January 2008

Dear Residents of Troy,

Here are a few highlights from the January 8th meetings of the Rensselaer County Legislature. Please contact me about these or other issues at 270-2890 or visit our website at www.rensselaercountygov.com.

Urged Mandate Reform

§         Urged  the Governor and State Legislature to restrict state mandates on schools and counties, provide 25% rollback of state mandates expenses, and equitable reduction in county property taxes in the NYS 2008-9 budget

§         Called for funding for counties to reduce Medicaid fraud and abuse and a review of other mandates 

§         In addition to this resolution, I joined members of the Democratic Minority in meeting with the Governor's regional representative at the Capitol recently and state mandates was our major topic

 Advocated Wicks Law Reform

§         The Wicks Law was adopted back in 1964 and has not been updated.  It forces school districts and municipalities to get four separate specifications and contracts for certain public work contracts over $50,000.

§         In four decades construction costs have increased dramatically but the Wicks Law has not been updated, causing a costly burden on localities. 

      §         Reform of this outdated and costly law is needed but the State Senate has not     acted to help local taxpayers. Unfortunately, the Majority did not support the resolution

Recommended More State Aid to Build County Jail

§         Several years ago the State Commission on Corrections ordered Rensselaer County  to expand our county jail

§         This mandated project will cost over $50 million and will require costly bonding for construction, not to mention increased operational and personnel expenses.

§         This resolution urged the state to provide additional aid for construction of the jail addition

§         At a recent meeting with the Governor's regional representative our Democratic Minority questioned the need for county jail expansion while state penitentiaries were closing. 

Presentations

§         Lansingburgh Football Team upon its championship season

Commendations

§         Phyllis Raymond, recipient of 2007 Founder Spirit Award

§         Honored Catholic Elementary & Secondary Schools - Catholic Education Week  Jan 27-Feb.2

DATES TO REMEMBER: 

            6:00pm  Wednesday                Feb.  6 Public Forum

            6:00pm  Tuesday                      Feb. 12 Monthly Meeting

February 2008

Dear Residents of Troy,

Here are a few highlights from the February 12th meeting of the Rensselaer County Legislature. Please contact me about these or other issues at 270-2890 or visit our website at www.rensselaercountygov.com.

§         Urged State Legislature to Restore Funds in 2008-09 State Budget

            The Governor's proposed state budget includes several reductions in reimbursements to Counties which include juvenile detention programs, welfare programs, nursing homes Causing concern for many local officials and residents. 

            The County Legislature's Majority filed numerous resolutions opposing the reductions. Our Minority offered amendments urging state legislative leaders, as co-equal partners in the budget process, to restore cuts proposed by the Governor

            However, these amendments were not supported by the Majority. This should be an issue of protecting taxpayers -- not partisan, political attacks

§         Plastic Bag Recyling Program

I was pleased my resolution calling for the County's Environmental Management Council to develop a countywide plastic bag recycling educational campaign was adopted. This will include visible plastic bag recycling bins to be located throughout the county to encourage greater recycling among residents. 

            A community awareness and educational campaign will also highlight the harmful effects

plastic bags have on our environment and encourage use of environmental-friendly shopping bags in grocery and retail stores.

§         Appointed Environmental Management Council

            Since my election to the County Legislature and appointment to the Environment Committee of the Legislature, I have called for a more active Environmental Management Council, a citizen's advisory group, which has not met regularly for years.  After several meetings and resolutions, I am pleased to report that new EMC have been appointed.  I hope the new Council will be an active advocate on environmental issues.

§         Encouraged Reuse of State Facilities to Relieve County Jail Overcrowding

            Our Democratic caucus sees the fact that state facilities are closing as a potential opportunity we should investigate before committing further taxpayers' dollars in bonds for the county jail expansion.  We did not support an additional $12.5 million on top of the $38 million already earmarked for expanding the county jail as ordered by the state.  We want to see if the state facilities can be used for cost effectively first.  Once we bond we cannot undo their costs to taxpayers.

 Commendations

§         RPI for its spectacular "Lights Above the Hudson"

DATES TO REMEMBER:    

            6:00pm  Wednesday              March 5          Public Forum             

            6:00pm  Tuesday                   March 11        Monthly Meeting