Elmont Online

Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos 

            For over eight years, Assemblyman Tom Alfano was counsel to State Senator Dean Skelos. It was a time where Alfano says “he learned a lot about public service and saw first hand that you can make a difference for people.” And, on Monday, he saw his mentor elevated to the post of Senate Majority Leader.  The post was vacant with the retirement of Senator Joe Bruno.

            Assemblyman Alfano and Assemblyman Bob Barra were with Skelos at the conclusion of the historic Senate conference where their friend of over 30 years was first and goal of taking the top Senate leadership post.  “It was a really emotional time for Bob and I.  Both of us have worked for Dean and are very close to him.  He’s not just our delegation leader but friend.  This was a day we’ve looked forward to for years.  It’s time has come and I know Dean will not only do a great job, but he remembers where he came from and the people. That‘s what makes him a cut above the rest,” said Alfano.

            On Tuesday, Alfano stood in the Senate chamber where his friend took the reins of the Senate Majority Leader position after his unanimous vote by his Senate conference. “It was an incredibly exciting time.  Governor Paterson and Senator Bruno gave Dean their best wishes and stood shoulder to shoulder with him. This was history in the making,” said Alfano.

            Alfano also personally reflected on the local aspect of Skelos’ promotion as well.  “I couldn’t be more happy for my friend.  He’s the hardest worker I know and he never gives up.  The first thing he said to me was lets go back to work on Belmont and bring real economic development to the area.  This is very exciting for all of us. The game is brand new now and we just don’t have a seat at the table with the Governor, it actually has our names on it,” said Alfano.

            “This is not only a big day for Long Island, but also a great moment for the 21^st Assembly district.  Having the Senate Majority Leader as your team mate in the battles we fight in Albany is a powerful position to be in,” said Assemblyman Alfano adding, “now, when the battles are fought on education, health care, property tax relief and economic development, our position just got a thousand percent stronger.” 

            Alfano pointed to some local successes he and Skelos have delivered this year with the Restore New York grant for the Argo Theater building to the tune of $2.5 million and the budget outlay of $5 million for economic development and infrastructure for the communities impacted by Belmont. “Our teamwork on community issues has been a great success so far and it’s only going to get better,” Alfano concluded.

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