Lester Goodermote To Retire From County Legislature
Cites Health as Factor in Stepping Down in District 5
[private]Goodermote has been dealing with illnesses in recent years and due to his condition, is often unable to attend legislative meetings.
Goodermote and Brownell each represent District 5, which includes the towns of Hoosick, Petersburgh, Grafton, Berlin and Stephentown.
“We want to thank Lester for his nearly three terms of outstanding and faithful service to the residents of eastern Rensselaer County. He has been a hard worker and a friend to so many as a legislator, judge and business owner,” said Brownell.
“It has been a great honor to serve as a member of the Rensselaer County Legislature and to represent my neighbors in eastern Rensselaer County. I need to focus on my health for the coming months, and believe it will be better for someone else to take the job now,” said Goodermote.
Goodermote has endorsed Jeff Wysocki, a Hoosick farmer and member of the Town Board, as a replacement for him on the 19-member body.
“I think Jeff would be a great addition to the Legislature and I know he will work hard for the people of District 5. He knows the issues, the area and will be able to get to work right away,” said Goodermote.
Goodermote was elected to the Legislature in 2005, and re-elected in 2009 and 2013. Prior to serving as legislator, he served as judge in Hoosick and is owner of a tax preparation firm and gift shop.
Goodermote voted for several consecutive county budgets that stayed under the state tax cap, supported policies that led to protection of 6,000 acres of farmland and open space, maintained strong county services, and generated savings on insurance contracts and legislative operations.
“Lester has been a steady hand in the Legislature and great on budget issues, and giving a voice to his constituents,” said Vice Chair for Finance Phil Danaher.
“Lester was proud of how accessible he was to the people he served. He took care of problems big or small and was always attentive to the needs of his residents,” said Vice Chair Alex Shannon.
“We thank Lester for his service and his great insight on the people and the issues in eastern Rensselaer County. He worked hard for the county and was a great legislator and friend,” said Majority Leader Ken Herrington. [/private]