Senator O'Mara and Assemblyman Friend hold community meeting in Montour Falls tomorrow, Elmira next week

Elmira, N.Y., January 19—New York State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) and Assemblyman Chris Friend (R-Big Flats) reminded area residents that they will hold a community meeting in Montour Falls tomorrow, Friday, January 20, 2012.

O’Mara and Friend also announced that they have scheduled a community meeting in Elmira next week, on Thursday, January 26, 2012.  The January 26th meeting in Elmira is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. at Elmira College (Hamilton Hall).

This Friday’s meeting in Montour Falls is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Schuyler County Human Services Complex (OFA Dining Hall—entrance on the right side of the building).

O’Mara said that additional meetings will be held throughout 2012 in towns and villages across the remainder of his 53rd Senate District, which is comprised of Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties, and a portion of Tompkins County (the city and town of Ithaca, and the towns of Enfield, Newfield and Ulysses).  Friend’s 137th Assembly District covers Chemung and Schuyler counties, and a portion of Tioga County.

The local lawmakers said that the meetings are informal and open to the public.  They’re aimed at giving local residents an opportunity to directly share their concerns, opinions and suggestions for better government.

“We hope area residents will take advantage of these community meetings to contribute to the debates over taxes, economic development, health care, budget reform, Medicaid reform and other key issues," O’Mara and Friend said in a joint statement.  “Community meetings offer one of the best and most effective ways to receive direct constituent feedback and input.”

The legislators stressed that any local residents unable to attend their meetings in Montour Falls or Elmira can contact them directly to share specific concerns and suggestions.

O’Mara’s district office in Elmira can be reached at 607-735-9671.  Friend’s district office in Big Flats can be contacted at 607-562-3602.