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Senator O'Mara's weekly column "From the Capitol..."
Thomas F. O'Mara
April 19, 2011
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It's going to be a pivotal year in New York State government. That's one thing most Albany observers already agree on. The challenges have never been greater. Throughout 2011, Senator O'Mara will offer his weekly perspective on many of the key issues, as well as on legislative actions, local initiatives, state programs and policies, and so much more. Stop back every Monday for Senator O'Mara's latest column "From the Capitol..."
This week, "New York's not all big cities"
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Go to Newsroom![In Senator O'Mara's district office in Elmira on Wednesday, the senator and Robin DeLong of GST BOCES present Amna Gafsi of Horsheads with a Legislative Proclamation commending her achievement.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/nyacce_studentoftheyear_newweb_copy.jpg?itok=QENSkJ0P)
![“They and all of their fellow graduates will serve all New Yorkers as proud members of the New York State Police, which is revered and respected as one of the world’s finest law enforcement agencies," said Senator O'Mara.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/new_york_state_police_seal_newweb.png?itok=z22vB8r9)
![“Our volunteer fire departments have long been the foundation of public safety and security, and the center of community service and civic pride, and we can’t risk their decline," said Senator O'Mara.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/emergencyservices_newweb_1.jpg?itok=qrrvdNCL)