Minority District Report-January 2022

In Minority District Reports

Monthly Report – January 2022

 On January 4th the legislature met for an Organizational Meeting to confirm leadership positions, accepting the Rules of the Legislature and to designate the official newspapers that will be used to inform residents of important happenings of the legislature that are required to be posted.

The Albany Times Union was replaced with the Eastwick Press, along with the Troy Record, as the designated newspapers to publish important dates, notices, hearings, local laws and other matters required by law to be published.  This legislation is valid through 2025.

The Minority legislators objected to the elimination of the Albany Times Union and offered an amendment to add the Times Union because it reaches more residents of Rensselaer County than any other newspaper. The amendment failed along party lines. The Republican majority deemed it unnecessary.

A Public Forum was held on January 5th and many constituents attended to voice their concern about several topics, including the S.A. Dunn Co. LLC Landfill and a pending application to renew their permit. An attorney from O’Connell & Aronowitz spoke and stated that the County has the jurisdiction to intervene and needs to get more involved in the investigation and must take immediate action against the renewal process.

In addition, many speakers spoke passionately about the decline of Democracy and transparency in government:

  • Faith and trust in government, back door deals and the unprecedented raises for County Executive and select staff
  • Lack of decency by the County leadership: bullying, abuse of power, twitter tirade, absentee ballots, car towing, and rewards for cronies

At the monthly meeting of the legislature, held on January 11th, many yearly contracts were

renewed and many vacancies on county community boards were renewed and filled that were set to expire on December 31, 2021.

Medical Examiner – Rensselaer County is still using the services of Dutchess County for autopsies, as a job search for a new Medical Examiner continues.

NEXT MEETING – Tuesday, February 8, 2022 in the Rensselaer County Chambers located on the 3rd floor of the Ned Pattison Government Center, 1600 7th Avenue, Troy.

Residents are welcome to contact our office at 518 270-2890.

www.rensselaercounty.org    &    follow us on Facebook: “Rensselaer County Legislature – Democratic Team”