Now that the hearing process has concluded for redistricting the assembly and senate districts throughout the state, I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to the community at large for all the phone calls, letters and e-mails of support.

I feel confident that the message our community sent to the Redistricting Task Force was heard loud and clear. We want to keep our community together. Unlike many battles we fight for our neighborhoods, this one was fought together by people of all political parties, backgrounds, ethnicity, colors and religions for all the right reasons.

Why? Because we have too much in common with each other to be separated for no clear reason. We all have the same hopes and dreams for our families. And, we have similar challenges that we will face together. Tearing our community apart will not help our goals - regardless of what a Task Force draws.

In my time as your assemblyman, and hopefully a great deal more in the future, I have tried to lead by example. By working together, we get things done for our community. Investing in our schools, supporting civic associations, relieving our tax burden, encouraging our young people to work hard in school and strive for their dreams, after-school programs, quality health care, fighting hate and prejudice and safer neighborhoods were all hallmarks of my approach to being your assemblyman. I like to think it was a successful way of doing my job.

The finalized district lines will be unveiled in the next two weeks. So, no matter the outcome of the redistricting process, I want the entire community to know that it's a great honor to serve you. Because of your support, and willingness to register your opinions with the Task Force, I hope I'll be able to continue to serve you.

Thank you for the opportunity to be your voice in state government.

Thomas W. Alfano

Assemblyman