McLaughlin: County ready for growth
Executive gives first State of the County address
TROY, N.Y. » TheRensselaer County Legislative Chamber was filled with county officials and community members Tuesday night to hear Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin’s first State of the County address.
“For my colleagues in public service here tonight, regardless of the elected office we hold, we all share the same mission and obligation: To serve the residents of our county, to protect in the pres- ent and provide for the future, giving the highest level of service at the lowest cost possible. To be chosen to serve our neighbors and the county we call home is a privilege and honor, and we should never stop striving to reach the highest standards of public service. We should all work to make this our county’s finest hour, and our greatest day,” McLaughlin said to the crowd.
During his roughly 40 minute speech, McLaughlin noted the county’s tradition and heritage of economic, technological and social advancement, and said he believes Rensselaer County is poised for renewed greatness. He urged legislators and state and local officials to work collectively for the greater good of the county.
“Today, I amconfident we have the ability to reach great heights, if we work together collectively, honestly and with the same commitment toward the future as those who farmed this county, as those who forged iron and steel, or crafted shirt collars, who helped develop computers, telecommunications and the ability to travel into space,” said McLaughlin.
McLaughlin discussed his work during his first weeks in office to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of county government, initiatives to improve openness and accountability and cost- cutting measures. As in previous State of the County addresses given by the previous county executive, he warned of the potential impact of
state mandates, and allowing state fiscal issues to remain unaddressed.
“Our message to the governor and Albany is simple and clear: Fix the problems at the state level, make the tough, but fair and necessary decisions, and do not shift your burden and shortfalls to the county and local levels,” said McLaughlin.
McLaughlin also noted positive work to keep county budgets under the tax cap and improve the county’s fiscal standing. He noted several recent inquiries from companies seeking to invest and grow in Rensselaer County.
“Rensselaer County is the place to be, the place to make your investment, work hard and chase your dream here. My administra- tion wants to send the message that Rensselaer County is open for new growth and ready to help make dreams become reality, plans become businesses, and ideas become new jobs,” said McLaughlin.
The s peech was McLaughlin’s first official State of the County since winning election as County Executive in 2017, following several terms of service as Assemblyman.
“I fought hard to get to this office, and I will fight even harder for the people of Rensselaer County. Our residents deserve the best we can offer and we will work hard to meet their expectations and fulfill the highest traditions of public service. We can expect the months ahead to be challenging ones, but also filled with an opportunity to make a lasting and positive mark on this great county, and to contribute to the great heritage of ac- complishment left us by our founders,” said McLaughlin.
Legislators said that they thought that McLaughlin shared a positive message for his first address as county executive.
“Steve is committed to the people of Rensselaer County, its fiscal well being, and its future. I believe he will continue to make Rensselaer County an affordable and proud place to live and raise a family. Steve pledges to continue to support our youth, our seniors, and our veterans and that is why he was elected,” Chairman Mike Stammel.
“It was very positive and upbeat, you know it’s the beginning of a new administration, he made it perfectly clear that he wants to work both sides of the isle and we are looking forward to being included and we hope that his administration is inclusive,” added Democratic Minority Leader Peter Grimm.