White Plains CitizeNetReporter - Naomi Matusow Bids Her District a Melancholy Fairwell

WPCNR ALBANY GAZETTE. By New York Assemblyperson Naomi Matusow. November 20, 2002: In a formal letter to her constituents, Ms. Matusow reflects on her ten years spent in the New York State Assembly, and issues a hope for the future.

NAOMI MATUSOW
New York State Assemblyperson
89th District
Photo by WPCNR News

To the Editor November 19, 2002

From Naomi Matusow, Assemblywoman, 89th A.D.

Re: Thank you to my constituents

Now that the election is over and I've had time to consider the disappointing results, I find myself reflecting on the wonderful experience I have enjoyed over the last ten years representing the people of the 89th Assembly District.

From the outset, my goal has been to make a difference. I am so grateful to the voters who gave me the opportunity to achieve that goal.

I was successful in increasing state aid to public education for the 89th Assembly District.

As the result of my efforts to enhance public safety, New York has imposed a state-wide ban on assault weapons, and requires fingerprinting and background checks of school personnel, as well as mandatory reporting of allegations of child molestation to law enforcement personnel.

MS. MATUSOW ON WHITE PLAINS WEEKin July, with Alex Philippidis, left, and John Bailey.
PHOTO BY WPCNR NEWS

I led the way for New York to adopt tough air quality standards for jet skis. By creating the "Drive Out Diabetes" special license plate, I found a way to fund research to find the cure and to educate the public about this life-threatening disease.

As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology, I increased funding for libraries and highlighted their importance to our communities.

I hope my colleagues will carry on my mission to ban fifty caliber weapons; to extend the mandatory reporting of allegations of child molestation to day camps, sleep-away camps, child-care centers and other child-related organizations; to fight for more library aid; and of course to provide more state school aid for elementary, secondary and post-secondary education.

I will continue to pursue these and other important goals. I will persist in working to close the Indian Point nuclear energy facility while at the same time promoting alternative energy solutions. My commitment to the preservation of open space will not diminish.

I will also work to bring more attention to the importance of directing resources to children from birth to age three in order to maximize the so-called "window of opportunity" for our youngest citizens. In 2001, Speaker Silver and my colleagues agreed to include $1 million in the Assembly's proposed budget for a program I designed and named Baby Steps. It would have provided grants to libraries working with parents of young children. I wish that the Senate and the Governor had agreed to include it in the final budget.

Photo by WPCNR News

Had I been returned to office, these are the issues I would have pursued. Now, only the venue has changed. To everyone who gave me the unique opportunity of serving in the New York State Assembly, I say thank you? Two words that cannot begin to express the depth of feeling they represent.

Please keep in touch with me. Together we can continue to work to make a difference.

Assemblywoman Naomi C. Matusow

89th Assembly District

District Office

125-131 East Main Street

Mount Kisco, NY 10549

phone: (914) 241-2649

fax: (914) 241-0822

e-mail: matusow@assembly.state.ny.us


Create an account		The White Plains Daily Internet Newspaper...Founded 2000 A.D....


			Designed and hosted by WestchesterInternet.com