Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) today urged the Governor to sign legislation that would create a temporary commission to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of The War Of 1812. The bill was delivered to the Governor’s office this week. An earlier version of this bill was vetoed by Governor Paterson. Barclay said he hopes that will not be the case this year, as this cmmission would promote local tourism, specifically Fort Ontario and the Seaway Trail.

“It is my hope that the Governor signs this bill to help bolster local tourism. My office and I fought hard to include Fort Ontario in this legislation when it was originally excluded. Fort Ontario does a great job drawing nearby and out-of-town tourists to Oswego, who in turn support the local businesses,” said Barclay. “With this commission, places like Fort Ontario, the Seaway Trail, Old Fort Niagara, and Sackets Harbor would be able to draw international visitors to reenactments and other anniversary events held throughout 2015. It would be an opportunity for school-aged kids to learn about history in a fun way and would honor our ancestors who fought to protect our freedoms,” added Barclay.