PRESS RELEASE
January 8, 2008

Legislators Voice Concern Over Raise in DA’s Office

Members of the majority of the Rensselaer County Legislature voiced concern at the January 8 legislative meeting for a $5,000 salary hike being given to a member of the District Attorney’s office.

Legislators said they were worried about the amount of the salary increase and the fact the raise was being given before the employee begins work. The $5,000 increase is for first assistant district attorney.

“It used to be that an employee would be evaluated for a raise after spending some time on the job. That isn’t the case, here, with the Legislature asked to increase the salary of an employee who has not even started work,” said Legislator Martin Reid.

“I have real concern over whether we can afford these kinds of salary increases,” said Legislator Ken Herrington.

“I think the Democrats are being hypocritical here. They opposed raises for employees who had gone years without a raise, yet here they are, in the first meeting of the year, giving one of their own a sizable bump in pay,” said Majority Leader Mirch.

Despite the concerns, several majority legislators, including Mirch, voted in favor of the resolution providing for the salary increase. All six Democrats voted in favor of the salary hike for the first assistant district attorney.

Legislators also voted to accept state funding to support a drug and gang task force in the District Attorney’s office. Two-thirds of the program is funded with state money, with one-third provided by the county. With the District Attorney present at the meeting, legislators noted the state funding runs out in September and there will not sufficient county funding to make up the difference.

Chairman of the Legislature Neil J. Kelleher pledged cooperation from the Legislature in seeking the state grant funding. The grant helps provide for prosecutors and investigators in the DA’s office.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of pursuing this state grant funding right now, and not waiting until later in the year. We want to lend our support to securing this grant funding and ensuring these programs continue.

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