By Doug La Rocque
The appointment of a new Social Services Commissioner and the public hearing for the new Agricultural Protection Plan highlighted last week’s meeting of the legislature, but so did resolutions like the one that declared September 2016 to be a month of Remembrance. [private]The lawmakers took note that this is the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and called it important that those attacks never be forgotten and that America’s ability to unite so quickly afterwards to aid and comfort those impacted by those tragic events also be forever remembered.
The Legislature accepted a grant from the New York State Office of Homeland Security that will allow the County Sheriff’s Office to purchase materials and equipment necessary to respond to and prevent events involving weapons of mass destruction. They also accepted an Emergency Management Performance Grant to support and train public safety personnel, update emergency plans and maintain equipment in the County’s Emergency Operations Center.
The lawmakers also recognized September as National Preparedness Month and September 25 as National Gold Star Mother’s Day. A Gold Star Mother is one who has lost a son or daughter in the line of duty while defending the United States. September 16 was recognized as National POW/MIA day and the week of September 17 to 23 as United States Constitution week in the county. The Legislature also passed a resolution in support of Law Enforcement Officers and officers nationwide. The resolution states “we honor the service and sacrifice of the men and woman of our nation’s law enforcement agencies who wear their uniforms with honor, dedication and integrity as they protect and serve our communities.”
Drug Use Is A Growing
Problem In The County
The lawmakers took note of ever increasing incidents of alcoholism and substance abuse, naming September as National Recovery Month in the county. Labeling the heroin epidemic as a nationwide concern, the resolution points out the County has experienced a 40% increase in residents being treated for heroin addiction in certified programs. While initiatives begun in 2002 have helped reduce alcohol use among 6th to 12th grade students by almost 20%, studies also show that one in five teens have abused prescription drugs, the second highest rate behind only young adults. They called upon relatives and friends of people suffering from these use disorders to help implement preventive measures, recognize the signs of a problem and guide those in need to the appropriate treatment and recovery services.
Other issues of note to Eastern Rensselaer County include the authorization of a professional services agreement to administer the county’s Job Development Program. County Executive Kathy Jimino is authorized to submit a Small Cities Community Block Grant application. The purpose of these grants is to provide decent housing, a suitable living environment and economic opportunities for low to middle income people. They also passed a resolution authorizing various agreements for the transportation of children with special needs for the coming school year and next summer. Legislators named Judith Breselor to the open position on the Board of Trustees at Hudson Valley Community College and called upon the state to consolidate the number of primary dates to encourage voter participation and reduce county cost. [/private]