LEGISLATIVE DEMOCRATS ACCEPT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

December 31, 2001: Rensselaer County Legislature Minority Leader William L. Dedrick today announced the following committee assignments for members of the Legislature's Democratic Minority:

Ginny O'Brien of East Greenbush will serve on the Standing Committees on Education, Health, Social Services and Local Government. Dedrick noted, "As a former member of the Town Board who has been active in many local initiatives, Ginny will be well-suited for the newly formed Local Government Committee. She will be a great asset to committee discussions regarding local issues."

"With HVCC and Van Rensselaer Manor located in my legislative district, I am pleased to be involved in the Education and Social Services Committees," said O'Brien.

Rookie legislator James E. Monahan, Jr. of Hoosick Falls will serve Standing Committees on Personnel, Judiciary & Public Safety, Veterans & Youth, and Contracts & Agreements. In announcing the assignments Dedrick explained that Monahan "will bring expertise as both a pharmacist and businessman to these committees --- especially Contracts and Personnel." He noted that Monahan also chairs the Personnel Committee of the HVCC Board of Trustees. Monahan admits he'll bring "a fresh perspective and expects to ask lots of questions."

Dedrick, in addition to serving as Minority Leader, will serve as member of the Standing Committees on Environment, Agriculture, Aging, Public Works, Budget & Finance and Rule & Legislative Operations. "I know I share my colleagues enthusiasm in serving on these committees. A strong committee system with healthy dialogue and discussion is in the best interests of the citizens of Rensselaer County."

MINORITY PLEDGES TEAMWORK AND PREPARES FOR NEW TERM

November 19, 2001: On January 1st, William L. Dedrick (D-North Greenbush) will become Minority Leader of the Rensselaer County Legislature. Ginny O'Brien (D-East Greenbush) will become Deputy Minority Leader. The third member of their team will be James E. Monahan, Jr. (D-Hoosick Falls).

Dedrick, a veteran county lawmaker for fourteen years, says the three "have met and pledge to work together as a positive force in county government. We each bring a unique perspective which will contribute to the new Legislature. Both Ginny and I have extensive experience at the town level and Jim brings the viewpoint of a professional businessman with considerable community service."

"I plan to meet with Legislature Chairman Neil Kelleher this week to begin a smooth transition between terms. I look forward to developing a solid working relationship with him, based on mutual respect and trust."

"Especially, in the aftermath of September 11th, it's important for us to work together to promote a healthy county economy." Dedrick noted, "Our Minority team vows to work in a cooperative fashion with the Majority and the County Executive to promote economic development and delivery of county services while maintaining a stable tax rate. Now, more than ever, on issues of great significance to our constituents, a united front is reassuring."

"That's not to say we won't have occasional disagreements," noted O'Brien. "It can be healthy so long as we respect each other's opinions and handle discussion in a positive manner. The Minority has a questioning role to play, when appropriate. Throughout my service on the town and county level, I've prided myself on building coalitions for progress. I am hopeful that will be the hallmark of this new term. The minority is committed to teamwork."

Prior to election to the County Legislature, Dedrick served as Supervisor of the Town of North Greenbush from 1978 to 1985. O'Brien has served the East Greenbush Town Council for twelve years and was a member of the County Legislature from 1993 to 1997.

Monahan, a newcomer to elective county government, has served as a member of the HVCC Board of Trustees where he has chaired the Personnel Committee. He said, "It is interesting to note that all three of us work in the private sector and are keenly familiar with economic concerns and constraints facing consumers and constituents. Just as a business must crunch numbers to come up with a workable budget so, too, must government. Just as I am available to the customers of my pharmacy, I intend to be available to my constituents."

• To see news from previous years, click here.