Hawley Hosts Local Government Conference In Albany
Officials & Representatives from 139th Assembly District to Join Hawley at 3-Day Conference

Continuing his tradition of cooperative partnership with local officials and government agencies in Western New York, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-I-C - Batavia) hosted his first Local Government Conference this week in Albany. Nearly 80 officials and representatives from local governments within the 139th Assembly District joined Hawley at the event, which was highlighted by keynote speaker and Commissioner of the State Department of Agriculture, Patrick Hooker.

"Partnering together, we can serve the residents of Genesee, Monroe, Niagara and Orleans counties better. I have spent my life serving the residents of Western New York, as have many of my colleagues in local government, and this event was a great way to help open the doors between our community and the State," said Hawley, who is already planning the next conference to be held in 2010.

The purpose of the 3-day conference was to help cut red tape for local governments within the 139th Assembly District and assist them in dealing with state agencies. Traveling to Albany from Rochester by train, the officials and representatives attended a series of seminars, presented by various state agencies, on topics such as Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness, STAR, housing, and grant programs for agriculture and economic development.

Members of the State Legislature, including Senator Mary Lou Rath, Senator George Maziarz, Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, Assemblyman Bill Reilich and Assemblyman Joe Giglio (pictured above and to the right), joined Hawley and the group. During a dinner reception, Commissioner Hooker gave his keynote speech regarding the state of agriculture in Western New York and working together through the State Legislature and agencies to facilitate economic development through agricultural development in our community, calling Western New York's farms the "bread basket of the state."

"I look forward to continuing to work with the 80 or so men and women from Western New York who joined us here in Albany, and with my colleagues in the State Legislature and within the State agencies, such as Commissioner Hooker, to deliver meaningful and positive changes for our communities back home. I would like to heartily thank all the agencies, speakers and individuals who helped make this great event such a success," said the Assemblyman.