The Team for Troy in the County Legislature Reports to You
January 2008

As representatives of the City of Troy in the Rensselaer County Legislature, we are proud to report on decisions made at the January 8 meeting of the County Legislature. The Team for Troy includes Chairman of the Legislature Neil J. Kelleher, Majority Leader Robert Mirch and Legislators Jim Brearton, Laura Bauer and Nancy McHugh.

With the state budget set be announced in late January, we continued our efforts to reduce the huge impact of state mandates on the county budget. In the 2008 county budget, 89 cents out of every county tax dollar will go to pay for mandates, and we are working with other county officials to reduce these enormous expenses. Legislators also unanimously voted to seek more state aid for the state-ordered expansion of the county jail. The jail expansion project mandated by the state will be one of the most costly projects in county history and we are hopeful the governor will include state aid for the county in the upcoming state budget.

We differed with Democrats on an important project for the county sewer district. A long-planned and required project to expand landfill facilities at the sewer plant in Troy was considered but not approved after Democrats did not support the measure. Sadly, management of the sewer district had reduced the overall cost from $1 million to $635,000 and the delay may now result in higher expenses. We did not support a Democrat resolution on Wicks Law reform because the reform would have actually favored downstate instead of helping upstate.

The Legislature welcomed members of the championship Lansingburgh Knights football team to the legislative meeting. The Knights 2007 with an overall record of 11 wins and 2 losses, and captured the Section II title, Class A Division championship, New York State Regional championship, New York State East Regional championship and runner-up for the Class A Public High School title. Chairman of the Legislature Neil J. Kelleher and Legislator Nancy McHugh joined the many fans of the Knights and made the trip to Syracuse to cheer the team on.

The Lansingburgh Knights include a coaching staff of Coach Pete Porcelli and assistant coaches Al McNall and Lou Vega. Players include Bill Wangler, Ryan Bellamy, Steven Black, Dan Brant, Mike Caro, Jamal Chandler, Nate Czmara, Daquan Davis, Mike Drinkwine, Warren Fane, Dedrick Frazier, Connor Gallo, Devonte Gaudreau, Josh Geren, Mark Goldston, Matt Harte, Jon Henry, Marcus Hepp, Elijah Jones, Eric Kennedy, Lamar Lashley, RJ Lupi, Vince Marro, Ezekial Mauzon, Santell Mauzon, Sean McCormick, Nyquan McGirt, TJ McLaughlin, Mike McSweeney, Kyle Murray, Brian O’Hearn, Dan Preston, Joe Retos, Chris Sawyer, Rayquan Shaw, Jahvon Venson, Pat White, Shane Wynn, Kenny Youngs and Jordan Zareski.

The next regular monthly meeting of the County Legislature is Tuesday, February 12. Residents are welcome to contact us at our legislative offices by writing to the Rensselaer County Legislature, 1600 7^th Avenue, Troy, NY 12180, or by e-mailing us via the official legislative website at www.rensselaercounty.org.

The Team for Troy in the County Legislature Reports to You
February 2008

As representatives of the City of Troy in the Rensselaer County Legislature, we are proud to report on decisions made at the February 12 meeting of the County Legislature. The Team for Troy includes Chairman of the Legislature Neil J. Kelleher, Majority Leader Robert Mirch and Legislators Jim Brearton, Laura Bauer and Nancy McHugh.

Legislators approved a series of resolutions stating concern over Governor Spitzer’s proposed 2008-2009 budget, which shifts $4 million in costs to the county. We also opposed state aid reductions for the Van Rensselaer Manor, juvenile detention services and the governor’s proposal to increase 46 fees for residents. The shifts in costs comes when 89 cents out of every county tax dollar goes to pay for mandates, showing it is time to reform state mandates and reduce the costs for taxpayers.

We are proud that thanks to effective management, a savings of more than $160,000 was recorded from operation of the legislative offices in 2007. Much of this savings came because of reductions in staff and efficiencies applied during the year. These funds will be moved to a capital fund, which has been utilized in recent years to make the legislative chambers more handicapped accessible with the installation of a new lift. The capital fund was also used to help protect services for seniors, veterans and youths.

Also of pride is the fact that the legislative offices are run for essentially the same amount as the legislative budget in 1993. We thank the staff of the legislative offices for working hard, doing more with less and helping reduce costs.

The Legislature also honored employees at the Van Rensselaer Manor who helped extinguish a fire at the Manor last December. Employees Jill LaValley and Michelle Recore noticed a fire started when a resident was smoking improperly while using oxygen. The two employees helped extinguish the fire and alerted emergency services to the scene.

Social Services Commissioner John Beaudoin noted a number of employees returned from home to assist with the response to the fire. Along with Jill LaValley and Michelle Recore, employees Mary Hernandez, Janice Guidilli, Barbara Nicholson, Janice Kaufman, Jennifer Goodermote, Margaret Catalfumo and Becky Jennings were also recognized.

New members were appointed to help revitalize the county Environmental Management Council. Troy residents Ed Bruhn and Jim Barrett were appointed to the EMC. Michael McCarthy was appointed to serve as a member of the county Fire Advisory Board.

We also welcomed members of Ann Lyons’ family. Ann served as receptionist to the majority office since 1993 and sadly passed away following the Thanksgiving holiday last year. Ann was a dedicated employee who was a friend to so many in the community and in county government and she will be missed.

The next regular monthly meeting of the County Legislature is Tuesday, March 11. Residents are welcome to contact us at our legislative offices by writing to the Rensselaer County Legislature, 1600 7^th Avenue, Troy, NY 12180 or by e-mailing us via the official legislative website at www.rensselaercounty.org.

The Team for Troy in the County Legislature Reports to You
March 2008

As representatives of the City of Troy in the Rensselaer County Legislature, we are proud to report on decisions made at the March 11 meeting of the County Legislature. The Team for Troy includes Chairman of the Legislature Neil J. Kelleher, Majority Leader Robert Mirch and Legislators Jim Brearton, Laura Bauer and Nancy McHugh.

A law to provide veterans of the Cold War with a property tax exemption was introduced at the March 11 meeting, with approval expected at the April 8 legislative meeting. The law would provide veterans who served in the military between September 1945 through December 1991 a partial property tax exemption, taking effect on March 2009.

The Legislature unanimously voted to oppose the cuts in federal aid included in the proposed 2008-2009 federal budget. We believe the cuts are particularly unfair, given the fact that New York State sends many millions more in taxes to Washington than the state receives back. Following a lawsuit by the county over the prices of prescription drugs for the Medicaid program, a settlement of $45,000 with Bristol-Meyers was approved.

Along with stating opposition to various initiatives included in the proposed state budget that we believe will cost taxpayers, legislators also united to ask for Governor Eliot Spitzer’s resignation. The March 11 meeting took place one day after the stunning allegations regarding Governor Spitzer’s conduct and legislators from both sides of the aisle stated their deep disappointment with his conduct.

Legislators commended Nicholas Grinaldo and Sam Dinova for heroism during the World War II battle of Saipan, a battle that saw Troy natives William O’Brien and Thomas Baker win the Medal of Honor posthumously. The Legislature commended staff at the Van Rensselaer Manor for their quick response to a fire at the county nursing home during the holidays, including employees Jill LaValley and Michelle Recore.

The Legislature recognized Troy Police Department Sergeant Thomas Baker and resident Edward Macken for rescuing an elderly woman trapped by a fire in her apartment building. A separate resolution recognized county emergency dispatchers and members of the Troy Police and Fire departments for rescuing a teen who had fallen into the icy Hudson River.

We commended Rich Sheffer for his commitment to the Lansingburgh School District and recognized Joseph Manupella, a former legislator and the longtime head of the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club on his 80^th birthday. The Legislature also recognized the 10^th anniversary of the Susan O’Dell Taylor School in Troy.

The Legislature also voted to name John Jerian of Troy as a member to the Rensselaer County Sewer District. We also mourned the passing of Charles “Chuck” Tangredi. The Legislature recognized March at Women’s History Month.

The next regular monthly meeting of the County Legislature is Tuesday, April 8. Residents are welcome to contact us at our legislative offices by writing to the Rensselaer County Legislature, 1600 7^th Avenue, Troy, NY 12180, or by e-mailing us via the official legislative website at www.rensselaercounty.org.

The Team for Troy in the County Legislature Reports to You
April 2008

As representatives of the City of Troy in the Rensselaer County Legislature, we are proud to report on decisions made at the April 8th meeting of the County Legislature. The Team for Troy includes Chairman of the Legislature Neil J. Kelleher, Majority Leader Robert Mirch and Legislators Jim Brearton, Laura Bauer and Nancy McHugh.

Legislators approved a request for an investigation into the cause of skyrocketing gasoline prices and voted for a new county law to provide veterans of the Cold War with a partial county property tax exemption. We also welcomed State Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno, who accepted a resolution legislators adopted mourning the passing of his wife Bobbie in January.

Senator Bruno was joined by members of his family, including former District Attorney Ken Bruno. The senator spoke from the heart about his several decades with his wife, and how she had faith in him even when he was a young man of modest means. Bobbie Bruno was known for her dedication to organizations helping children, along with support for area animal shelters, and spent years helping make our community a better place.

Many Rensselaer County residents answered the call to duty during the Cold War. For qualifying veterans who served during the Cold War, from 1945 to 1991, and their surviving spouses a new county law will provide a partial exemption on county taxes. The exemption will go into effect in 2010 and veterans can begin applying for the exemption in 2009.

This exemption will be a great way to thank veterans for their service in protecting our nation. The Cold War was a pivotal moment in our nation’s history and helped protect the freedom we enjoy today. The exemption will be provided similar to other exemptions for veterans and carried out according to state guidelines.

Chairman Kelleher introduced a resolution calling for the State Attorney General to investigate the sharp increase in crude oil prices, which have contributed towards gas prices reaching record highs. We are hopeful Attorney Generals from across the country join to investigate this issue, as past state and federal investigations have helped stabilize prices.

Legislators also approved a resolution asking the governor to establish sales tax free weeks in 2008 and 2009 for the purchase of digitally compatible televisions and digital equipment. In February, television signals will be broadcast digitally and many residents will need to purchase new televisions and a sales tax break would be appreciated.

The Legislature also mourned the passing of John Curley, a Lansingburgh native who had operated a family funeral home on Fifth Avenue and served as chief clerk of Rensselaer County Family Court until 1990. Jack was very active in the community, including St. Augustine’s Church.

The next regular monthly meeting of the County Legislature is Tuesday, May 13th. Residents are welcome to contact us at our legislative offices by writing to the Rensselaer County Legislature, 1600 7^th Avenue, Troy, NY 12180, or by e-mailing us via the official legislative website at www.rensselaercounty.org.