Corning, N.Y., January 22—New York State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R-C-I, Corning) will hold a series of community meetings across the region throughout 2014, beginning next week with public forums in the Steuben County towns of Howard and Erwin.

The local lawmakers said that the meetings are informal and open to the public. They’re aimed at giving local residents an opportunity to directly share their concerns, opinions and suggestions for better government.

“We hope our constituents will take advantage of these community meetings to learn more about and contribute to this year’s challenges and debates over taxes, regulations, mandates, economic development, health care, education, and other key issues,” O’Mara and Palmesano said in a joint statement. “Community meetings offer the kind of direct give-and-take that’s fundamental to effective government.”

On Wednesday, January 29, O’Mara and Palmesano will visit the Howard Town Hall (3725 Mill Road, Avoca) for a meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The following day, Thursday, January 30, the legislators will be at the Erwin Town Hall (310 Town Center Road, Painted Post) for a meeting that also begins at 5:30 p.m.

They stressed that any local residents unable to attend next week’s meetings can always contact them directly to share specific concerns and suggestions.

O’Mara and Palmesano share a district office in Bath (105 E. Steuben Street, Bath, N.Y., 14810) where O’Mara can be contacted at 607-776-3201 and Palmesano at 607-776-9691.

They also can be contacted by e-mail: O’Mara at omara@nysenate.gov and Palmesano at almesanop@assembly.state.ny.us.