Green Data Center Groundbreaking
Syracuse University and IBM are collaborating on developing a new,
energy efficient computer data center that uses 50 percent less energy
than a typical center. Assemblyman Magnarelli attended the
groundbreaking for the $12.4 million, 6,000-square-foot data center. The
center will have a liquid cooling system that will use an absorption chiller
unit to convert the heat generated by the computers and servers into
chilled water to cool the data center’s servers and building.
“It is exciting to see Syracuse University and IBM working together to
implement innovate energy saving technology,” Magnarelli said. “This
sort of project inspires others to evaluate, design and employ green
technology.”
Eric Spina, Vice Chancellor and Provost, Assemblyman Magnarelli and Chancellor
Nancy Cantor take part in the groundbreaking of the Green Data Center.
Assembly Passes Magnarelli’s Ethics Reform Legislation
Magnarelli, who chairs the Assembly Ethics Committee, sponsored the bill that would create the following bodies
to address the influence of special interest money, lobbying and ethics and perform investigations in state
government:
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New York State Commission on Lobbying Ethics and Compliance: A six-member independent state commission
focused on lobbying.
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Executive Ethics and Compliance Commission: This commission would be reconstituted to oversee the executive
branch’s ethics compliance, replacing the current Commission on Public Integrity.
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Joint Legislative Commission on Ethics Standards: This body would be responsible for ethics disclosure, training
and education for legislators and staff, advisory opinions, and the imposition of penalties for violations.
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Legislative Office of Ethics Investigation: This new, independent office would consist of eight members and receive
referrals from the Joint Legislative Commission on Ethics Standards and the Assembly and Senate standing committees
on ethics, as well as complaints about ethics violations from the public.
“It’s important that we strengthen New York’s ethics laws,” Magnarelli said. “This legislation develops a more
comprehensive approach to ethics reform that shines even greater light on our democratic process. By insisting
that all commissioners of ethics boards be truly independent, they can act without fear of retaliation. It also helps
to restore public confidence in state government, something we must always try to improve.”
P.E.A.C.E. Inc. purchased a van for the Westside Family Resource
Center with $25,000 secured by Assemblyman Magnarelli. The van
will be used to transport children and senior citizens to activities and
programs sponsored by P.E.A.C.E., Inc.
“I am happy to be able to provide such a needed essential to a group
that does so much for the individuals and families who live on the
Westside of Syracuse,” Assemblyman Magnarelli said.
Joe O’Hara, Executive Director of P.E.A.C.E. Inc.; Assemblyman Magnarelli;
Mary Alice Smothers, coordinator for P.E.A.C.E. Inc.; Sheena Solomon,
Neighborhood Advisory Council president; and Rev. Wiley Johnson pose for a
picture as the keys to the van are ceremoniously transferred.
Assemblyman Magnarelli greeted his
constituents at a Syracuse Symphony concert
hosted by Green Hill Farms Market. Heather
Hawkins, pictured with Magnarelli, was
instrumental in organizing and securing
funding for this event that brought world class
music to local residents. Assemblyman
Magnarelli recently awarded $25,000 to the
Syracuse Symphony Orchestra so that area
residents could share the wonderful talent and
musical pieces that the Syracuse Symphony
regularly performs.
Bill’s Bills
Below is a list of some of the bills, sponsored by Assemblyman
Magnarelli, that passed the Assembly during the 2009 session:
Red Light Cameras – (A7420-A) This legislation authorizes the city of
Syracuse to adopt a local law that would allow for the installation of traffic
control photo violation monitoring systems at up to 25 intersections
throughout the city. The violation would result in a fee-only ticket. No
points on the license would be issued from the violation. Buffalo, Rochester,
Yonkers, New York City and Nassau County have received similar legislation
and are implementing similar red light camera programs.
“The red light cameras are designed to help maintain traffic flow and the
safety of our streets,” Magnarelli said. “This legislation was introduced at
the request of the City of Syracuse administration.”
Interoperable Communication System – (A5013) This bill permits
Onondaga County to impose a surcharge on certain telephone lines to pay
for costs associated with emergency telephone system upgrades that would
allow all emergency responders to use the same radio channels as other
departments responding to an event. This surcharge will fund the radios and
towers needed to bring the interoperable system to Onondaga County.
“Without this temporary surcharge, the county would have to raise
property taxes to cover the cost,” Magnarelli said. “I introduced this bill at
the request of Onondaga County. It is strongly supported by first
responders who understand the importance of increased communication at
the scene of an emergency.”
Jade Alert – (A.5220-A) This legislation enacts a missing vulnerable
adult alert system employing federal, state and local resources in New York
State. This is similar to the Amber Alert, which Magnarelli also sponsored.
“This law takes advantage of new technology and will save more lives,”
Magnarelli said. “The age of a missing person doesn’t always correlate
with how vulnerable he or she is. It is important to have in place a system
that will instantly notify the authorities and public of a missing
individual.”
Sales Tax Extension – (A8034-A) This bill extends the current
authorization for Onondaga County to impose an additional 1% sales tax
rate through November 30, 2011. The Onondaga County Executive and
Legislature requested that Assemblyman Magnarelli sponsor this bill.
“Onondaga County relies on this sales tax to help balance its budget
without substantially increasing property taxes,” said Assemblyman Magnarelli.
Daytime Running Lights – (A317) This legislation authorizes insurance
companies to offer discounts for older vehicles retrofitted with daytime
running lamps. Many insurance companies offer a premium discount for
new cars made with this safety feature, which increases visibility of the car
to other drivers.
“By providing incentives for drivers to have safety features, such as
daytime running lamps retrofitted on their cars, we’re improving the safety
of our roadways,” Magnarelli said.
Assemblyman Magnarelli
recently attended Ray
Rinaldi’s NorthArea Athletic
and Educational Center’s
Reunion Luncheon. The
Center’s Programs help
children develop self esteem,
impulse control and discipline
through athletic competitions.
Assemblyman Magnarelli
recently awarded the Center
$50,000 to replace its roof and
$10,000 for new computers
and equipment.
