Noise Ordinance Task Force Drafting Meeting

On Saturday, I took part in a meeting of the drafting subcommittee on the Noise Ordinance Taskforce.  This is the second of such meetings - which are separate from the once-every-two-weeks meetings of the Noise Ordiance Taskforce.  At this session we were able to spend some time really talking about and workign through different sections of the proposed law and what they would mean in the the context of pre-existing laws and the comments we have received from the public.  Councilman Sam Messina and Deputy Chief Tim Beebe from the Bethlehem Police Department were also there.  We are really starting to reach a point where the overall scope of the ordinance is getting much more clear and the length of the ordinance is starting to really shorten up and become more solid.

I am really pleased to report that all signs indicate an earlier-than-expected conclusion to our work as a Task force and the delivery, to the Town Board, of a completed ordinance.

INAUGURATION PARTY

I attended an Inauguration Party hosted by Paul Tick and Agnes Zellin at Java Jazz in Delmar last night. There were quite a few people there -- and it was really terrific to talk to so many who were overjoyed at the inauguration of our new President, Barack Obama. The conversations centered around everyone's hopes for the next four years, especially as it regards fixing the economy, peace in the Middle East and renewable energy technology. I left with the impression that there is so much we can do together in the next four years.

I was joined at the event by Bethlehem Planning Board Member Kate Powers, my fellow Town Board member Kyle Kotary, County Legislator Phil Steck and County Legislator Doug Bullock.

STATEMENT ON THE INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT OBAMA

Like so many Americans, I have been granted a new optimism, hopefulness and inspiration by today's events.  I am optimistic because President Barack Obama will work with all Americans to tackle the hard problems facing our country and in doing so, return the United States to its place of prominence in the world.  I am hopeful that Americans from all walks of life can set aside their differences and work toward our common goals.  Since so many of us can trace our American roots to other soil, the words that President Obama used today should have special value to all of us.  All Americans should harness the inspiration of President Obama's story to show the children of today that they too can rise to the highest heights.

I hope we can all stand alongside our new President and remain equal to the task that now lies in front of us all.  God bless the Unites States of America, the Town of Bethlehem and our new President, Barack Obama.