Dear Friends,

As we welcome in a much-anticipated new year that is certain to be filled with historic events and exciting moments, I am eager to get to work and start enacting positive changes for our country. In today's Corning Leader there is a great article Page 1 http://www.massaforcongress.com/123108page1.gif and Page 2 http://www.massaforcongress.com/123108page2.gif and Page 3 http://www.massaforcongress.com/123108page3.gif about our successful campaign, highlighting our hard work.

Today, as 2008 comes to a close and 2009 is about to begin, there is still much work to be done. Indeed, the challenges ahead are daunting but, as Edmund Burke noted, "He that struggles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skill." Today, what struggles with us is a badly damaged economy, but we can rise above this adversity and emerge stronger than before. Our country has done so time and again, from the early days of the Revolution to World War II when everyone worked together as a team to keep our country afloat. Americans have always exemplified the meaning of "true grit" and put their creativity and work ethic into high gear while also requiring that our government act in the best interests of its citizens.

America is already recovering from the struggle of the past several years. Accompanying a new administration is a new generation of leaders from all across the country, ushered into office by an American public that demanded a new direction.

To that end, I am already at work laying the foundation for a strengthened economy in New York's 29th Congressional District. I have been meeting with our local companies and workers to see how I can best help to implement policies that will aid our region in its economic recovery. Over the next few weeks I will be visiting representatives from our area's agricultural gem, the wine industry, and I have already met with GM and will drive one of their innovative hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (made right here in our district) to my swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C.

I know the meaning of the word 'representative' and I will work hard every day to be an effective voice of representation for our region and highlight our assets, contributions and needs in Washington.

The year 2009 is set to be an exciting one and I am so happy to be a part of this history-in-the-making. Your new Congressional offices will be opening soon, so please contact us if you have any concerns or thoughts you'd like to share with us. I look forward to hearing from you.

Happy New Year!

Eric Massa
Congressman-Elect
New York, 29th District