For Your Information
Flora Fasoldt
Rensselaer County Legislator
Nassau-Sand Lake-Schodack
January 2008

The following are highlights from the January 8, 2008 meeting of the Rensselaer County Legislature (RCL):

.  Resolution for Employee Health Insurance Buy-Out Option Tabled –  In a special meeting held prior to the regular meeting of the RCL, members of the Republican Majority tabled this Democratic Minority sponsored initiative.  Thus, the resolution was not allowed to the floor for a discussion or vote.  This resolution called for county departments to work together with the county’s health insurance consultant to research and review data to determine whether the county could generate a cost savings by offering to employees a cash incentive in lieu of health insurance coverage (buy-out).  Other counties and municipalities throughout the state have instituted such a program and have realized significant savings to their budgets.  It is a win-win situation for both employees and county taxpayers and should be given serious consideration. The Democratic Minority will continue to pursue this initiative.

.  Resolution Requesting Reform of State Mandates – The RCL voted unanimously on a resolution requesting reform of state mandates in the upcoming 2008-09 State Budget.  Such reform will provide needed relief across the state to both county and school taxpayers.  The Democratic Minority has and will continue to work with state officials to bring about reform and relief to the taxpayers of this county.

.  $635,000 Bond for the County Sewer District – A resolution authorizing the bonding of $635,000 to finance construction at the County Sewer Treatment Plant did not receive the 2/3 vote necessary for borrowing from the RCL.  I voted against this borrowing because I believe it continues the Republican Majority’s practice of borrowing, taxing and spending without any long range, comprehensive financial planning in place.  Just a few months ago, the Republican Majority passed along a 50% increase in sewer taxes.  It is inconceivable that now they are seeking to borrow even more money just months after a significant tax increase.  Minority Democrats have repeatedly requested that designated accounts be established for sewer district capital projects and that grants for sewer infrastructure be aggressively pursued along with a long-range plan for improvements.

Please feel free to contact me at 674-0223 or e-mail at electflora@aol.com.  The next regular meeting of the RCL is February 12, 2008 at 6:00 PM and members of the public will have an opportunity to speak prior to the opening of the meeting.

For Your Information
Flora Fasoldt
Rensselaer County Legislator
Nassau-Sand Lake-Schodack
February 2008

The following are highlights from the February 12, 2008 meeting of the Rensselaer County Legislature (RCL):

.  Resolution Opposing the Closure of State Prisons – This resolution opposed the State’s closure of the Hudson and Mt. McGregor State Prisons.  The Democratic Minority moved to table this resolution in order to first consider the feasibility of using the state facilities as an alternative to the $50 million county jail expansion project.  The motion to table was defeated along party lines and the resolution passed unanimously.

.  $12.5 Million Bond for the Jail Expansion – A resolution was presented to bond an additional $12.5 million to finance the cost of expanding the county jail. I did not support authorizing $12.5 million in bonds until the Legislature first consider alternatives – such as utilizing state facilities slated for closure.  Before committing further tax dollars for County residents, we need to work together with state officials to determine the feasibility of alternatives to spending $50 million.  A 2/3rds majority vote of the Legislature was necessary to pass this resolution -  11 Majority Legislators present voted in favor of bonding $12.5 million, 6 Democrats opposed the spending.  Legislators Shannon and Salisbury were absent from the vote.  The bond resolution was defeated.

. Resolution to Determine Feasibility of State Prison Use – The Democrats sponsored legislation calling for a meeting of state and local officials to determine the feasibility of alternatives to expanding the county jail facility – such as utilizing state facilities that are slated to be closed.  Since the State has proposed closing neighboring state facilities due to decreased populations at the same time the state is mandating the county to expand our jail, there is opportunity for intergovernmental cooperation that could save Rensselaer County taxpayers millions.  The Republican Majority would not allow this resolution out of Committee preventing this initiative from coming to the legislative floor for a discussion or vote.  

.  Resolutions Opposing Reduction in State Reimbursement – Resolutions were presented that opposed the reduction of state reimbursement to the county for juvenile detention programs and the county nursing home proposed in the Governor’s 2008-09 Budget.  The Democratic Minority offered an amendment to these resolutions requesting that Senator Bruno and Assemblyman Silver, as co-equal partners in the budget process, also be called upon to reinstate reimbursement for these mandated programs.   The Democratic Minority’s amendment was defeated along party lines and the resolutions were passed unanimously.

.  Resolution Opposing 46 Fee Increases Included in Governor’s State Budget – The Republican Majority sponsored a resolution opposing “46 separate fee increases” proposed by Governor Spitzer in his 2008-09 Budget.  The Majority did not provide back-up information or supporting documentation related to these 46 separate fees.  I abstained from the vote until specific information was provided for review.  Their resolution passed along party lines.

Please feel free to contact me at 674-0223 or e-mail at electflora@aol.com.  The next regular meeting of the RCL is March 11, 2008 at 6:00 PM.

For Your Information
Flora Fasoldt
Rensselaer County Legislator
Nassau-Sand Lake-Schodack
March 2008

The following are highlights from the March 11, 2008 meeting of the Rensselaer County Legislature (RCL):

.  Dedicated Tourism Fund –  Troy Legislator Peter Grimm and I, co-sponsored a resolution calling for a portion of the “bed tax” to be set aside in a dedicated tourism fund.  Unlike neighboring counties, Rensselaer County’s bed tax dollars that are collected from visitors staying in hotels goes directly to the county’s general fund.  Our proposed dedicated fund would be used to promote tourism in the county as a means of fostering economic development and the much needed private sector jobs which come with such growth.  Research indicates that for every $1 spent promoting tourism, $7 is returned to the local economy.  Regrettably, Republican Majority Legislators Mirch and Bauer defeated this resolution in Committee.

.  Shared Service Agreement – State Correctional Facilities – Minority Democrats sponsored a resolution authorizing the County Executive to submit a shared service grant application to help determine the feasibility of re-using area correction facilities slated for closing  as an alternative to expanding the county jail.  The resolution received unanimous support. (17 Ayes; Shannon – Absent)

.  $12.5 Million Jail Bond  –  The Legislature unanimously supported the bonding of $12.5 million for phase I of the jail expansion.  Minority Democrats supported this bonding initiative only after the Republican Majority agreed to explore the feasibility of a shared service agreement with NYS for the possibility of utilizing state corrections facility slated for closing.  We continue to believe that such an arrangement with the State could result in tremendous savings to county tax payers and may eliminate the need to build phase 2.  (17 Ayes; Shannon – Absent)

.  Nassau Lake Dam – The Legislature passed a resolution requesting DEC to undertake improvements to the Nassau Lake dam that will protect nearby tributaries from contamination and improve and protect the quality of life in the area. I recently toured the lake with Kelly Travers-Main, President of UNCAGED and was pleased to see equipment and work progressing at the site.  (17 Ayes; Shannon – Absent)

.  Clean-Up of Fort Orange Paper Company – A resolution was approved advocating for restoration of federal funding for the clean-up of the former Fort Orange Paper Company in Schodack. Remediation of this property will hopefully allow for the property to be more actively marketed in an effort to attract new businesses to the area.  (Ayes-17; Shannon-Absent)

Please feel free to contact me at 674-0223 or e-mail at electflora@aol.com if you have any questions or concerns.  The next regular meeting of the RCL is April 8, 2008 at 6:00 PM.

For Your Information
Flora Fasoldt
Rensselaer County Legislator
Nassau-Sand Lake-Schodack
April 2008

The following are highlights from the April 8, 2008 meeting of the Rensselaer County Legislature (RCL):

§         Local Law – Cold War Veterans – A local law was adopted allowing Cold War Veterans a limited county tax exemption.  The local law shall take effect on March 1, 2009 for the 2010 tax rolls.

§         Gas Price Gouging – A resolution was unanimously passed by the Legislature requesting NYS Attorney General Andrew Cuomo conduct an investigation into possible gas price gouging – perhaps in conjunction with other State Attorney Generals.  Significant increases in gas prices have created financial pressures for many families, businesses and local governments.

§         Resolution Amending District Attorney’s (DAs) Office Budget –  The Legislature passed a resolution authorizing the acceptance of a grant award from the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services in the amount of $20,783 for the period of April 1, 2007 through March 31, 2009.  This grant award provides for a one time bonus for several Assistant District Attorneys for one calendar year in order to retain these employees.  The expenditures will cease upon discontinuance of the funding from NYS. (Fasoldt – Aye; Reid and Shannon – Nays).

§         HVCC – Nursing Program Expansion – A resolution was adopted commending Hudson Valley Community College for developing and expanding their nursing program.  While 60 nurses graduate each year from HVCC, a new part-time evening/weekend nursing program.  will enroll another 32 students.

§         Mental Hygiene Law – Section 43.03 – A resolution was passed by the Legislature urging the passage of state legislation to amend section 43.03 of the Mental Hygiene Law related to the costs of services for court-ordered patients at state-operated facilities.  The approval of Senate Bill 4606 will remove county charges after the first 30 days of care for any patient.

Please feel free to contact me at 674-0223 or e-mail at electflora@aol.com if you have any questions or concerns.  The next regular meeting of the RCL is May 13, 2008 at 6:00 PM.