As part of New York Matters, a program of the Rochester-based Center for Governmental Research to disseminate objective information and engage state residents in the 2006 gubernatorial campaign, the Regional Institute co-sponsored a regional public forum for the Western New York region. The public forum explored critical issues in Western New York to promote dialogue among candidates, elected officials and citizens. Moderated by University at Buffalo Vice President for External Affairs Marsha S. Henderson, the forum panel included New York State Assemblyman Robin Schimminger; Kausar Hamdani, Federal Reserve Bank of New York; Gary Keith, Regional Economist, M&T Bank; New York State Assemblyman Mark Schroeder; and Henry Louis Taylor, Jr., UB Center for Urban Studies. The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo also sponsored the event.
