"Reading is important" Assemblyman Canestrari tells students

Ron Canestrari, Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly, reads five newspapers a day, in addition to his mail and a book in the evening.

"Reading is important," Canestrari told the fifth graders at Harmony Hill School during a visit. "It's a skill you'll have with you for the rest of your life. It's also a great joy."

Students told the Assemblyman about some of their favorite books and when they like to read, such as on vacation, during car trips or before they go to bed.

Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy is one of the Assemblyman's favorite books, who encouraged students to read about topics they are interested in. He said that while much of his reading is done for work, he always tries to find time to read for pleasure as well. Each year he sponsors a Reading Challenge for children.

At the end of his visit, students presented Canestrari with a few gifts, including flowers, to thank him for coming.