Dear Editor,
A new era began in the Albany County Legislature with the election of Andrew Joyce as the chair of the Legislature. Republicans and Democrats provided the votes to usher in a new way of doing business with openness, transparency and inclusivity. As the deputy minority leader of the Republican Conference, I was proud to work with Colonie’s Minority Leader Frank Mauriello and Legislator Todd Drake to support the new leadership, and alongside our Democratic colleagues in Colonie, participate in charting a new course in helping the people of Albany County and the Town of Colonie.
Two years ago, like-minded reformers of both parties tried to initiate new bipartisan leadership, but we fell a few votes short. Representatives of both parties over the past two years followed their hearts and tried to make structural changes in how county government functions. While we weren’t able to achieve wholesale governmental reform, we did fight for important issues like independent redistricting and downsizing of the state’s largest legislative body, which are now poised to be openly debated and voted on.
Under this new administration, Chairman Joyce has created task forces on Rule Changes, Legislative Modernization, and Real Property Disposition. He has formed a bipartisan leadership and committee structure and will be initiating operational improvements so that all legislator’s concerns and goals may be heard. These are historic developments and provide an optimistic foil to the gridlock and partisan tribalism of our current Congress. I look forward to working with stakeholders across Albany County and the Town of Colonie as the Legislature’s Public Works chairman, to ensure the longevity of our critical infrastructure needs. If we continue working together, we will achieve new heights of efficient public service for our constituents.
Paul Burgdorf
Deputy Minority Leader
23rd Legislative District
Latham, Loudonville and the Village of Colonie