New York State Assembly

As Albany is nearing the halfway point in the 2013 Legislative Session and legislators are preparing to pass the 2013-2014 State Budget, I would like to invite you to share your opinions on what state government officials should be focusing on this spring. As part of my ongoing effort to be accessible and responsive to the families I represent, I would like to invite you to join me at two events - a 'Tele-Town Hall' on Wednesday, March 27 and an educational forum on the NY SAFE Act at the Inn on the Lake in Canandaigua on Wednesday, April 3.

'TELE-TOWN HALL' IS YOUR CHANCE TO SHARE YOUR VIEWS ON STATE ISSUES

Town hall meetings are as old as American democracy itself and have their roots right here in the Northeast. An opportunity for citizens to raise important issues and take an active role in the affairs of their government, town hall meetings helped fan the earliest flames of liberty and independence so crucial in America's founding.

I am pleased to invite you to participate in my 'Tele-Town Hall' on Wednesday, March 27 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. It promises to be a terrific opportunity for you to join your friends, neighbors and me for an important discussion about the future of New York State. This event is free and open to all residents of the 131st Assembly District.

Here is how to participate: on Wednesday, March 27, starting at 6:30 p.m., call 1-877-229-8493 and enter 17906 when prompted. Your phone will be muted, but you can still listen in. During the question and answer period, press *3 on your telephone if you would like to ask a question. You will be alerted when it is time to pose your question. When the meeting is over, all you need to do is hang up. I look forward to listening to the ideas and concerns of the families in my district, and hope that you will join us.

Town hall-style meetings are incredibly important because they help me stay in constant contact with the constituents of the 131st District so I can keep them informed about what is happening in Albany and what their state government is doing. The feedback, opinions and insights I receive at my town hall meetings have been invaluable - I receive more good ideas during my town hall meetings than just about anywhere else. The ideas, suggestions and concerns received at the upcoming town hall meeting will help shape the public policy agenda I will champion during the rest of the 2013 Legislative Session.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NY SAFE ACT AT MY APRIL 3 EDUCATIONAL FORUM

The number of phone calls, personal visits, letters and e-mails I have received on the recently passed NY SAFE Act has been unprecedented. Last February, I was pleased to have had the opportunity to address thousands of New Yorkers, including a number who live right here in the Finger Lakes, at the #NY2A Day rally at the Capitol against the NY Safe Act.

In response to concerns from families in my district, I am holding an educational forum on the

NY SAFE Act on Wednesday, April 3 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Inn on the Lake, 770 South Main Street in Canandaigua. I invite you to join me for an important conversation about how the NY SAFE Act will affect Finger Lakes residents and gun owners. We will be joined at the forum by Ontario County Sheriff Philip Povero, Ontario County Clerk Matthew Hoose, NYSRPA President Tom King and S.C.O.P.E. President Steve Alstadt. Discussion topics will include how the new gun laws will affect gun ownership, including ammunition requirements and other concerns of law-abiding gun owners. Like my 'Tele-Town Hall,' this educational forum is free and open to all residents of the 131st Assembly District.

I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU - AND YOUR NEIGHBORS - AT MY UPCOMING EVENTS

Do you know someone who would be interested in participating in one of these events? Please share this column with friends and neighbors. Good government begins with the people, and our government works best when everyone has a chance to share their opinions. With your help, I will keep working to ensure the people's voices are heard in our State Capitol.

What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.