SENATOR MARCHIONE NAMES JAMES HAGGERTY AS THE 43^rd SENATE DISTRICT’S INDUCTEE TO THE 2013 NEW YORK STATE VETERANS HALL OF FAME

James Haggerty is a United States Marine, a veteran of the Korean War, recipient of numerous awards, citations and recognitions for his service and bravery, is a tireless advocate for veterans, also serves as District Veteran Director for United States Congressman Chris Gibson

 Senator Kathleen A. Marchione (R,C-Halfmoon) today announced that James A. Haggerty, a distinguished member of the United States Marine Corps, a veteran of the Korean War, a decorated combat veteran, and a resident of the Village of Valatie in Columbia County, is her inductee from the 43^rd Senate District for the 2013 New York State Veterans Hall of Fame. Mr. Haggerty presently serves as the District Veteran Director for United States Congressman Chris Gibson and has long been a tireless advocate for veterans and their families.

Senator Marchione honored Mr. Haggerty during a special public luncheon in Albany today as part of the State Senate’s 2013 “Veterans Hall of Fame” induction ceremony where each of the 63 State Senators installed their district’s nominee to the Veterans Hall of Fame. The nominees also will be recognized and honored on the State Senate Floor during today’s Session.

The Veteran’s Hall of Fame is designed to pay tribute and honor the selfless service and personal sacrifice of New York veterans whose courageous service in America’s Armed Forces is complemented by their service to the community. The State Senate honored Mr. Haggerty, and all Veterans Hall of Fame inductees, during today’s special recognition ceremony where each honoree’s photograph and biography will become part of a special on-line exhibit proclaiming the contributions, heroism, service and sacrifice of New York’s veterans.

The New York State Veteran’s Hall of Fame – www.nysenate.gov/report/2013-veterans-hall-fame-award-recipients – was created in 2005 to honor outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in the military and in civilian life. Their meritorious service to a grateful state and nation deserves special public recognition that only a Veteran’s Hall of Fame can provide, as a fitting expression of gratitude and admiration.

James Haggerty served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1954, and is a Combat-Disabled veteran of the Korean War. His awards and citations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; Navy Presidential Unit Citation; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars; United Nations Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; New York State Medal for Merit; and the New York State Conspicuous Service Star.

Mr. Haggerty has served as an advocate of veterans for decades, and is the Co-Chair and one of the original organizers of the group Capital Region Homeless Veterans Stand Down.

 Mr. Haggerty is the President of the Eastern New York Homeless Veterans Coalition; President of the Veteran Care Board at Stratton VA Hospital; and Executive Vice President, and Past President, of the New York State Council of Veterans Organizations, representing 38 veterans groups. He is the Vice Executive Director of the Marine Coordinating Council and a member of the Columbia County Honor-a-Vet Committee. Mr. Haggerty also is a life member of 15 veteran national service organizations including Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

 Mr. Haggerty has been an active volunteer in his community as a member of St. John’s Pastoral Council, Kinderhook Lake Corporation, Kinderhook Board of Assessment Review and the Kinderhook Zoning Board. He retired from the State Department of Labor as the Assistant Director of Veterans Programs and Training, and currently holds the position of District Veteran Director for Congressman Chris Gibson. He has been married to Norah Haggerty for 59 years; they have four children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mr. Haggerty’s name – and impressive military service and veterans advocacy credentials – was submitted as a candidate to the 2013 New York State Veterans Hall of Fame for the 43^rd Senate District by Thomas Rielly. A total of 14 veterans were nominated for consideration.

Assisting Senator Marchione in selecting Mr. Haggerty as the inductee for the 43^rd Senate District – which includes parts of Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington Counties, and all of Columbia County – was an Advisory Panel of local veterans. Serving on the Advisory Panel were: United States Air Force Sergeant Allen Ayotte of Halfmoon; United States Army Colonel Charlie Johnson of Troy; and United States Army Specialist Vince Grimaldi of Taghkanic.

“With so many terrific nominees from the 43^rd Senate District, I truly appreciate Senator Marchione selecting me as her nominee for the 2013 New York State Veterans Hall of Fame. This is a tremendous honor and something I will forever remember. Serving our veterans and meeting their needs has been, and continues to be, my personal mission,” Mr. Haggerty said.

“Just as a veteran’s service does not end when they take off the uniform, the needs of our veterans also continue. We need to keep assisting veterans with effective services, programs and policies that honor their service, support their families and help them make the transition back home. Senator Marchione is already doing this through her support for the PFC Joseph Dwyer PTSD Peer-to-Peer Veterans Counseling Program, as well as the ‘Hire a Vet’ tax credits that were part of this year’s State Budget,” Mr. Haggerty stated.

“There were so many wonderful candidates for consideration as my inductee for the 2013 New York State Veterans Hall of Fame; choosing just one person from a whole host of heroes was far from an easy choice. However, James Haggerty’s bravery and service to America – during wartime and peacetime – truly signaled that he was the right choice, the best choice, to serve as my inductee to the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame. James Haggerty is a true advocate for veterans, their families, and their specialized needs and I was so very proud to name him as our inductee for the 43^rd Senate District,” Senator Marchione said.

“I thank James Haggerty, and all the nominees who were considered, for their service and sacrifice. America truly is a great and blessed nation because of the courage of the men and women who wear our nation’s uniform. We say ‘thank you’ so much to veterans like James Haggerty, and to all of his fellow 2013 Veterans Hall of Fame inductees, because we can never, ever say it enough,” Senator Marchione concluded.

Dr. Bovenzi is a Pediatrician and owner of Genesis Pediatrics, served as Co-Chair of Capital Region Heart Gallery and is helping families challenged by Lyme Disease

Senator Kathleen A. Marchione (R,C-Halfmoon) today announced that she has selected Dr. Kari Bovenzi of Wynantskill, as her “2013 Woman of Distinction” for the 43^rd Senate District, which includes parts of Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington Counties, and all of Columbia County. The announcement of Dr. Bovenzi as Senator Marchione’s 2013 Woman of Distinction was made today as the State Senate honored all of the 2013 Women of Distinction from each of the 63 Senatorial Districts during a special recognition ceremony held in Albany. Dr. Bovenzi is included in the Senate’s statewide 2013 Women of Distinction printed program, website and public gallery on display in the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

Dr. Bovenzi is a Pediatrician, the owner of Genesis Pediatrics, and also served as co-chair of Capital Region Heart Gallery, an organization formed to assist older children and sibling groups waiting for adoption. Dr. Bovenzi is winning her own battle with chronic Lyme Disease, is speaking out to raise public awareness of the growing regional concern of Lyme Disease, and assists many families doing battle with the challenges of Lyme Disease at her Pediatric practice.

Dr. Bovenzi volunteered with Kid’s Celebration Children’s Ministry at Grace Fellowship, was a board member of Alpha Pregnancy Care Center and the Loudonville Christian School and was a recipient of the Capital Region Leaders in Business Award and the Community Leading Women Award. She also was an Adjunct Professor at SUNY Albany. Previously, Dr. Bovenzi served as Emma Willard School Physician and as WGY Radio’s Children’s Wellness Doctor.

In total, Senator Marchione received nine local nominations for the popular and prestigious Women of Distinction Program. Women living in the 43^rd District were eligible for nomination and a special Advisory Panel of local women assisted Senator Marchione in reviewing all the nominations. The Panel was comprised of local educators, artists and business owners, all of whom have served their communities as leaders and volunteers, and included Linda Sharpe of Germantown, Susan Reynolds of Easton and Sheila Lobdell of West Sand Lake.

“I received nominations of many accomplished, impressive, community-minded women from across the 43^rd Senate District, so selecting the 2013 Woman of Distinction was not an easy assignment for me and my Advisory Panel. Dr. Bovenzi’s personal battle with Lyme Disease – and how she is managing this challenge and using her experience and extensive medical training to help families in the Capital Region also dealing with Lyme Disease – truly distinguished her,” said Senator Marchione, who in 2010 was named a Senate Woman of Distinction.

“Dr. Bovenzi’s commitment to children and families is strong, as evidenced through her life and work that includes private medical practice, academia, public health and many charitable leadership and community service positions. Dr. Bovenzi is a woman of character, a woman of courage, and now she is the 2013 Woman of Distinction for our 43^rd Senate District. I am proud to have selected Dr. Bovenzi, and so very proud of all the distinguished and accomplished nominees that I received and reviewed for this important program. Our 43^rdSenate District is truly fortunate to have such an abundance of women of distinction,” Senator Marchione stated.

“I want to thank Senator Marchione, and the Advisory Panel, for naming me the 2013 Woman of Distinction for the 43^rd Senate District. This recognition is truly an honor that I will always appreciate. I also want to recognize my fellow nominees considered for this terrific program, and especially thank my family for all of their love and support,” Dr. Bovenzi said.

“I believe that every woman truly is a woman of distinction and deserves to have her life and personal achievements recognized, honored and appreciated, which is why I strongly supported the 2013 Women of Distinction Program and will continue building on, and promoting, this wonderful initiative so more women can have their lives, their work and their accomplishments commemorated,” concluded Senator Marchione.

All of Senator Marchione’s 2013 Women of Distinction nominees for the 43^rd Senate District will receive an official Senate Certificate and have their many achievements publicly recognized during a special local ceremony on May 30. In addition, all the nominees will have their picture and biographical information included as part of a local commemorative program.

Biography: Kari Bovenzi, MD

 Kari Bovenzi, MD is a Pediatrician and the owner of Genesis Pediatrics. Dr. Bovenzi was the co-chair of Capital Region Heart Gallery, an organization formed to assist older children and sibling groups who are waiting for adoption.

Dr. Bovenzi is winning her own battle with chronic Lyme disease and is speaking out to help raise public awareness of the growing regional concern of Lyme disease. Dr. Bovenzi also assists many families doing personal battle with the challenges of Lyme disease at her Pediatric practice.

Dr. Bovenzi volunteered with Kid’s Celebration Children’s Ministry at Grace Fellowship and was a board member of Alpha Pregnancy Care Center and the Loudonville Christian School. She was a recipient of the Capital Region Leaders in Business Award and the Community Leading Women Award. She also was an Adjunct Professor at SUNY Albany. Previously, Dr. Bovenzi served as Emma Willard School Physician and as WGY Radio’s Children’s Wellness Doctor.

Dr. Bovenzi put herself through college and medical school with little outside help.  She graduated from SUNY Buffalo and Albany Medical College, and earned her Master’s in Counseling from SUNY Albany. Dr. Bovenzi is a Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners and has received the American Academy of Pediatrics Residency Scholarship Award, the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Research Endeavors and also has been named to the Dean’s List.

Dr. Bovenzi lives in Wynantskill, is married to Christopher Bovenzi and has three children: Elivia, Charlotte and Elijah. She is a loving, doting grandmother and finds time to enjoy sewing, the violin and gourmet cooking.

Dr. Bovenzi’s life and work of helping children and serving the greater Capital Region testify to her character, courage and commitment as an inspirational Woman of Distinction.

Listening Tour kicks-off Wednesday, April 10, 7:00 p.m. at Saratoga Town Hall, continues on Thursday, April 25, 7:00 p.m. at Brunswick Town Hall, all constituents are welcome and invited!

Senator Kathleen A. Marchione (R,C-Halfmoon) today announced that her 2013 “Listening Tour” for the 43^rd Senate District will kick-off on April 10, in the Town of Saratoga, and continue on April 25, in the Town of Brunswick.  Senator Marchione invited all constituents to attend the two opening Listening Tour stops and share their concerns, and suggestions, regarding state and local issues.

During her Listening Tour, Senator Marchione will hear directly from constituents regarding the needs of their local communities and also will provide an update on the Legislative Session and the 2013-14 State Budget.  The particulars for the first two stops of Senator Marchione’s 2013 Listening Tour are as follows:

•  Wednesday, April 10, 7:00 p.m. at Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville; and
•  Thursday, April 25, 7:00 p.m. at Brunswick Town Hall, 336 Town Office Road, Troy.

“Listening to constituents, learning more about the unique needs of local communities throughout the 43^rd Senate District, providing an update on the 2013 Legislative Session and an overview of the 2013-14 State Budget, are important priorities and what I hope to accomplish during my upcoming Listening Tour.  My Listening Tour will stop at every Town, and every city, in all four counties located in the 43^rd Senate District,” Senator Marchione said.

“Most important, I look forward to the opportunity to personally meet with my constituents, introduce myself and learn more about what matters to them and their families.  I hope we will have a great turnout at every Listening Tour stop,” Senator Marchione stated.

Marchione was elected last fall to represent the 43^rd Senatorial District, which includes parts of Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington Counties, and all of Columbia County.

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Senator Marchione will introduce legislation later this week to repeal the unconstitutional provisions of new gun control law, will circulate legislation for co-sponsorship in Senate and Assembly

 100,000 signatures – in less than six days!  That’s how many signatures State Senator Kathleen A. Marchione’s (R,C-Halfmoon) on-line petition to repeal and replace New York’s unconstitutional, restrictive new gun control law has already received.   The petition passed the 100,000 mark and was at 100,002 signers at 7:46 p.m. this evening (Sunday, January 20, 2013).

Senator Marchione’s petition was launched on Tuesday, January 15, at 10:54 a.m. in response to the passage of legislation that restricted the Second Amendment Constitutional freedoms of law-abiding New Yorkers and did so without a single public hearing or opportunity for constituents to provide input.  Marchione voted against, and spoke against, the legislation in what was her first legislative vote as Senator on the opening day of the 2013 Legislative Session.

“Passing 100,000 signatures in less than six days is an incredible, stunning benchmark.  I am heartened that so many supporters of the Second Amendment have stood strong and stood with me in expressing their support for preserving and protecting our Constitutional right to keep and bear arms, and opposed the criminalization and stigmatization of law-abiding, responsible gun owners,” Senator Marchione said.

“I am hopeful that 100,000 signatures will be a floor, not a ceiling, and that Second Amendment supporters will keep spreading the word about this growing grassroots effort.  The next step will be my introducing legislation that repeals the unconstitutional parts of the new gun control law, while keeping the provisions that will help keep guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals and individuals with serious mental illness,” Senator Marchione stated.

For most of the week, on-line traffic to the petition – located at Marchione’s Senate page  – has been very heavy, reaching over 1,370 signatures an hour at its peak.  Approximately 96 percent of the petition signatures have come from inside New York , with four percent of the signatures coming from outside the state (including California and Canada), according to last review of signer residences on Thursday.  Senator Marchione is seeking to repeal and replace the unconstitutional provisions of the new gun control law while keeping provisions that strengthened Kendra’s Law, enacted Mark’s Law, increased penalties on criminals who use illegal guns and provided funding for schools to improve their security.

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Senator Marchione keeps her promise and votes “NO” on restrictive new gun control; will launch an on-line petition to repeal and replace package’s restrictive gun control measures, asks Second Amendment supporters to stand strong – and stand with her

Statement from New York State Senator Kathleen A. Marchione
(R,C-Halfmoon)

“Tonight, the Second Amendment Constitutional freedoms of every New Yorker were weakened by passage of restrictive new gun control. As shortsighted as the new gun control policy is, the hasty process used to adopt it was even worse. It was a shame that a Message of Necessity was used to rush this important measure through without a single public hearing or the proper time to carefully review the bill and consider alternatives. This is not how democracy is supposed to function. More time, more discussion, more dialog would have allowed our constituents to have a greater voice in this process and for legislators to hold town hall meetings and hear directly from the people they serve.

Law-abiding citizens are NOT the issue: millions of New Yorkers own firearms and do so safely, responsibly and legally. The real issue, the real threat, is criminals having guns and the seriously mentally ill obtaining access to guns. If tonight’s legislation focused solely on these issues, I would have voted yes. However, along with strengthening Kendra’s Law, enacting Mark’s Law, providing funding to further secure our schools, and cracking down on illegal guns – all of which are good ideas I strongly support – the bill contained restrictive new gun control that could weaken the Second Amendment. That is something I will not support.

The vote tonight is only the beginning of an important debate. I believe we need to repeal and replace parts of tonight’s legislation and keep the sections pertaining to increased penalties on criminals, use of illegal guns, securing our schools and addressing the seriously mentally ill. However, I cannot do it alone: I need Second Amendment supporters to stand strong and stand with me. I will be launching an on-line legislative petition on my Senate page to build public support for repealing and replacing the restrictive provisions passed tonight.

If every New Yorker who supports the Second Amendment makes their voices heard we can forge a true public safety remedy without curtailing the Second Amendment. This is no time to sit on the sidelines: every gun owner, hunter, sportsman and supporter of the Second Amendment must get involved. If you’ve been e-mailing, writing and calling, then keep doing so. If you are not registered to vote, get registered. Now is the time to be heard.”

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      NYS SENATOR KATHLEEN MARCHIONE ATTENDING COLUMBIA COUNTY SWEARING-IN CEREMONY TODAY AT 7:00 P.M. AT KOZEL’S RESTAURANT IN GHENT

      GHENT, NY – New York State Senator Kathleen A. Marchione (R,C-Halfmoon) will attend a swearing-in ceremony later TODAY, Saturday, January 12, 2013, at 7:00 p.m., at Kozel’s Restaurant located in Ghent, New York.  The particulars for the swearing-in ceremony later today are as follows:

WHAT:      Senator Kathleen A. Marchione (R,C-Halfmoon) attends Columbia County swearing-in ceremony

WHEN:      TODAY, Saturday, January 12, 2013, at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE:   Kozel’s Restaurant, located at 1006 Rte. 9H, Ghent

 *** PLEASE NOTE: There is a charge of $20 per person to cover the costs of this event that includes pizza, wings, refreshments and a DJ.

Members of the media are invited and welcome to attend this swearing-in ceremony.

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http://www.facebook.com/Marchione2012

To My Facebook Friends and Facebook Community:

First and foremost, THANK YOU for all your kind words, positive comments and encouragement regarding my support for protecting the Second Amendment Constitutional freedoms of all New Yorkers. Whether you agree or disagree with my position on this issue, I respect and appreciate everyone who makes their voice heard and takes part in our democratic process.

For the record – as many of you are already aware – I do NOT support the new restrictive gun control measures Governor Cuomo called for during his 2013 State of the State Address on Wednesday. I believe that enacting potentially unconstitutional and costly new gun control mandates are not the answer to keeping New Yorkers safe.

Instead of eroding the Second Amendment Constitutional freedoms of law-abiding gun owners (which I am proudly one of), we need to crack down on dangerous career criminals who use firearms in the commission of a crime, and also focus on keeping firearms out of the hands of seriously mentally ill individuals who pose a clear and present danger to themselves and others.

Regarding the interview I did yesterday with WRGB-TV (CBS 6), the following is some information I wanted you all to be aware of. Read the facts and decide for yourself:

• During my initial interview with WRGB after Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address had concluded (after being asked what I was hearing from constituents on the gun control issue) when I answered that it was “99.6%” of constituents who had expressed their opposition to further gun control, I was referring to communications received prior to the speech – in other words the constituents who had called, e-mailed, or written our office. I was NOT referring to the entire 43rd Senate District. If that came across as somehow unclear – and obviously, to some it did – that was not my intention! As your Senator, I will ALWAYS tell you the truth: you may not agree with my position on every issue, but you will know where I stand – and I will respond honestly;

• By the time of my interview Thursday, our office had received/logged approximately 151 constituent contacts regarding the Second Amendment. Of those contacts, we received 115 pro-Second Amendment e-mails and letters, and 24 pro-Second Amendment phone calls (by “pro-Second Amendment,” I am referring to messages that either called for protecting the Second Amendment, opposing the Governor’s new gun control proposals, or both). We also received 10 pro-gun control e-mails and one pro-gun control phone call (we also had another caller who did not state a position). To the best of our counting, our office had received these communications by the time of the interview. The WRGB piece mistakenly indicated that we had received 125 total communications on this issue. Again, keep in mind that these figures did NOT include Facebook comments;

• After my interview (which ended at approximately 2 p.m.), our office received 15 new phone calls from individuals who were pro-Second Amendment and strongly opposed many of the gun control measures that the Governor called for. We also heard from two constituents (via phone) who supported further gun control. Our office also received another (new) 56 e-mails in support of the Second Amendment and another 25 e-mails in support of the Governor’s gun control measures. All of these constituent contacts had come in after my interview was recorded.

To the best of our accounting, these are the facts and represent the views and opinions of individuals across the 43rd Senate District who have contacted our legislative office thus far. I realize this is an awful lot of information (and a very lengthy post!) but I thought it was important to share with you. Without question, this is a very polarizing issue and people on both sides certainly have strong feelings.

As State Senator for the 43rd District, I want you to know my position: I will continue to be a strong supporter of the Second Amendment Constitutional freedoms of all New Yorkers. I represent everyone and will always afford everyone – even those who disagree with me – the respect they deserve. You are my constituents and it is truly an honor to serve you.

Going forward, I hope you will continue making your voices heard and your views known. Please continue posting on my Facebook page and feel free to call our office at (518) 455-2381, or send an e-mail to my official Senate e-mail at: marchione@nysenate.gov.

Thanks for reading!

Kathy

 Statement from New York State Senator Kathleen A. Marchione (R,C-Halfmoon)

      “Governor Cuomo outlined many positive proposals during his 2013 State of the State Address today, including a commitment to no new taxes, growing our entrepreneurial and innovation economy to create more good-paying jobs, helping New York maintain and expand its educational edge, along with rewarding excellent teachers with performance pay.  These were good ideas and real solutions that I would support and look forward to partnering with him to achieve.

I was hoping to hear more about a specific plan to tackle the serious challenge of New York’s unfunded mandate crisis, as unfunded mandates are hurting taxpayers and pushing local governments to the brink of bankruptcy.  It is time to stop talking about unfunded mandates and actually do something; we need to pass a comprehensive mandate relief plan this session.  This must be a top priority, a bi-partisan priority.  Along with delivering unfunded mandate relief, we need a spending cap in place to ensure fiscal responsibility.

I do not support the new restrictive gun control measures the Governor called for today.  Like the Governor, I am a responsible gun owner, as are millions of law-abiding New Yorkers.  While I have yet to see the specific details or actual legislation, I have concerns – serious concerns – that these proposals could quickly become costly mandates, drive away employers like Remington Arms and curtail the Second Amendment Constitutional freedoms of gun owners.  New York State already has some of the toughest gun control laws in America; instead of weakening the Constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens, we should instead focus on keeping firearms out of the hands of seriously mentally ill individuals who pose a clear and present danger to themselves and others.  It is time for an honest and adult conversation about mental illness, how it is reported and treated, as well as examining access to mental health care, especially for individuals or families in crisis.  Enacting potentially unconstitutional and costly new gun control mandates are not the answer to keeping New Yorkers safe.”

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