http://www.registerstar.com/chatham_courier/news/article_b6a72cc4-866e-11e2-9b76-001a4bcf887a.html
Mobile office must go on: Assemblyman’s chief of staff fills in
By Katie Kocijanski | Posted: Wednesday, March 6, 2013 11:00 amAUSTERLITZ — Concerns from residents of Austerlitz were heard Feb. 28 during a mobile office held by Assemblyman Steven F. McLaughlin (R-107th). While McLaughlin was unable to attend due to executive session in Albany, his chief of staff, Nick Wilock, filled in.
“It’s important to the assemblyman to get out and talk to the people who live in his district. It helps shape our legislative agenda and we are able to properly represent the views of our district,” said Wilock.
Issues brought to the mobile office included education concerns, such state aid, teacher evaluations, teacher retirement and the tenure system. Residents also expressed support for McLaughlin’s stance on the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act of 2013, which was written in response to the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
Wilock stated that McLaughlin is not in favor of the new legislation and believes there should be a full repeal of it. The process by which the act was brought about is “an abuse of executive power,” he stated, adding that it is an unjust way to pass the bill.
Resident Richard Madonia met with Wilock to discuss the proposed resolution for a speed reduction (from 40 mph to 30) on Route 203 in the hamlet of Spencertown. McLaughlin had previously sent a letter of support to Madonia.
“This is a passionate local issue that we support. It is a safety concern for the area,” said Wilock. He further explained that McLaughlin is in favor of an independent engineer coming in and doing a traffic survey of the area. Pending the results of the study, further decisions can be made.
Wilock also stated that the assemblyman discussed improving conditions of the roadways in the hamlet and throughout the town. It was recommended that strategies with the state Department of Transportation (DOT) be discussed to help improve the roadways in some way.
In January, McLaughlin was made a ranking minority member of the Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry. Economic development is a big priority for the assemblyman. Wilock stated that McLaughlin is a big advocate for more funding for local businesses.
“These mom and pop shops in towns like Austerlitz and Spencertown are the backbone of many of these upstate communities. We support them fully,” said Wilock, adding that McLaughlin and his staff pride themselves on helping local businesses navigate their way through any issues they are having.
Education is another focus for McLaughlin. An educational summit is being planned for sometime in the beginning of April for all school districts in the 107th District. Wilock said the assemblyman has reached out to all superintendents in his district and asked them to send one teacher from their school district to the conference.
Wilock stated that McLaughlin’s office never hears from the teachers in his district and this summit will give them an opportunity to talk about the disconnect between the classroom and representatives in Albany.
This is a good time for teachers to voice their concerns, stated Wilock.
McLaughlin’s office in Castleton-on-Hudson has been relocated to 258 Hoosick St., Suite 109, Troy, (518) 272-6149.
