A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)
There are so many incredible small businesses to visit in the 98th Assembly District! Whether you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth or start your day with a delicious cup of coffee, there are plenty of wonderful options to choose from. Stop by some of our district’s fantastic local bakeries and coffee shops like Joyous Bakery or Callie’s Cocktails and Coffee in Otisville! Craving a slice of classic New York-style pizza? We have some amazing independent, family-owned pizzerias in Orange and Rockland counties. Try Port Jervis Pizza or Mamma Grace in Sparrow Bush—owned and operated by my good friends, Marissa and Charlie. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy dinner with friends and family, our district offers exceptional restaurants with something for everyone. Consider visiting The Copper Bottom in Florida, The Erie Hotel & Restaurant in Port Jervis, The Crystal Inn in Warwick, Pasta D’oro At The Jolly Onion in Pine Island, Barrel 28 in Florida, Characters in Sloatsburg, or the nearly 40-year-old Chateau Hathorn in Warwick—just to name a few!
For home repairs or insulation needs, there are also fantastic local suppliers and service providers like Tri-State Drywall & Acoustical in Sparrow Bush. These businesses, along with so many others across our region, contribute greatly to our communities and economy. Local businesses like these deserve our support. Throughout my professional career, I’ve worked hard to reduce red tape, eliminate unnecessary regulations, and cut back crippling taxes that hurt job creation and economic growth here in the 98th Assembly District and throughout New York State.
Before serving in the New York State Assembly, I was proud to serve as Deerpark Town Supervisor from 2010 to 2014. During my time in local government, I worked with other community leaders to reform restrictive zoning rules that hurt small business growth and preserved municipal reserve funds to return more money to taxpayers and business owners. Since being elected to the State Assembly, I’ve introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at helping taxpayers and small businesses. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many small businesses have continued to face financial hardship. My bill, Assembly Bill A.5233, would provide grant funding to assist those still recovering. Another bill I’ve introduced—Assembly Bill A.7504—would lower the income tax rate on middle-income families. With hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers having left the state since 2020 due to high taxes, this measure is aimed at helping make life more affordable for residents and encouraging them to stay.
I am honored to represent and advocate for the mom-and-pop shops and local businesses that define the spirit of the Hudson Valley. While Small Business Saturday is still a few months away, every day is the perfect day to support a local business. This summer, let’s show them the appreciation they truly deserve—they are the backbone of New York’s economy! Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website
