Greetings to all in Rensselaer County and surrounding areas. This column is presented to help inform residents of issues, services, news and events in our county that may be of use or interest. One area of interest is the State of the County I recently delivered before residents and members of the County Legislature.
The State of the County is an annual address, required by the County Charter, and offers a look at important events, accomplishments, goals and challenges. Obviously, the ongoing pandemic, and the response to COVID-19 made the 2021 State of the County even more unique.
There are reasons to be optimistic as we move forward during a time of challenge. The 2021 budget includes a tax decrease, the third consecutive tax reduction for the county. Along with lowering taxes three consecutive years, we have remained under the state tax cap since the cap was implemented a decade ago.
Getting There: Questions about incorrect E-ZPass charges timesunion.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from timesunion.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
RENSSELAER COUNTY, N.Y. â The Rensselaer County Republican Committee recently unanimously endorsed a slate of candidates recently, including Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, Rensselaer County Clerk Frank Merola, members of the County Legislature and candidates for local office.
Candidates and members were enthusiastic about the upcoming elections, including a number of new additions to the ticket. In the days before the committee meeting, Republicans welcomed two town supervisors who have previously run with Democrats.
The party also endorsed a fusion ticket for races in Troy, further expanding a base of support.
- Advertisement -
âWe are looking forward to a successful election cycle, and believe our message of lower taxes, more opportunity and protection of freedoms and security will especially resonate with voters this year,â Chairman John Rustin said.
POESTENKILL, N.Y. â Poestenkill Supervisor Keith Hammond announced recently he will be seeking re-election on the Republican ticket and also endorsed Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin for re-election in 2021.
Hammond has run for office as a Democrat for years but said he feels his goals and priorities are more in line with the Republican team on the town and county levels.
âAs an elected official, I work to protect taxpayers, improve quality of life and support new opportunity in our town and our county. This is the right move,â Hammond stated.
- Advertisement -
Hammond is in his first term as Supervisor. He previously was elected as a Democrat to Town Council and was a legislator for 13 years. He also served as a member of the town Planning Board for four years.