sovereign. It’s their government. It’s an honor and a privilege to represent the nearly 135,000 people of the 148^th Assembly District in Albany and it’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly. Being accessible to the folks I represent is an integral part of my job.

“I want to thank everyone who took the time out of their busy day to come to my town hall and share their thoughts and concerns with me. I also want to thank the city of Olean for hosting us at the John Ash Community Center and Mayor Bill Aiello for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said.