County Legislature leaders to retire
Brownell, Shannon announce they won’t run for re-election
TROY, N.Y. >> The leadership of the Rensselaer County Legislature will change next year, as the group’s top two leaders announced Monday they will not be running for re- election.
Less than a week after fellow Republican Kathy Jimino said she would not run for a fifth term as county executive, legislative Chairman Stan Brownell and Vice Chairman Alex Shannon jointly announced they will retire at the end of their current terms. Both said in a news release they are looking forward to spending more time with family.
Brownell was first elected to the Legislature in 1997, after serving on the Hoosick Town Board. He won re- election four times as a representative of District 5, which includes the towns of Hoosick, Petersburgh, Grafton, Berlin and Stephentown.. He was elected vice chairman of the Legislature in 2010 and was elevated to chair in 2016.
“Serving the people of eastern Rensselaer County and my hometown of Hoosick has been
a great honor and privilege,” Brownell said in the release. “It has also been an honor to serve as chair of the Legislature and work with fellow elected officials to serve our residents and our county.”
Shannon first joined the Legislature after winning a special election in 2007 and was re- elected twice to represent District 4, which
includes the towns of Schodack, Sand Lake and Nassau. He was chosen as vice chairman after Brownell was elevated to chairman.
“I am ending my service as legislator this year proud of what we accomplished and humble to have been given such a great opportunity,” Shannon said in the release. “I have been grateful to have the opportunity to work on behalf of the residents of my district, who I consider neighbors and friends.”
The lawmakers said they
are very confident the Republican Party will not only retain a majority in the Legislature in November’s elections, but also increase the size of that majority.
“Our team has done an outstanding job, and we know we are turning the reins over to a very capable group of candidates and public servants,” Brownell said. “I know residents will be impressed by our team for the upcoming term,” said Brownell.
They pointed to the cur-
rent majority’s record of protecting taxpayers, including six consecutive budgets under the state tax cap, an improved county bond rating, economic development success and increased investment in road improvements in 2017.
“We know we are leaving the legislative team in good hands and are excited by some great new candidates emerging this year,” Shannon added. “Stan and I both plan on campaigning very hard for our team this summer and fall.”