On June 5, 2007 a group of citizens met at 6:00 a.m. and traveled to Albany to meet with New York State Senator Antoine Thompson (60th District) to talk about our concerns and to ask for help for our City.  Members of the group included Debbie Krieger owner of the Bada Bean Cafe, Norma Higgs, volunteer with the Niagara Falls Block Club Council and the Niagara Beautification Commission, Pat Bradley of  the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Patricia Barone of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, Roger Spurback, volunteer with the Niagara Falls Block Club Council, William Bradberry, City Administrator of the City of Niagara Falls, Lew Whitaker of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, Frank Strangio, Vice-President and General Manager of the Quality Inn Niagara, William Williamson from Canon Design, Eugene Frett, Arthur Ray, City Councilman Charles Walker and Art Ray Jr.

The group met with Senator Antoine Thompson in his office where they were joined by Senator Goerge Maziarz (61st District)and Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte (138th District) for a discussion on the New York State Parks.  Following that Mr. Vijay Macwan of the University Center for Academic and Workforce Development informed the group about the new job training center in Buffalo supported by the New York State Assembly and offered suggestions on vocational training centers for Niagara Falls.  The Chief Financial Officer of the NY State DOT, Michael Novakowski answered questions on infastructure challenges in Niagara Falls which Mr. Bradberry said were in deplorable condition.

Senator Thompson then led us to the Executive Offices of New York Governor Eliot Spitzer where we met with three of his high level staff, Mr. Marty Mack, Mr. Jim Clancy and Mr. Mike Schell.  These gentlemen listened to our concerns about deteriorating housing, crumbling infastructure, State signage on the New York Thruway directing tourists incorrectly and the pleas for economic assistance to help bring business and new residents to live and enjoy the City of Niagara Falls.

Following these visits the group was invited to watch a session of the New York State Senate from the visitors gallery and then went to the floor for a photo opportunity with Senator Thompson (See above). Senator Dale Voelker met with the group briefly before they left for the long ride home. 

All in all it was a worthwhile day spent to see our State government at work and to meet with some of the people that make decisions for us.  It is every citizens job to do just that.