STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

Whereas, the citizens of New York State share the vision for a better world and are committed to making our communities safer places for all people to live, work and raise a family, and we therefore join in strength, spirit and solidarity for this important cause, sending a powerful message that violence has no role in the streets and communities that belong to their residents, who will not tolerate a quality of life compromised by any act of crime; and

Whereas, this year marks the 26th Annual National Night Out – an effective anti-crime public safety campaign which encourages each of us to recommit ourselves to the idea that, as law-abiding citizens, we should never feel intimidated or confined within our own communities or fearful of walking about freely on the streets of our villages, towns and cities in broad daylight or at night, always knowing that we are safe and secure; and

Whereas, a unique crime and drug prevention event, National Night Out is held on the first Tuesday of each August and is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, a non-profit anti-crime organization founded in 1981 by Matt Peskin and that today includes over 6,500 citizen groups comprised of law enforcement agencies, civic organizations, businesses, neighborhood coalitions and local officials, united in one powerful anti-crime statement; and

Whereas, over the past 26 years, this initiative has grown to include all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide and, last year, it numbered 34 million participants in a variety of activities such as block parties, parades, rallies, festivals and walks, illustrating that there is strength in numbers and that there is no place for crime amidst our watchful eyes and ears, and our illuminated streets and walkways; and

Whereas, this concept encompasses much more than a single night – it symbolizes the strong partnership that exists between communities and law enforcement united in the common cause of public safety and preserving the civility of our society as a whole and, with zero tolerance for all forms of crime, New York State joins to support the National Night Out and affiliated local anti-crime efforts and other organized expressions advocating peace by our citizens determined to take back our streets;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proudly join in the observance of August 4, 2009 as

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

and encourage all citizens of the Empire State to shine their lights and add their voices to the outcry against each and every criminal act that compromises the quality of life in our State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twentieth day of July in the year two thousand nine.

David A. Paterson
Governor