January 11, 2008

 Dear Editor,

We were pleased to attend the recent Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce Breakfast meeting at HVCC.   At this event, the County Executive reported on the County's status and we noted, with particular interest, several of the topics she addressed.

The County Executive intends to develop a County master plan.  Planning by the County has for many areas been woefully inadequate and we have paid the price for this in the form of higher local taxes. 

 The Democratic minority of the legislature has long advocated better long-range planning and this was one of the areas that we focused on in 2007.  A master plan can guide future growth, allowing our County to increase our tax base and enhance our quality of life.   We encourage the County Executive to begin this process sooner, rather than later.

           The County Executive also noted recent efforts to promote tourism in the County which were assisted to a great degree by the Chamber.  While these are positive first steps, we must do more. 

 The Democratic minority, last year, proposed using surplus revenue from the Cou’s bed tax to promote tourism.  Unfortunately, our proposal was blocked by the County Executive's fellow Republicans on the Legislature.  We would appreciate the County Executive’s support in winning passage of this plan to stimulate tourism spending in Rensselaer County.

         The County Executive also noted that Rensselaer County finances are shackled by unfunded state mandates.  On this we also agree, as evidenced by our recent meeting with Governor Spitzer’s staff to confront this issue.  State mandates, faced by ALL counties,  do not explain why Rensselaer County property tax increases have exceeded those of neighboring counties. 

         We must do more to lower taxes in Rensselaer County.  This requires that County leaders be proactive in taking measures, like those above, to reduce the cost of government and increase economic activity. 

 We look forward to working with the County Executive as she puts her words into action.

Sincerely,

Ginny O'Brien                  Brian Zweig
         Minority Leader                Member, Planning Committee

        Rensselaer County Legislature