Legislator Nancy McHugh won re-election to the Rensselaer County Legislature this fall, following a successful effort during her first term to increase the amount of reimbursable funds received by the county.

McHugh helped increased reimbursements to the county for mandated programs by calling for the hiring of a billing specialist. McHugh’s proposal to hire the specialist resulted in the county receiving $550,000 in 2004, nearly $200,000 more than anticipated.

McHugh said she plans on continuing to work to make county government more efficient and effective.  McHugh is one of six legislators representing Troy.

“I am proud that we were able to realize a higher level of reimbursements which help relieve the burden for county taxpayers. As legislator, I will continue to work hard to keep government efficient and effective,” said McHugh.

McHugh has also supported efforts to preserve historic properties in Troy, working successfully to have the Lansingburgh Village Cemetery, Haskell School and Police Signal Building included on the National Register of Historic Places. She also joined Legislator Laura Bauer in introducing a law to ban alcohol-mist machines before their introduction into the county, to protect teenagers and young adults. Recently, she introduced legislation for expanded vacation benefits for county employees returning from overseas military service and to dedicate Glenmore Road in honor of the 42^nd Infantry Rainbow Division.

“We have worked to protect our children, our seniors and also worked to safeguard the things that make Troy special. Protecting quality of life in our city will continue to be at the top of our list,” said McHugh.

As legislator, McHugh protected needed services for seniors, veterans and youths and supported legislation to protect children from sex offenders. McHugh 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 McHugh’s tenure, more than $250,000 in savings was generated in the legislative offices.

“Nancy has been one of the more effective legislators and a great representative of Troy. She truly cares about the neighborhoods and moving our city forward,” said Chairman of the Legislature Neil J. Kelleher.

McHugh is now entering her 17^th year on the Lansingburgh School District Board of Education, where she serves as president. McHugh said her experience in education has been an asset while serving on the Legislature.

“Some of the most important issues facing the county involve the health and education of our children. My years of experience on the school board have helped me tremendously in the Legislature,” said McHugh.

She also serves on the Knickerbacker Park Board of Trustees, was inducted into the Lansingburgh "Hall of Fame", was named the Uncle Sam Parade 2007 "Citizen of the Year", and she recently received the 2008 N.Y.S. P.T.A. Distinguished Service Award.

A lifelong resident of Troy, McHugh and her husband Jack reside on Fifth Avenue in Lansingburgh. The couple’s daughter, Kelly, resides in Waterford and their son Jim lives in East Greenbush and was coach of a 2004 State Champion Columbia High School wrestler. Nancy and Jack have seven grandchildren.