![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/02-10-15_official_hs_omara-hs-040_0.jpg?itok=gJ9N77KJ)
Independence Day 2011
Thomas F. O'Mara
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My best wishes for a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July celebration.
And a reminder of the foundation of this proud national observance: America's Declaration of Independence.
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Go to Newsroom![Senator O'Mara shares his weekly perspective on issues facing New York State government.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/weeklycolumn-image2_2.jpg?itok=345o1W4Q)
!["Heroin and opioid abuse is devastating lives in Penn Yan, Hornell, Ithaca, Elmira and many other communities throughout the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, and statewide. Local input will remain the driving force behind the actions we take to strengthen the state-local partnership critical to putting in place the most effective strategy of law enforcement, awareness and education, and treatment and prevention," said Senator O'Mara, who sponsored a task force forum in Penn Yan last year.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/herointaskforce-pennyan2_newweb2_2.jpg?itok=Wv6SELt_)
![“It’s proven a useful tool in sparking local economic development, creating local jobs and energizing community pride,” said Senator O'Mara.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/elmira_newweb.jpg?itok=XwhLusLH)