From the President's Desk . . .

Although the formal sessions didn't seem to have the same impact as previous years, we had the opportunity to grab a few minutes with Patrick Foye, Downstate Co-Chair, Empire State Development Corp., to discuss our plans for an International Landing Zone in Rockland. Also, we had a brief meeting with Jay Gallagher, Gannett's Albany Bureau Chief, which provided some insight into how the education funding issues were to be resolved for the budget. And, we had the opportunity to interact with colleagues from chambers of commerce from across the State.

We also had an enlightening luncheon meeting with members of the Health Plan Association which gave us the opportunity to learn about nuances of NY's healthcare issues not usually discussed in the Press or by advocates who just want more money distributed to their particular constituencies.

A unique part of the day was our meeting with the NY Public Interest Research Group, Common Cause and the League of Women Voters. These organizations are part of a larger coalition of groups (Reform NY) seeking reform in Albany (see related stories in the On-Line Newsletter).

One of the reforms sought by this group is to change the way legislative district lines are redrawn. This is an issue that should be of particular concern to Rockland and Orange Counties because of the way in which we were treated after the 2000 Census. Due to political whim and personal animous toward Congressman Ben Gilman, we lost our 20th Congressional District and were parcelled-out to three other districts. Some say we're better off with three Congressional representatives, but I only hear that from political partisans. For the rest of us, we were simply disrespected by those responsible for the process. Both Rockland and Orange had increased population from the previous census, we should not have lost our District. We shouldn't be three per cent of one district, or nine percent of another or linked to The Bronx, with which we have no contiguous border or similarity in demographics. We should be the loudest voice for change.

So, we met with people with whom we may only share common ground on this one issue. And, we're going to discuss it in our Government Affairs Committee meetings and, hopefully, it will be referred to the Executive Committee and the full Board. Who knows, the RBA may be the first, if not the only, business association to join the Reform NY coalition. Quite frankly, my friends, it's long overdue that those individuals and organizations that are capable of creating change come together, where possible. Even if there's only one issue on which we agree, we have an obligation to move forward, collaboratively, on those issues and then agree to respectively disagree on the others.

Just recently, we reached out to the Building Trades Unions to discuss the possibility of working together to rid NY of the Wicks Law. And, guess what? I think it can happen. John Maraia, Business Manager of IBEW 363 and head of our Central Labor Council, has responded graciously. He also sent me a considerable amount of documentation for a possible solution. But, most importantly he said, "The support of the Rockland Business Association regarding the enclosed would be appreciated." Well, John, the opportunity to work with you on this issue is appreciated. We look forward to the possibilities.

So, again, I thank those who participated in Small Business Day. I trust you found it informative. I think we embarked on a new level of involvement that reflects our maturity and sophistication in the area of legislative advocacy. And, I hope more of you will become involved as we pursue these matters of significant importance to our association, our community and our state.