Dear Editor, The situation with the Stafford Fire Department, and now other local charitable organizations, is extremely troubling. I have been attending the Stafford Fire Department’s car raffle since I was young, and I know their role in giving back to the community and the resources they require to keep us safe. I made a commitment to change the outdated statutes that hinder organizations like these, and I will do the best I can to fulfill that commitment. Counter to the inaccurate Batavia Daily News article published this week, I am working very closely with members of the Majority to convince them to make a hard push for legislation that would help our local fire departments advertise their raffles legally. I’ve met with the Chairman of the NYS Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, on four separate occasions. I believe having bipartisan support and cooperation, especially from the Committee Chair, is the best way to achieve success. Believe me when I say I am doing everything in my power to get legislation passed that would bridge the gap between technology and archaic statutes for our local fire departments, service clubs and churches. Sincerely,
Assemblyman Steve Hawley