Read the DePrisco Campaign Insider Newsletter written by Tom DePrisco, candidate for the 38th Senate District in New York for September 2, 2016.
What a week!
I applaud Assemblyman Zebrowski for his proposed legislation that would ensure that nonpublic schools conform to the same strict fire safety inspection standards as the public schools. I will continue my advocacy concerning this vital safety issue.
The confusion in East Ramapo involving the establishment of additional full day kindergarten classes underscores my repeated assertions that a long-term resolution must be developed so that the students can have fundable and sustainable academic programs for years. These short term, band-aid, “kick the can down the road” approaches are not the answers to East Ramapo’s financial crisis. Being a veteran school board member, it is difficult and nearly impossible to plan, implement, and sustain academic programs on a long-term basis without knowing how much and where your revenue is coming from.
Before tee time, I met and discussed issues of concern with many avid golfers from around the county at Blue Hill Golf Course last week. On Saturday, while at the Bloomberg Data Center Neighborhood Family Picnic, in addition to speaking with residents, I had a great caricature done of me by John Stevens. On Sunday, I attended a special ceremony honoring Rockland County World War II veterans at Clarkstown Town Hall. It was so humbling to hear members of “The Greatest Generation” speak about their service to our nation. I ended up speaking with John, Daniel, and Andy for nearly an hour after the ceremony was over and after everyone else was long gone.
This week was busy for me as a school board member. My Pearl River board colleagues and I visited all of our schools during a five and one-half hour period. I gave my annual welcome back to school speech at Pearl River’s Superintendent Conference Day on Thursday. I am extremely proud of our staff atop the Pearl River School District. Wearing my other BOE hat, I attended the Rockland BOCES BOE meeting Wednesday night. We even sang happy birthday to one of our newly-elected board members, Debbie Gatti.
On Thursday evening, I attended the North Rockland Debt Relief meeting sponsored by the North Rockland PTAs. Although the towns of Haverstraw and Stony Point are not in the 38th Senate District, I felt it was important to attend and discuss the financial issues that North Rockland is experiencing. You can learn more about North Rockland’s financial crisis at www.NRDebtRelief.com.
Finally, on Tuesday I had my 9th colonoscopy. Unfortunately, both my sisters died of colon cancer 13 - 16 years ago, when they were only in their 40’s. Cancer prevention and screening is very important to me. I regularly remind my family and friends to have regular medical checkups and screenings. I am now going to ask each and every one of you to have a specific screening for any disease (cancer, heart, pulmonary, etc) that may be genetic and runs in your families. Prevention can save lives. In fact, after my oldest sister, Patricia, passed away in 2003, I emailed and begged all of my family and friends to research and be screened for any suspected genetic diseases that may run in their families. Fortunately for two friends who heeded my advice, they were screened and diagnosed early with treatable heart disease and cancer respectively.
Remember, I provide action not empty words.
If you would like to speak with me, have any questions, or would like to get more involved in the campaign, you can do so by contacting me here. Also, if you haven't done so already, like our official Facebook page here.
-Tom