Resolution consolidating primary elections passes

Majority also rules in favor of placing casino at DeLaet’s Landing

TROY >> The Rensselaer County Legislature passed two resolutions Tuesday with the hopes of not only consolidating the federal election calendar, but also placing a casino along the Hudson River waterfront.

The legislature voted unanimously during its monthly meeting Tuesday evening to ask state legislators to do away with a primary election in June to help save taxpayer dollars.

Legislators had hoped to roll the additional primary election into the normal September primary elections and save what it estimated to be around $ 60,000, the county’s cost to hold the additional federal primary election in June 2012.

According to a press release from the legislature, there was also a low turnout for the 2012 June federal primary.

“We believe the traditional format is not only more costefficient but also adequately serves the voters,” said Majority Leader Ken Herrington, R-District 1. “During the additional primary in 2012, voter turnout was very low and the turnout did not match the expense.”

The legislature also passed a resolution in a 16- 2 vote, with one legislator absent, advocating for the placement of a casino at DeLaet’s Landing, which is along the Hudson River waterfront in the City of Rensselaer.

This follows the passage of a referendum allowing for the development of seven commercial casinos throughout the state by voters during last November’s general election.

State officials are currently eyeing locations to start building casinos.

According to the resolution, the legislature has received numerous calls, including one from the Capital District OffTracking Betting Corp., suggesting other possible locations for casinos.

The legislature suggested DeLaet’s Landing, citing “numerous positive attributes”

“We believe the traditional format is not only more cost-efficient but also adequately serves the voters.” — Majority Leader Ken Herrington, R-District 1

including its location on the Hudson River directly across from the City of Albany along with its proximity to interstate roads and highways and the Rensselaer Train Station in its resolution.