DELL REACTS TO TAZBIR'S LETTER ACKNOWLEDGING AWARENESS OF ANNEXATION PLANS

Kathryn Dell, the Democratic and Working Families Party candidate for North Greenbush Town Supervisor reacted to a letter from Supervisor Paul Tazbir acknowledging his awareness of a developer’s threat to have his property on the 4 and 43 corridor annexed to the city of Rensselaer.

"While I am glad that Mr. Tazbir agrees with me that any effort to annex RTS 4 and 43 to Rensselaer would be disastrous for the town, I am shocked that it took a letter from me to confirm his awareness of such a plan by a developer and his failure to assail the developer publicly for his threatening actions."

Dell questioned whether the reason for this long public silence rests with Mr. Tazbir's county Republican leaders, who favor this developer's plans and have just installed people with ties to Rensselaer on the town Republican Committee. "Vigorous opposition to this developer's annexation plan could be dangerous to one's political health!" stated Dell.

"North Greenbush needs elected leaders who will stand and fight these forces without timidity or fear of losing party support for either their county jobs or renomination for elected positions."

Dell noted that County GOP Chair Jack Casey just stacked the town GOP committee with several loyalists. He has installed a chairman, Joe Kapp with strong ties to Rensselaer. Casey himself has a direct pipeline into Rensselaer city hall as a deputy corporation counsel under NGB resident, Corp. Counsel John Hicks. Casey also placed Hicks on the town Republican Committee.

"It’s obvious there are some GOP town leaders who are afraid to stand up to a developers threats because outside political forces within their party will make them pay a price. I will not be one of those timid leaders."

TROY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE CHOOSES CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES

The Troy Democratic Committee endorsed City Council candidates for its six districts. Shown here with City Chair M. Lynne Mahoney (far right) are (left to right): Jack Mahoney (District 2), Mary Ellen Hunziker-Luce (District 1), Joe Leahy (District 6), Bill Dunne (District 4), and Dan Lennon (District 5). Also endorsed by the Democrats is Erin Blakeborough (District 3).

TROY DEMOCRATS SELECT CITYWIDE CANDIDATES

Troy City Council At-Large candidates Austin Devine, Robert Gregor and John Pattison were selected to run for city council as running mates with mayoral candidate Frank LaPosta.

DEMOCRATS ENDORSE MAIER FOR DA

The Executive Committee of the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee met Thursday, June 12th to endorse the party’s candidate for District Attorney. By a unanimous vote the committee gave the green light to Christopher T. Maier of Troy.

According to County Chair M. Lynne Mahoney, three attorneys expressed interest in the office: North Greenbush attorney Kathryn Dell, Schodack attorney Tim Nugent, and former Assistant DA Christopher Maier of Troy. Earlier in the day, Nugent removed his name from the running due to personal and family considerations.

The two remaining candidates were interviewed Thursday evening, with the “Executive Committee impressed by both candidates,” said Mahoney.

“In the end, the Committee went with Maier because of his experience as a former Assistant District Attorney in Rensselaer County. His unique experience, as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, was probably the determining factor,” added Mahoney.

Maier, a registered independent voter, is married to former Troy City Councilwoman Beth Walsh, a Democrat. They have a young son. He is a lifelong resident of Rensselaer County, son of Andrew and Helen Maier of Lansingburgh. A graduate of Lansingburgh High School, Siena College, and Albany Law School, he served as an Assistant District Attorney under Lou Catone. He currently is in private law practice in Troy with his wife.

District Attorney Ken Bruno announced last week his intention to vacate the DA’s office, midterm, for a lucrative lobbying job. Democrats met last Monday to endorse other countywide candidates County Court Judge Patrick McGrath, Family Court Judge Linda Griffin and Sheriff Jack Rogers. Mahoney announced at that time that resumes were being accepted by anyone interested in seeking the nomination for DA.

COUNTY DEMOCRATS NOMINATE SLATE

From left to right: Democratic candidate for Sheriff Jack Rogers, Family Court Judge Linda Griffin and County Court Judge Patrick McGrath are congratulated by Democratic Chair Lynne Mahoney upon their unanimous selection by the County Democratic Committee.

June 3, 2003: The Rensselaer County Democratic Committee met to nominate its slate of candidates for the fall elections. According to County Chair M. Lynne Mahoney, the committee unanimously endorsed incumbents Pat McGrath for County Court Judge, Linda Griffin for Family Court Judge and Troy Policeman Jack Rogers for Sheriff.

Judge McGrath was nominated by his brother, former Troy City Councilman Ed McGrath of Lansingburgh, who noted "I might be a bit biased, but I can't think of someone with more integrity than Patrick J. McGrath. His record is a solid one of honesty and integrity." In accepting the nomination, Judge McGrath thanked the committee and encouraged everyone to work hard. "We may not have their money, but we have the people power. Let's make that count!"

Judge Griffin was nominated by Schodack Attorney Tim Nugent who noted her roots in the community, her service to local organizations such as Girl Scouts, Vanderheyden Hall and her advocacy for children and families in Rensselaer County. "Judge Griffin has worked hard to make Rensselaer County Family Court a caring, sensitive and family-friendly environment. We need to return her to the bench!" In accepting the nomination, Judge Griffin pledged a vigorous campaign that focuses on the issues of particular concern to families in Rensselaer County, "a topic I am well acquainted with, having served on the bench here for ten years."

In nominating Jack Rogers for Rensselear County Sheriff, Sand Lake Town Chairman Archie Robinson noted "Jack Rogers brings 30 years of law enforcement experience to this race - 27 years on the Troy Police force and 3 years as a Rensselaer County Deputy Sheriff. That makes him the most experienced. Add in his background with labor, and Jack Rogers clearly is a strong leader with unique skills and qualifications." In accepting the nomination, Rogers said he was "proud to be running with such a well respected team as Judges McGrath and Griffin. With me as the Sheriff, there will be a formidable legal/judicial partnership in Rensselaer County next year."

Following unanimous approval of the candidates, County Chair Lynne Mahoney spoke confidently: "We have an excellent slate of candidates, tonight, who bring exceptional experience and qualifications for their offices. We should all be proud and work hard to assure their victory in November."

Regarding the unexpected race for District Attorney, Mahoney said, "The committee is accepting resumes for the position of DA, conducting interviews, and will be making a decision within the next two weeks."

COUNTY DEMOCRATS OPPOSE GOVERNOR’S CUTS TO COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND LIBRARIES

Rensselaer County Legislator James E. Monahan, Jr. today filed a resolution opposing Governor Pataki’s proposal to make counties pay half of Empire Zone costs. His resolution comes as both Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver agreed that counties should not have to pay.

Monahan hopes the resolution will convince others on the state level that the plan is flawed and would severely hurt counties. He said, “It’s important that we all speak up.”

“The Empire Zone Program has been a highly successful jobs creation program in certain areas of Rensselaer County and the state, noted Monahan. “We were actually hoping to see the program expanded and were disheartened to see the Governor’s proposal.” Monahan has lobbied personally for additional Empire Zones in other parts of Rensselaer County to address the need for a strong, vibrant economy throughout the county. In particular he was pushing for the county’s Eastern Corridor.

“The Governor’s plan would dash the hopes of many local governments who had anticipated Empire Zone expansion. It would eliminate state funding for local administrative costs which represents a reduction of $3.5 million and affects any newly certified zone business applying for the tax credit after January 2004.

The Governor’s proposal would place a new mandate on all local taxing jurisdictions by requiring them to pick up 50% of the cost of the Empire Zone real property tax credit, which is currently assumed by the state at 100%. Keith Hammond, a member of the County Legislature’s Local Government Committee said, “The state continues to place the burden of programs back onto localities. This is just another example. It’s breaking the backs of local government and it has to stop. The State is not the only entity having fiscal problems.”

The resolution was filed for the March 11th meeting of the Rensselaer County Legislature.

COUNTY DEMOCRATS OPPOSE GOVERNOR’S CUTS TO COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND LIBRARIES

Rensselaer County Legislature Minority Leader William L. Dedrick today filed legislation opposing Governor Pataki’s budget proposals for the 2003-04 state budget which call for severe cuts to community colleges and libraries. Dedrick says, “The proposed cuts place an unfair economic burden on working families of this state and upon already overburdened counties which will undoubtedly be called upon to increase its support of community colleges. In times of economic uncertainty, libraries provide crucial job search information and career development resources.”

Governor Pataki has proposed an overall reduction of $49.4 million for community colleges in his 2003-04 Executive Budget, resulting in a net reduction of $41.4 million from the lowering of State Base Aid support for community colleges by $345 per full time equivalent (fte) student. State support will be lowered by 15 percent, from $2300 per fte to $1955 per fte. Additionally the Governor has proposed to eliminate $7.9 million in support for contract courses, rental aid and the college Discovery Program at New York State community colleges.

According to Deputy Minority Leader Ginny O’Brien, who attended community college before UAlbany, said, ”Community colleges serve as a fundamental component of our public education system and as gateways to higher education. They prepare students for continuing education and train a highly skilled workforce crucial to economic development and a strong economy.”

She continued, “These proposed cuts come at a time when a community college education may be the only way for students to pursue higher education. Historically the public university system has assumed increased importance during economic uncertainty. A higher education system provides a crucial foundation for economic growth.”

Dedrick noted, “Tuition and fee costs for those attending a community college in New York State in 2000-01 was the 5th highest in the nation, roughly 88 percent higher than the nation average according to the Almanac for Higher Education .” He pointed to the partnership between the state and counties in forming community colleges such as Hudson Valley Community College, now celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Democratic county legislators also filed legislation opposing the 15 percent cut to libraries that will mean a $13.3 million loss to libraries throughout the state. Both Dedrick and O’Brien hailed libraries “as valuable community resources so important to the quality of life and our commitment to higher educational standards.”

MONAHAN REMINDS DRIVERS TO BE "PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY"

Rensselaer County Legislator James E. Monahan, Jr., a member of the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee, wants to remind motorists to be “pedestrian friendly” as they approach crosswalks and intersections.

“Now that the new state law regarding pedestrian right of way is in effect,” noted Monahan, “drivers need to remember to watch out for pedestrians and yield to them.”

As Monahan cautions, “The new law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians who are anywhere in the crosswalk. Before, pedestrians and vehicles had to be on the same side of the highway.”

“Now the pedestrian has the right of way no matter where he or she is in the crosswalk. The burden is on the driver to watch and yield,” noted Monahan.

Monahan says he hopes the new law will result in protecting pedestrians and promoting traffic safety. “It will take time and patience on the part of drivers to get in the habit of yielding to pedestrians as they approach any crosswalk in the future.”

DEDRICK CALLS FOR INMATES TO SHOVEL SNOW

Rensselaer County Legislature Minority Leader William L. Dedrick has called upon Sheriff Daniel Keating to consider using the services of individuals in the Jail’s Alternatives to Incarceration Program and inmates eligible for community service to help with snow removal.

In a letter to Keating, Dedrick noted, “With the recent unusual snowstorms blanketing our County, municipalities are having a difficult time clearing roads, much less remove snow from fire hydrants. This concerns me greatly as access to fire hydrants could mean the difference between life or death.”

Dedrick suggested that the Sheriff consider deploying alternative to incarceration individuals and inmates who would be eligible and appropriate for community service to aid the cities, towns and villages in clearing snow from fire hydrants.

“This assistance to communities in our county would be a very worthwhile project.” noted Dedrick. “Certainly the snow storms we have experienced lately have been exceptional. However, I hope the Sheriff will view this as a potential work force to aid municipalities in coping with future snows storms. Snow will continue to pile up this winter and we need to look for ways to continue to clear fire hydrants.”

HAMMOND SWORN-IN TO SECOND TERM

Keith A. Hammond of Poestenkill took his oath of office and began his second term on the Rensselaer County Legislature recently. As daughters Maria and Nikki held the Bible, wife Arden and son Scott looked on while East Greenbush Town Justice Diane Schilling administered the oath to Hammond in the Legislative Chambers.

Surrounded by a large gathering of family and friends, Hammond thanked all for their support in his last two campaigns. His return to the County Legislature was hard fought, having had to wage political campaigns two years in a row before tasting success.

The mood Tuesday night was celebratory as supporters gathered in the Chambers following the oath ceremony for refreshments and congratulations. Those in attendance agreed, “Keith stands up for what’s right and we’re glad he’s back on the Legislature.”

Deputy Minority Leader Ginny O’Brien of East Greenbush served as Mistress of Ceremonies, with Rev. Tom Konopka of St. Michael’s the Archangel Church offering prayers. Maureen Lundberg of Poestenkill led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and Minority Leader William Dedrick of North Greenbush offered remarks.

DEMOCRATS CALL COUNTY TAX BILLS 'DECEPTIVE'

Rensselaer County Legislators Keith Hammond of Poestenkill and Ginny O’Brien of East Greenbush today called the County’s 2003 tax bills “a cruel hoax on county taxpayers and a slap in the face to local municipalities.” Hammond says that, in a conscious effort to cover-up its 27% tax increase, Rensselaer County has removed its name from the 2003 tax bills.

Hammond says “the county’s tax increase is bad enough, but to try to run and hide from responsibility for it is even worse.” Rensselaer County does not appear anywhere on this year’s tax bills --- not in the heading or in identifying county chargebacks. In previous years, the County and the Town were noted.

“I’m sure it’s no coincidence that in years when the County was handing out tax cuts, the administration wanted to take credit for them, so the County’s name appeared prominently on tax bills. This year, however, taxpayers were hit with a large county tax increase and, interestingly, Rensselaer County’s name is nowhere to be found,” said Hammond.

Hammond noted that instead of identifying the 27% as a county responsibility, the tax bills call it a NYS mandate. “Mandates may account for part of the increase, but the county administration needs to accept responsibility for its role, too,” noted Hammond.

Legislators began receiving phone calls as soon as the bills were received in the towns. According to O’Brien, “Both town officials and constituents are calling. Town leaders are understandably upset that the 2003 bills appear to be only the town’s responsibility. In a town like East Greenbush where Supervisor Angelini and the Town Board worked hard to avoid a tax increase, it appears that the town is levying the 27% increase. That is dishonest.”

O’Brien also said “Constituents are clearly confused and have placed calls to their town only to find out that the bills are really the county tax bills.”

“This deception has placed an unfair burden on towns,” noted County Legislator James Monahan of Hoosick Falls. “In order to clarify the bills, Town Supervisor Marilyn Douglas prepared a special insert to explain the bills and clarify that lines 1 and 2 of the bills are actually the County’s portion.” Towns collect the county portion and forward it on to Rensselaer County.

Democratic Minority Leader William L. Dedrick has tried for some time to get the county chargeback portion of tax bills clarified. He says this year’s bills are even more unclear than previous years and will make the task of improving the format, that much greater.

M. LYNNE MAHONEY ELECTED COUNTY CHAIRWOMAN

Rensselaer County Democrats join McCall, Spitzer at Victory 2002 Rally

Democratic candidates and elected officials from Rensselaer County joined members of the statewide Democratic ticket on Friday, September 13 for a victory rally. Click here for photographs of this event!

REPUBLICANS TABLE DEDRICK PLAN TO INVENTORY COUNTY VEHICLES

In a partisan vote in the Rules Committee meeting of the Rensselaer County Legislature, the Republican Majority tabled a resolution requiring all county departments to maintain an annual inventory of county-owned vehicles. Introduced by Minority Leader William L. Dedrick, the resolution calls upon each department head to provide a detailed description of every vehicle including care and custody, mileage, general physical condition and use of the vehicle annually to the Clerk of the Legislature. Democratic colleagues Ginny O’Brien and James Monahan, Jr. had also joined in co-sponsorship of the resolution.

Upon learning that the Republicans prevented his resolution from being voted on this month, Dedrick said, “We need this type of information now more than ever. With news that the County is facing severe budget shortfalls, the Majority should welcome suggestions on ways to cut costs on items like vehicles.”

Dedrick’s plan would have enhanced long range planning and budgeting concerning the motor vehicle fleet. “My legislation would require each department to provide information that will help us to project the useful life of each vehicle. By projecting ahead, the County will be able to develop a realistic plan for replacing each vehicle, rather than in the more costly, piecemeal fashion.”

Dedrick continued, “ I would hope that, in the months ahead, as we proceed through the County Budget process, the Majority will be more open to ideas for cost savings. I would like to see us avoid layoffs and utilize our county vehicle fleet more efficiently.” Dedrick hopes his resolution will be on the September agenda. He says he has been receiving positive feedback from department heads being surveyed about the idea.

GINNY O’BRIEN NAMED NAR FEDERAL DISTRICT COORDINATOR

Rensselaer County Legislator Ginny O’Brien of East Greenbush has been named a Federal District Coordinator for incumbent U.S. Congressman Mike McNulty. O’Brien was named to the voluntary position by the Greater Capital Association of Realtors, Inc. Board of Directors in May. In this capacity she will play a crucial role in helping the National Association of Realtors (NAR) oversee the political agenda of realtors across the country. Each member of Congress is assigned one Federal District Coordinator.

Ginny O’Brien has been in management and is currently a top-producing agent with Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, Inc. in East Greenbush. She has also been active in local politics and held elective office on both the Town and County levels. In her new capacity as a Federal Contact Team member of the National Association of Realtors, O’Brien will combine her interest in legislation and government with the real estate industry.

O’Brien said, “I am excited about participating in national discussions on issues of interest to the real estate industry and to my constituents. I am also very grateful to my colleagues for selecting me for this position. I look forward to the challenges it offers and the opportunities for learning and making a difference at the national level.“

The NAR is one of the top ten lobbying organizations in the country according to Fortune Magazine. Some of the 2001 legislative and regulatory victories accomplished by NAR include: brownfields legislation to provide liability protection for innocent property owners and raising the VA mortgage ceiling allowing veterans to purchase homes up to $240,000.

• To see news from last year, click here.