With a backdrop of banners that blazed "Another Family for Alfano," Assemblyman Tom Alfano announced his re-election bid to the State Assembly in an official kick-off to his re-election campaign to represent the new 21st assembly district in the New York State Assembly. The announcement was made at Alfano's campaign headquarters on Franklin Avenue in front of a crowd of over 400 people. In announcing his re-election bid, Alfano stated that he's proud of his record and his ability to deliver and always be there for the community. "This is a campaign about people and quality of life for all who live and work in the west-end community," Alfano said.

Senator Dean Skelos said at the opening "we have a great team here. Tom Alfano and I work hard for the families in this community and we're going to have a great victory because of all your help." Senator Mike Balboni added "Tom Alfano gets things done for our community and we work together and fight for all of you."

The Republican, Independence, Working Families and Conservative Parties have endorsed Assemblyman Alfano in his re-election campaign. Alfano has also been endorsed by the Long Island Federation of Labor, CSEA, the Detectives Association, NYSUT, Mason Tenders District Council of Long Island and New York City, Sewanhaka Federation of Teachers, Elmont Federation of Teachers, New York State Trooper PAC, NYS AFL-CIO, Police Conference of New York, United Transport Workers Union, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1049, National Education Association, Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Superior Officers, NYS PEF, Court Officers Benevolent Association, Empire State Pride Agenda, AFSCME and many other labor unions.

Being accessible and open to community effort projects has been a mainstay in Alfano's service to the community. "I strongly believe that when you're at a school concert, a church feast or civic meeting you're hearing the concerns of real people who live in our neighborhoods. I think I've been able to do a good job because I'm out there and work to see that concerns are addressed and that we invest in our community in a positive way," Alfano said.

Alfano's outreach to the Latino, Jamaican and Haitian community in his work in the assembly has been heralded by many of the district's leaders. "My goal is to be a representative that everyone feels they can go to. I don't ask you what your party is or who you vote for. I help solve problems and try to be a leader who represents the people's interest."

Alfano pointed to his work with schools and community organizations as a start. "I want people to be empowered and to be able to make a difference in their neighborhood. That's why I believe you have to stand up and be accessible in the community to get things done." To that end, Alfano had delivered numerous grants to schools, civic associations and agencies that deal with youth initiatives. In particular, Alfano notes that he sees his work as a partnership. "You won't find partnerships with agencies like GYO, schools, chamber of commerce and a state assemblyman anywhere in this state. I'm proud that we've forged such positive partnerships to the betterment of everyone."

Many point to the tangible results of Alfano's work with a recent effort by a State Task Force to redraw assembly district lines. "When the bureaucrats tried to move me from Elmont, Franklin Square, Floral Park and West Hempstead the community rose up and said no," said Alfano. People from all over the district protested the action and held meetings and started an unprecedented letter writing and coupon campaign to keep Alfano in the west-end community. Thousands of letters and e-mails flooded the Task Force on Reapportionment protesting Alfano's removal. In particular, the Jamaican, Jewish, Haitian and Latin communities strongly protested the action and mounted a grassroots effort which forced the Task Force to rethink its map proposal. "That effort made me realize that I have made a difference in many people's lives. It also gave me a responsibility to work harder and do more," said Alfano. When the Task Force announced its reversal of its earlier decision, students from area schools presented the assemblyman with a poster they created that read "Welcome Back." That poster is prominently displayed in Alfano's office. "I look at that poster and I realize that the work I do for the community does make a difference."

Earlier in the summer, Alfano's re-election effort was given a major boost when the Working Families and Independence Parties threw their support to Alfano in a first for the west end. "It was the first time that the Working Families Party endorsed a Republican in a race like this. They saw that I truly advocated and put my vote and interests of the people first. They also assessed that I want a progressive leader who works with everyone regardless of age, sex, religion, orientation or skin color. It was a real affirmation of my work in the community," Alfano noted.

Alfano also pointed to his strong support of education issues in the district. "I've been able to deliver critically needed school aid and innovative programs to our local school districts," said Alfano adding, "I also started the very first Mentors and Leaders Program throughout New York State which helps our young people do better in school and strive for their dreams." The widely acclaimed program has been highlighted for its work in hosting Town Hall meetings throughout the community and sponsoring "mentoring days" in Albany where students meet role models and leaders. Alfano's program hosted a first in the 22nd district when it hosted Lt. Governor Mary Donohue and Former Surgeon General Dr. Antonia Novello and the first African American Appellate Court Justice George Bundy Smith in its speakers program. "If there is one thing I am most proud of in my work as state assemblyman is my work in education and advocacy for our children," Alfano said.

On health care, Alfano noted that he broke with his party to support the creation of Family Health Plus which gives comprehensive health care coverage to families who do not have access to a health maintenance organization. He also listed his strong support and votes for the EPIC program which offers seniors quality prescription drug coverage. Alfano was most proud of his ability to deliver $1.63 million dollars to local hospitals for patient care programs and retention initiatives for health care workers. "It would have been easy to stand with big business but I said no to the tobacco companies and said yes to health and I'm proud of that."

Alfano also noted his strong support for continuation of the STAR program and his votes to relieve taxes on seniors and young families. "We have to put money back into the pockets of our residents so that they can invest in their lives and make a better quality of life for their families," Alfano stated.

Alfano has been hitting the campaign trail since June. "I'm making a lot of stops and going to community events throughout the district," said Alfano concluding "now it's up to the people and I have a lot of faith in their judgement."