PRESS RELEASE
March 12, 2008

Majority Urges Unity After Resignation of Governor Spitzer

Members of the majority of the Rensselaer County Legislature urged unity among elected officials to help move New York State past the scandal that forced the resignation today by Governor Eliot Spitzer.

Legislators said they want to work with incoming Governor David Patterson and state officials to bring about needed reform of state mandates, deep reductions in state reimbursements and additional state aid for the state-ordered $50 million expansion of the county jail.

“This is a sad day for New York State. It is time for all elected officials across the state to work together in a spirit of bi-partisan cooperation to help our state move forward,” said Chairman of the Legislature Neil J. Kelleher.

“New York State government has been rocked by this scandal, and cooperation and a shared sense of responsibility to provide a better future for the Empire State are what is needed at this time,” said Vice Chairman of the Legislature Thomas Walsh Sr.

“This is obviously an immense personal tragedy for Governor Spitzer and his family. It is a stunning and sad fall from grace for a governor who had so much promise and so much ability. My prayers are with his family,” said Majority Leader Robert Mirch.

Legislators said incoming Governor Patterson’s first challenge will be adopting a state budget that reverses the shift of $4 million in expenses from the state to county now included in the budget proposed by Governor Spitzer. Legislators have adopted numerous resolutions seeking reform of state mandates. Mandates now claim 89 cents out of every county tax dollar.

“Adopting a state budget that protects state taxpayers is the first priority. We need a state budget that does not shift millions in new costs to county government,” said Vice Chairman of Finance Richard Salisbury.

‘We need state government focused on providing mandate relief and aid for the county jail project. We pledge to work with Governor Patterson and state leaders to get results for Rensselaer County,” said Legislator Martin Reid.

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