Outstanding Representation from Sen. O’Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano

Under the Correspondence Tab (right column) are two NEW additions.  One is the reply from Senator O’Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano to that disappointing letter from Commissioner Burke which they received on February 17th, the night before Mr. Palmesano came to meet with us in Middlesex.  We have received not only their response to Commissioner Burke, but a cover letter  by which they forwarded their response to Governor Cuomo.  Here are a few of the highlights to Commissioner Burke; please read the entire letter under the Correspondence Tab to appreciate the excerpts in context:

To stress the ongoing urgency of this decision…we…direct your attention to …local petition containing more than 480 signatures….

Middlesex community has expressed its concerns, frustrations and, frankly, outrage over how this relocation process has been undertaken….

We have made a pledge to our Middlesex constituents….

…your February 17th response…does not …demonstate the sensitivity that the people of Middlesex deserve….

…changes that have been set in motion warrant a fuller public airing and, until that takes place, should be put on hold. 

…your follow-up in our view fails to adequately or fully address several of the core concerns…

A number of penetrating questions ensue, including a strong challenge to the assertion that the reason the intended new occupants have no history of “elopement” (runaway/escape) is because they have been held in a secure facility at the MDC, and that is not the situation in Middlesex, especially with a much lower staff to occupant ratio.  Their letter continues:

…We continue to question your apparent determination that it’s simply impossible to renovate the Middlesex home so that previous residents can return….we are strongly opposed to the relocation of these long time community residents….

We continue to question whether the Middlesex community has been fuly informed….there’s been a troubling lack of direct, thorough and timely communication….

Bravo Senator O’Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano!  And, please dear SOS members, remember all this when you go to the polls!