Assemblyman Brian Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua) has been appointed by Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco (R,C,I-Schenectady, Saratoga) to the position of Minority Leader Pro-Tempore, also known as Floor Leader, for the Assembly Minority for the upcoming 2007 Legislative Session.

The role of the Pro-Tempore is to lead debate on legislation brought to the floor of the Assembly, manage the debate process and advise fellow members on parliamentary law and strategy.

"Assemblyman Kolb is respected on both sides of the aisle for his intelligence, his principles, his fairness and his work ethic," said Tedisco. "Our conference is committed to holding the line on spending, and passing major property tax relief and government reform and Assemblyman Kolb will be leading the floor debate on these issues and many more and we couldn't ask for anyone better."

The position of Floor Leader is generally regarded as the 2nd-highest ranking position in the Minority Conference after Minority Leader. Kolb was first elected to the State Assembly in 1999.

"I am honored by this appointment and will use it to be a strong voice for my fellow members, my constituents, and all my fellow New Yorkers," said Kolb. "For those of us who are tired of a broken government, tired of the lack of transparency and reform, tired of spending and borrowing too much, and tired of being over-taxed, you will like what you hear coming from our side of the aisle."