Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua) was the keynote speaker at the 2013 GED Graduation Ceremony at Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) on Sunday, June 9, 2013 at the FLCC campus in Canandaigua. About 200 family members and friends were on hand to honor 101 students as they received their diplomas.
Leader Kolb, a proud alumnus of FLCC and the recipient of the 2012 “Distinguished Alumni Award” recognized the commitment and hard work the graduates put into their achievement. “There’s no set time or right time to accomplish things. What’s important is to keep on the path that’s right for you,” said Leader Kolb.
“As an educator, I understand the hard work and dedication that each and every one of these graduates has put into their studies,” continued Leader Kolb. “These students are from every walk of life – from future college students to business owners. They’ve shown their dedication to achieving excellence in their education by studying for the GED while also fulfilling their work and family responsibilities.”
An open government and freedom of information are important components of a properly functioning legislative process. This is especially important in June, when measures are introduced and passed in haste – often with little notice to legislators and community groups. In this week’s column, I will share my ideas for creating a more effective, responsive and transparent state government that truly represents all New Yorkers.
ALBANY MUST TAKE UP REFORMS TO ENSURE A MORE TRANSPARENT AND EFFECTIVE PROCESS
The end-of-session rush too often compromises proper time, attention and debate about critical public policies. It is no different this year. With less than a week remaining on the legislative calendar, the Assembly has yet to see details of major legislative items that address casinos, tax-free economic development, and women’s equality. The important nature of these bills necessitates a thorough analysis and discussion. Attempts to rush bills through the Legislature by issuing “messages of necessity” should never take place next week or anytime – unless a true emergency exists.
When bills are passed quickly in Albany without public discussion and an open process, the will of the people is not respected. As legislators, we should make every effort to implement a more efficient and effective process that emphasizes the importance of public input and information. I’m proud to have supported the following reforms to put people ahead of politics by promoting greater transparency and public input: [click to continue…]
