MALCOLM NOT IN THE MIDDLE

On Friday, November 7, 2008, Finkelstein Newman Ferrara LLP was pleased to sponsor a breakfast meeting at TD Bank (317 Madison Avenue, Manhattan) with New York Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith .

The standing-room-only crowd (over 150 strong) was welcomed by Jannette Greene, our firm's Director of Public Relations, and Humberto Baez, our firm's Government Affairs Liaison.

Here's a photo of Senator Smith with Jannette and Bert at Friday's event:

Bert's comments follow:

New York State is facing one of the worst economic periods in its history. Our economy is the #1 priority on everyone's mind whether it be discussions on the labor market, consumer confidence, the value of real estate or the lowering of property taxes to reducing the tax burden on New York families due in part to Republican budgets filled with pork and wasteful spending

 

As I stared out into the room filled with many friends and clients, I also saw political leaders who care about the future of our great State and who want to ensure New York leads in issues regarding health, economic development, business development, education, housing, and diversity within all ranks, including the judicial and political arenas. On Tuesday, Election Day, we began to plant the trees so that the future can enjoy the shade.

 

Good leaders must first be good servants. With us, on Friday, was an individual who subscribes to that philosophy.  

 

As Democratic Leader of the Senate, Senator Smith has united the members of the party to fight for every one of us in this room. Senator Smith has fought for social and economic opportunities for New York State. He has brought millions of dollars back into his district to help build more affordable housing, improve schools, keep higher education affordable, provide health care for the needy and create good paying jobs.

 

Senator Smith has also demonstrated his business-friendly attitude not only to the real estate community but to the business community-at-large and has never forgotten his Southeast Queens roots (which by the way is one of the oldest African American middle class communities in America).

 

The future belongs to those who give the next generation reason for hope. Senator Smith has given us hope. 

To view a copy of the event announcement, please use this link: Come to our Breakfast with Malcolm Smith  

To attend future breakfast forums sponsored by our firm, please send an e-mail to our Newsletter Editor and Events Coordinator, Helen Frassetti