Albany County to consider term limits on some officials

Local law would revise charter and if approved would head to voters

The Albany County Legislature will host seven public hearings on a slew of topics ranging from establishing term limits for legislators, the county executive and county comptroller to forming an independent redistricting commission.

Republican Legislator Todd Drake is sponsoring a local law that would revise the county charter to limit the terms for the county’s 39 legislators, the executive and the comptroller to three four-year terms, according to Local Law “T.” It would not include partially-served terms.

If legislators approve the local law, it would then go to Albany County voters for final approval to include in the charter

the document that outlines how county government should run. The law would take effect next year.

In a county known for political longevity — some legislators have served nearly half a century — there currently are no term limits for elected officials.

Meanwhile, a bipartisan effort is being undertaken by 16 legislators to revise the charter when it comes to redistricting in the county. Redistricting occurs every 10 years after the release of the U.S. Census, and involves drawing election district lines.

The county has dealt with three lawsuits since 1990 over redistricting plans that dilute minority voting power. The last was over the county’s 2011 redistricting plan, which cost taxpayers $1.7 million.

In 2016, Loudonville Republican Peter Crouse and Delmar Democrat Joanne Cunningham proposed varying approaches to redistricting. Crouse had previously drafted an approach that was defeated by the legislature.

The two have since worked together with Albany Democrat Wanda Willingham, deputy chair of the county Legislative Black Caucus, to come up with an “independent redistricting commission” and then a “Majority Minority District Reapportionment Subcommittee” in efforts to ensure the county’s drawing of election districts is representative of all communities and free of political influence.

Public comment will also be taken on leasing with Hudson Valley Wireless, modifying agricultural district no. 3, and adjusting the county’s capital program.

The hearings begin at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday.

Supporting documents for the proposals can be found on the county legislature’s website, http://www.albanycounty.com/ legislature.aspx.