Aubertine To Join Senate Leadership Team

Senator eager tobringpersonalexperience to new role aschairman of Ag Committee

WATERTOWN (December 8, 2008)—State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine said today that he is excited about his opportunity to serve in a key position within the new Senate leadership team as chairman of the Agriculture Committee.

"I’m extremely pleased that our incoming Senate president has chosen me to head the Agriculture Committee," Sen. Aubertine said. "The work of this committee is important to me both because of my experience as a farmer and its impact on the economy of our district. I’m glad to be able to bring my personal knowledge and experience to this committee."

Sen. Aubertine owns and operates his Cape Vincent farm on which he milked cows for more than three decades before he was elected to serve in state government. In the Assembly and in the Senate he has been a vocal advocate and recognized leader on agriculture issues. Sen. Malcolm Smith, the incoming President Pro Tempore, recognized Sen. Aubertine’s experience by selecting him to serve in this key leadership position.

"Agriculture is at the center of our upstate economy, but it is also crucial to the health and stability of our state’s economy as a whole," Sen. Aubertine said. "Farms generate wealth and through farm to fork programs and other efforts to put Upstate New York produce on the plates of people in New York City and other markets, Agriculture will continue to be a driving force in our state’s economy. I’m excited to be in this vital leadership position within our new Senate team."