Buffalo, NY – Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) and the Citizens Campaign for the Environment welcomed representatives from local, state and national organizations to an open dialogue on issues important to the future of the Great Lakes.

“The Great Lakes are our region’s most vital natural resource,” said Congressman Higgins, a member of the House of Representatives Great Lakes Task Force. “Historically, the lakes shaped this region as a port welcoming settlers, commerce and growth. The long-tem health and vibrancy of this fresh water source is fundamental to the future of our environment and quality of life for those who will enjoy the lakes for generations to come.”

Organizations attending the meeting included: the United States Army Corps, Sierra Club, Southtowns Walleye Association, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeepers, Great Lakes Sports Fishing Council, University at Buffalo Environmental Law program, Great Lakes United, Seneca Nation, Audubon NY, Buffalo Audubon Society, Jamestown Audubon Society, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Attorney General’s Office, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Anthony Capozzi and now quite possibly Lynn DeJac make you wonder just how many people are sitting behind bars that are innocent..According to the Innocence Project..”A report released today by the shows that New York outpaces almost every other state in the number of wrongful convictions overturned by DNA testing – but lags behind most other states in implementing policy reforms that can prevent wrongful convictions.

The 118-page report, titled “Lessons Not Learned,” details 23 wrongful convictions in New York that have been overturned through DNA evidence, analyzes each case to identify the causes of wrongful convictions and outlines reforms that can improve the state’s criminal justice system”