Column: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano

Dr. King's message, example more important than ever

ALBANY, Jan. 21, 2019 -- As we all pause during this time to remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it's important that we all make every effort to follow his example in the choices we make each and every day.

Now, more than ever, this seems to be urgent. As we remember the man who taught and inspired us to dream, we also need to remember and reflect on what Dr. King worked for, what he advocated for, what he lived for, and what he died for.

Dr. King and the choices he made should certainly be an example for all of us, especially our leaders, at every level -- in government and politics, in business, and in our communities.

Dr. King's vision and dream was guided through the choices he made during a very dangerous, challenging and uncertain time. However, even during this time, Dr. King still made the right choices. He chose peace over violence. He chose unity over divisiveness. He chose tolerance over prejudice. He chose justice and freedom over inequality and bondage. He chose humility over ego and boastfulness. He chose hope over despair. He chose love over hate. And finally, Dr. King chose faith. Faith in God, faith in himself, and faith in each other.

Inscribed on Dr. King's Memorial in Washington D.C. is one of his most powerful and famous quotes. It puts his choices in the proper perspective for us. It should guide us: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Together, we can honor the memory of Dr. King by making choices that make our families, our communities, and our government a little bit better. We should follow his lead each and every day.

Thank you, Dr. King, for teaching us and inspiring us to dream.

Photo in text: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano

Schuyler County Officials

Legislature Members:

Top row (from left): Dennis Fagan, Jim Howell, Michael Lausell, Van Harp

Bottom row: Carl Blower, David M. Reed, Phil Barnes, Mark Rondinaro.

Legislature Chairman

Dennis Fagan, Tyrone 607-292-3687

Legislature Members:

Carl Blowers

Van Harp

Jim Howell

David M. Reed

Michael Lausell

Phil Barnes, Watkins Glen, 481-0482

County Clerk: Theresa Philbin, 535-8133

Sheriff: William Yessman, 535-8222

Undersheriff: Breck Spaulding, 535-8222

District Attorney: Joseph Fazzary, 535-8383

State, Federal Officials for Schuyler County

Sen. Charles E. Schumer

United States Senate
313 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-3201
DC Phone: 202-224-6542
DC Fax: 202-228-3027
Email Address: http://schumer.senate.gov/webform.html

Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand

United States Senate
478 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
DC Phone: 202-224-4451
Website: http://gillibrand.senate.gov/

Congressman Tom Reed

2437 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515

State Senator Tom O'Mara -- Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Yates, western Tompkins, Enfield, Ithaca (Town and City), Newfield, Ulysses(Trumansburg)

Room 812, Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12247
Phone: (518) 455-2091
Fax: (518) 426-6976
www.omara.nysenate.gov

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano-- Steuben, Schuyler, Yates
Room 723, Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12248
Phone: (518) 455-5791
Website: http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Phillip-A-Palmesano