Jim Brearton is well-known for his involvement in public and community service in Rensselaer County, but recently, his family has expanded their tradition of service.

Brearton’s daughter, Major Jude Mulvey, has served in Iraq and more recently returned from service in Egypt as a member of the 42^nd Infantry “Rainbow” Division. His son-in-law, Master Sgt. Mike O’Brien, a career soldier with the Special Forces is currently stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Brearton, and his wife, Judy, have joined with other area families with loved ones serving overseas to lend support.

“We are proud of all our troops and the service they are giving to our country. The support from those in the county has been outstanding and very much appreciated,” said Brearton.

Brearton was first elected to the Legislature in 1973 and served through 1985. He was again elected to the Legislature in 1993, and won re-election in 1997,  2001 and 2005.

Brearton also serves as a member of the Hudson Valley Community College Board of Trustees, since 1983. During Brearton’s service as trustee, Hudson Valley has grown to be considered one of the premier two-year colleges in the country.

“I am particularly proud of how educational and training programs have been advanced at Hudson Valley. I am also proud the Legislature has been strong in their support for what is a real gem for Rensselaer County,” said Brearton.

As legislator, Brearton voted to protect needed services for seniors, veterans and youths and supported legislation to protect children from sex offenders. Brearton also fought to lower state mandates, voted three times to lower the amount of county property tax increases and protected needed sales tax revenues for Troy. During Brearton’s most recent term, more than $250,000 in savings was generated in the legislative offices.

Brearton serves as chairman of the Legislature’s Health Committee and also serves as a member of the Education Committee. Along with his legislative service, Brearton has past service in the Troy Kiwanis, Troy Public Library, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Knights of Columbus, Troy Elks and also served with the United States Air Force.

“Having someone with Jim’s experience and knowledge of Troy is invaluable in the County Legislature. We often rely on Jim and are lucky to have someone of his caliber serving the county” said Chairman of the Legislature, Neil J. Kelleher.

A lifelong resident of Troy, Brearton graduated from LaSalle Institute and Siena College. He and his wife Judy are parents of three daughters and have six grandchildren.