As one of three representatives of District 3, which includes the towns of Brunswick, Schaghticoke and Pittstown, Salisbury has worked to reduce the impact of state and federal mandates on the county. Salisbury also helped generate more than $250,000 in savings in the legislative offices during his term.

Salisbury was elected to the Legislature in 2001, shortly after he helped negotiate the first increase in sales tax revenues for towns and villages in more than a decade. His efforts in the Legislature in saving money help protect services for seniors, veterans and youths and avoid reductions in staff at the Highway Department as the county dealt with staggering increases in state and federal mandates.

“I try to be careful with the public’s money and look for any opportunities to save. That approach paid off because we were able to find the funds to protect important services for residents,” said Salisbury.

Salisbury said he relies on the financial experience he gained in both the private and public sectors. He works today as a comptroller for Quality Retail Systems in Schaghticoke, and served as Schaghticoke supervisor from 1990 to 1993 and bookkeeper, budget officer and councilman for the town during the 1970s and 1980s.

During his four years as supervisor, Salisbury formulated budgets that only resulted in a total tax increase of 1percent, despite deep cuts in state aid. The town landfill was capped without a tax increase and the construction of the Town Hall paid off in five years, instead of ten.

“When I was town supervisor, every dollar was important and had to be watched. I definitely try to keep those lessons with me in the Legislature,” said Salisbury.

As a legislator, Salisbury has worked to improve county roads and the efficiency of highway equipment and plans to continue working to minimize the impacts of state and federal mandates on the county.

“Rich is definitely one of the more fiscally conservative members of the Legislature and his financial expertise has come in handy many times. He makes a difference in protecting taxpayers

Salisbury is a lifelong resident of Schaghticoke. He is the proud father of three sons.