Dangerous criminal justice changes threaten the safety of our state, communities and families.

As requested please find the full list of the legislators who have endangered us all. It is time to hold them accountable.

ICYMI: ASSEMBLYMAN SCHMITT SENDS LETTER TO URGE ATTORNEY GENERAL LETITIA JAMES TO VISIT 99TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt (R,C,I-New Windsor) sent a letter to Attorney General Letitia James today urging her to come visit the 99th Assembly DIstrict following her recent intervention on behalf of a private developer in an ongoing federal litigation against Town of Chester and Orange County.

Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt stated, “Given the Attorney General’s recent unprecedented legal intervention impacting Chester and Orange County I urge her and her staff to accept my invitation and visit with a diverse groups of residents here in the 99th Assembly District. For years my district has faced significant housing discrmination related issues that have been ignored by the Attorney General’s office. These numerous concerns spanning several municipalities involve consistent, pervasive violations of both federal and state law, including the fair housing act.”

Full text of the letter:

Attorney General James:

The recent legal intervention by your office into an ongoing federal lawsuit involving the Town of Chester and County of Orange on behalf of a private housing developer in my Assembly District has caused a great deal of concern among local residents and leaders.

Not only does your invention threaten local zoning authority, but it does not take into account the full scope of what is occurring in Chester and surrounding communities.

The project in question has had long term opposition from the local community, dating back over two decades when the project was under different ownership.

The efforts to preserve the rural character of the Chester community, which are referenced in legal intervention documents, also predates any current ownership of the involved project and the current federal lawsuit.

The district I represent has for years faced significant housing discrimination related issues that have been ignored by the Attorney General’s office. These numerous concerns spanning several municipalities involve consistent, pervasive violations of both federal and state law, including the fair housing act.

Given how critical these concerns are I would like to invite you to visit my Assembly District and meet with me and a diverse group of local residents who can share their concerns and experiences directly with you and your staff.

Many of our joint constituents have felt ignored for far too long by those with the legal authority to intervene and assist all residents of our area. This reality has only been exacerbated by the recent legal actions taken by your office.

I hope you will join me so that you and your staff can gather a full understanding of the true housing discrimination related issues that we have been dealing with for years in my district, and the desire to preserve the rural character of our communities and protect our natural resources.

I can be reached at 845-469-6929 to arrange your visit.

Sincerely,

Colin J. Schmitt
Member of Assembly
99th District

Letter attached.

Colin Schmitt is committed to public service. Colin is a member of the U.S. Army National Guard and Assemblyman for the 99th NYS Assembly District which includes the Town of Stony Point in Rockland County and The Towns of Wawayanda, Goshen, Hamptonburgh, Chester, Blooming Grove, New Windsor, Cornwall, Highlands and Woodbury in Orange County. Colin lives in the Town of New Windsor with his wife Nikki and their beloved adopted Catahoula puppy Quincy!

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OC Post: South Blooming Grove Firefighters Receive Proclamation https://ocpostny.com/2020/01/03/south-blooming-grove-firefighters-receive-proclamation/

Critical deadline: This Friday is the pre-election campaign finance deadline. I am short of my goal by a couple thousand dollars. Can you help me right now —> https://secure.anedot.com/schmitt4ny/standwithcolin

https://secure.anedot.com/schmitt4ny/standwithcolin

Friends: I need your help before the urgent deadline. I must raise $3501 more before Friday to reach my goal. Any amount of support will make an immediate impact. Thank you! —> https://secure.anedot.com/schmitt4ny/standwithcolin

https://secure.anedot.com/schmitt4ny/standwithcolin

ASSEMBLYMAN SCHMITT SENDS LETTER TO URGE ATTORNEY GENERAL LETITIA JAMES TO VISIT 99TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt (R,C,I-New Windsor) sent a letter to Attorney General Letitia James today urging her to come visit the 99th Assembly DIstrict following her recent intervention on behalf of a private developer in an ongoing federal litigation against Town of Chester and Orange County.

Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt stated, “Given the Attorney General’s recent unprecedented legal intervention impacting Chester and Orange County I urge her and her staff to accept my invitation and visit with a diverse groups of residents here in the 99th Assembly District. For years my district has faced significant housing discrmination related issues that have been ignored by the Attorney General’s office. These numerous concerns spanning several municipalities involve consistent, pervasive violations of both federal and state law, including the fair housing act.”

Full text of the letter:

Attorney General James:

The recent legal intervention by your office into an ongoing federal lawsuit involving the Town of Chester and County of Orange on behalf of a private housing developer in my Assembly District has caused a great deal of concern among local residents and leaders.

Not only does your invention threaten local zoning authority, but it does not take into account the full scope of what is occurring in Chester and surrounding communities.

The project in question has had long term opposition from the local community, dating back over two decades when the project was under different ownership.

The efforts to preserve the rural character of the Chester community, which are referenced in legal intervention documents, also predates any current ownership of the involved project and the current federal lawsuit.

The district I represent has for years faced significant housing discrimination related issues that have been ignored by the Attorney General’s office. These numerous concerns spanning several municipalities involve consistent, pervasive violations of both federal and state law, including the fair housing act.

Given how critical these concerns are I would like to invite you to visit my Assembly District and meet with me and a diverse group of local residents who can share their concerns and experiences directly with you and your staff.

Many of our joint constituents have felt ignored for far too long by those with the legal authority to intervene and assist all residents of our area. This reality has only been exacerbated by the recent legal actions taken by your office.

I hope you will join me so that you and your staff can gather a full understanding of the true housing discrimination related issues that we have been dealing with for years in my district, and the desire to preserve the rural character of our communities and protect our natural resources.

I can be reached at 845-469-6929 to arrange your visit.

Sincerely,

Colin J. Schmitt
Member of Assembly
99th District

Letter attached.

Colin Schmitt is committed to public service. Colin is a member of the U.S. Army National Guard and Assemblyman for the 99th NYS Assembly District which includes the Town of Stony Point in Rockland County and The Towns of Wawayanda, Goshen, Hamptonburgh, Chester, Blooming Grove, New Windsor, Cornwall, Highlands and Woodbury in Orange County. Colin lives in the Town of New Windsor with his wife Nikki and their beloved adopted Catahoula puppy Quincy!

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Thank you to Nyscopba PR for hosting me on a tour of Otisville Correctional Facility today. Grateful for the service of all our corrections officers.

WRCR: Haverstraw Man Accused in Stony Point Hit-and-Run Arrested by ICE https://www.wrcr.com/2020/01/06/haverstraw-man-accused-in-stony-point-hit-and-run-arrested-by-ice/

Honored that my work on behalf of Cornwall and our district earned me this distinction—> Cornwall Local “most photographed person of 2019.”

Thank you to Woodbury Community Ambulance for inviting me to their New Year’s Brunch!

Great morning to be in Westchester supporting my colleague Kevin Byrne along with Supervisor Matt Slater, Westchester COBA and many friends.

ASSEMBLYMAN SCHMITT SUPPORTS NEW ADDITION TO SCHUNNEMUNK STATE PARK

Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt (R,C,I-New Windsor) released the following statement in support of the news that 158 additional acres will be preserved at Schunnemunk State Park by the state using money from the Environmental Protection Fund and Hudson Highlands Conservation Act.

“The conservation of 158 additional acres at Schunnemunk State Park in our Assembly District is welcome news! I applaud Orange County Land Trust, NY/NJ Trail Conference, Scenic Hudson and the many dedicated organizations and individuals who have committed time and resources to ensure we are able to conserve this and many other critical parcels of land in the Hudson Valley.

The addition of these 158 acres brings Schunnemunk to over 4,000 total acres and will ensure there is permanent link to the anticipated public trail between Schunnemunk State Park and Storm King Arts Center and assist in protecting the critical Moodna Creek watershed.

Schunnemunk State Park sits in a region with high development pressure and is a critical link to protecting regional watersheds, habitat conservation for numerous species and ensuring natural access for hikers, hunters and outdoor sporting enthusiasts in perpetuity.

I am proud to support critical conservation projects like this addition to Schunnemunk State Park and will continue to work with governmental and nonprofit partners to ensure additional protections in the years to come.”

Colin Schmitt is committed to public service. Colin is a member of the U.S. Army National Guard and Assemblyman for the 99th NYS Assembly District which includes the Town of Stony Point in Rockland County and The Towns of Wawayanda, Goshen, Hamptonburgh, Chester, Blooming Grove, New Windsor, Cornwall, Highlands and Woodbury in Orange County. Colin lives in the Town of New Windsor with his wife Nikki and their beloved adopted Catahoula puppy Quincy!

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Sign the petition to support immediate repeal, keeping our families safe.

MidHudsonNews: News
Illegal immigrant hit-and-run killer detained by ICE https://midhudsonnews.com/2020/01/04/illegal-immigrant-hit-and-run-killer-detained-by-ice/

Catch me live at 1:30 PM today on JUAN 95.7 FM and 1390 AM discussing the dangerous criminal justice changes impacting NY and the need to repeal them.

In Port Jervis this morning supporting my colleague Karl Brabenec at this re-election campaign announcement with County Executive Steve Neuhaus.

ASSEMBLYMAN SCHMITT NAMED 2019 NEW YORK FARM BUREAU CIRCLE OF FRIENDS RECIPIENT

Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt (R,C,I-New Windsor) is proud to announce that he was recently named as a 2019 New York Farm Bureau Circle of Friends recipient. The award is an indication of the Assemblyman’s support of New York agriculture and farms based on voting records, legislative support, and personal initiatives.

Assemblyman Schmitt established a strong farm friendly legislative record during his first session and has spearheaded several agriculture initiatives during his first year in office.

Launch Agriculture Advisory Council

Assemblyman Schmitt launched an Assembly Agriculture Advisory Council which is chaired by local farmer and Orange County Legislator Paul Ruszkiewicz.

The advisory council is comprised of local farmers from in and around the district who will assist Schmitt in developing legislative and community-based approaches that will help keep our local farms in business.

State Legislative Efforts

Assemblyman Schmitt co-sponsors and supported several pieces of legislation during the 2019 Legislative Session to assist New York’s farmers and grow the agriculture economy including:

A.7680A – relates to growth of industrial hemp
A.8101 – relates to young farmer loan forgiveness
A.8007 – relates to defraying costs of aggregating, processing and transporting agricultural products for producers and processors.
A.6490 – relates to establishing a one-stop farming hotline with the Cornell cooperative extension.
A.8294 – relates to permitting farmers in state and local parks.

Schmitt also vigorously opposed legislation that would cause irreparable harm to NYS farms.

Working with his new Agriculture Advisory Council Schmitt will also identify additional legislation to introduce and co-sponsor that will benefit our family farms and agricultural industries in the 2020 legislative session.

Preserving our Farm Land

Assemblyman Schmitt has been the leader in fighting for farmland preservation in Orange County. Schmitt was at the forefront of Assembly passage of the Orange County Community Preservation Act, A. 7699. The bill would authorize Orange County’s inclusion in the Hudson Valley Community Preservation Act and establish a county wide opt-in to utilize community preservation funds. The bill passed the State Assembly overwhelmingly but was not considered for a vote in the State Senate. Assemblyman Schmitt will continue to spearhead efforts to have the Senate pass this bill. This legislation is critical to preserving our local farmland and and the rural character of Orange County.

Assemblyman Schmitt also passed legislation that authorizes Chester to create a community preservation program A.7592. The Governor outrageously vetoed this legislation but Schmitt continues to work with local government partners, conservation groups and farmers on next steps to preserve the rural character and farmland of Chester.

Demanding Federal Action

Assemblyman Schmitt sent a letter to all federal representatives who serve communities within the 99th Assembly District calling on them to adopt the ratified U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, which is supported by the NY State Farm Bureau because of the tremendous benefit it will have for our agriculture industry. Congress just ratified the trade agreement in bipartisan fashion.

Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt stated, “Agriculture is the largest industry in New York State. The 99th Assembly District in particular is home to many family farms with a strong history in our communities. That is why I am very proud to be named by the New York Farm Bureau as a 2019 “Circle of Friends” recipient. It is an honor to use my position in the Assembly to help lead the fight to save our family farms. I look forward to counting to my advocacy for Hudson Valley farms and agriculture during the 2020 session.”

County Legislator Paul Ruszkiewicz, Chair, Assemblyman Schmitt’s Agriculture Advisory Council stated, “I’d like to congratulate Assemblyman Schmitt on his award from the New York Farm Bureau being named a recipient on the Circle of Friends. I am proud to continue working with Assemblyman Schmitt who has taken a strong interest in the agriculture industry in his district and is a huge supporter of farming. Assemblyman Schmitt’s approach is refreshing to see and much needed. His advocacy on behalf of local farmers and our agriculture industry is a significant benefit for us all.”

Colin Schmitt is committed to public service. Colin is a member of the U.S. Army National Guard and Assemblyman for the 99th NYS Assembly District which includes the Town of Stony Point in Rockland County and The Towns of Wawayanda, Goshen, Hamptonburgh, Chester, Blooming Grove, New Windsor, Cornwall, Highlands and Woodbury in Orange County. Colin lives in the Town of New Windsor with his wife Nikki and their beloved adopted Catahoula puppy Quincy!

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The Fray: Schmitt cheers ICE detention of suspect in fatal hit-and-run

County jails releasing hundreds of inmates as part of bail reform https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200103/county-jails-releasing-hundreds-of-inmates-as-part-of-bail-reform

https://www.recordonline.com/news/20200103/county-jails-releasing-hundreds-of-inmates-as-part-of-bail-reform

Congratulations to Judge Tim Mcelduff, Orange County’s new Surrogate.

ASSEMBLYMAN SCHMITT STATEMENT ON ICE DETENTION OF STONY POINT CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIEN HIT AND RUN KILLER

Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt (R,C,I-New Windsor) released a statement in response to ICE authorities apprehending the Stony Point criminal illegal alien hit and run killer responsible for the death of Rosie Osai on Christmas Eve who was released without bail under New York’s new criminal justice changes.

“I commend U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on today’s news that they have detained criminal illegal alien, Jorge Flores-Villalbla.

Flores-Villalbla was released without bail under New York State’s dangerous new criminal justice changes after confessing to the killing of Rosie Osai, young mother of three on Christmas Eve in Stony Point, NY.

Flores-Villalbla’s outrageous release without bail under these new changes endangered the entire community and showed how egregious these changes are. It has now been confirmed that Flores-Villalbla was previously deported from the United States.

Thanks to federal intervention, Rosie’s family will receive the justice they deserve, the justice that was denied by New York State. We must immediately repeal these criminal justice changes to ensure the safety of all residents of New York.”

Colin Schmitt is committed to public service. Colin is a member of the U.S. Army National Guard and Assemblyman for the 99th NYS Assembly District which includes the Town of Stony Point in Rockland County and The Towns of Wawayanda, Goshen, Hamptonburgh, Chester, Blooming Grove, New Windsor, Cornwall, Highlands and Woodbury in Orange County. Colin lives in the Town of New Windsor with his wife Nikki and their beloved adopted Catahoula puppy Quincy!

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2019 99th ASSEMBLY DISTRICT REPORT. PROMISES MADE. PROMISES KEPT. https://mailchi.mp/80d68e3f2e23/2019-99th-assembly-district-report

https://mailchi.mp/80d68e3f2e23/2019-99th-assembly-district-report

“Non-violent” #repealnow

Thank you Aaron, Evan, Jessica, Dina, Lynne and more for your donations!!! You can join them by making an immediate donation before our critical deadline next week. Help me continue to stand up for our district. https://secure.anedot.com/schmitt4ny/standwithcolin

https://secure.anedot.com/schmitt4ny/standwithcolin

News12 downplays the seriousness of homicide, drug dealing on school grounds, promoting an obscene act by a child and many more horrific crimes impacted by criminal justice changes with their spin in this story but it is still critical to get the news out on my repeal efforts. http://westchester.news12.com/story/41513811/assemblyman-seeks-to-repeal-law-abolishing-cash-bail-for-nonviolent-defendants