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Hawley opposes DOT attack on local parades

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) is fighting an attempt by the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) to put local parades out of business. The agency has advanced a proposal for Special Events Permit 33-C, which would place expensive, overreaching mandates on parade organizers.

The permit would require parade organizers to engage in bonds and insurance coverage they cannot afford, submit overly detailed plans to DOT and adhere to state guidelines that are under local jurisdiction according to state law.

“Our community has maintained many proud traditions throughout the generations, and holding parades to honor our veterans, fire departments and citizens is an integral part of our identity. The DOT’s plan seeks to bring all of that to an end,” Hawley said. “Meddling in a practice that we have conducted safely and successfully for countless decades is a glaring example of big government run amok.

"While the economy lags and so many New Yorkers are out of work, how can state government possibly think that interfering in our local parades is the best use of time and resources? I have been in constant contact with the DOT expressing our community’s disdain for this proposal and I will continue to fight against this attack on one of our most beloved, longest-standing traditions.”

Robert Brown

Bravo Steve! Just another necessary battle against tyranny! There is zero added value by the DOT on this measure. Communities know how to work together to conduct events safely and properly route traffic - we do not need Uncle Andy and his hired henchmen to tell us how to marshal a parade!!!

May 3, 2013, 2:51pm Permalink

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