The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Rensselaer County

State of the County Address

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Submitted by the Office of County Executive Steve McLaughlin
On Thursday, January 14, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin gave an energetic and optimistic State of the County address to the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, noting the County’s success in reducing taxes, supporting job creation and investment, modernization of County facilities and services, and protection of quality of life.

McLaughlin said Rensselaer County is being recognized across the State for effective fiscal policies that have lowered County property taxes by over 25 percent in the past five years, along with improving the scope of County facilities through the Reimagine Rensselaer plan.

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Stefanik to Open Flagship District Office in Rensselaer County

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Submitted by the Office of County Executive Steve McLaughlin

The new Rensselaer County offices at 99 Troy Road in East Greenbush will also include the flagship office for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. 

The offices for Congresswoman Stefanik are the first congressional offices to be opened in Rensselaer County in recent memory. Former Congressman Jerry Solomon maintained offices in East Greenbush in the 1980s and former Congressman Michael McNulty operated an office in downtown Troy two decades ago.

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Bourgault Sworn in as Sergeant

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Courtesy of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department
On December 21, at the Public Safety Building in Troy, a formal swearing-in ceremony was held for the promotion of Deputy Kyle Bourgault to the rank of Sergeant. Sergeant Bourgault was sworn in by Rensselaer County Sheriff Patrick Russo, with family, friends, and colleagues in attendance.

Throughout his career, which began in 2008, Sergeant Bourgault has established a track record of professionalism and dedication. His many responsibilities include serving as the Public Information Officer since January of 2020, the Pistol Permit Background Investigator since 2016, and being a positive representative for the Sheriff’s Office in many community events throughout the years.

We wish to congratulate Sergeant Bourgault on his promotion and acknowledge his past performances and proven leadership, as well as his dedication and commitment to the citizens of Rensselaer County and to the Sheriff’s Office.

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County Announces Agreement with Employee Union

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Submitted by the Office of County Executive Steve McLaughlin
Rensselaer County has reached an agreement on a contract with the bargaining unit representing the largest group of County employees. The agreement, reached after collective bargaining, will provide long-term stability and support the County’s mission to provide services to those who live and work in Rensselaer County.

The four-year agreement will run through 2026, and provide salary adjustments both sides termed fair, along with stipend payments to employees.

The agreement is the first to be reached with UPSEU following the pandemic, where County employees were recognized for outstanding and valuable service during COVID-19.

“This is a fair agreement, reached after productive negotiations, and is a long-term agreement that ensures stability and continuity of services as provided by our partners in public service, the hardworking men and women who serve the County and its residents,” said County Executive Steve McLaughlin.

The agreement will be sent to UPSEU members for ratification, and subsequently to the Rensselaer County Legislature for consideration in the coming weeks.

Online Learning and Socialization for Older New Yorkers 

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Submitted by the NYS Office for the Aging
The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and the Association on Aging in New York (AgingNY) have partnered with GetSetUp to offer interactive online programming for older New Yorkers specifically designed to increase activity and wellness, help individuals effectively use digital technology, and find other learning opportunities. To take a class, visit the New York partnership page at https://www.getsetup.io/partner/nystate.

According to one analysis, up to 43 percent of people 60 and older reported feeling lonely. This sense of isolation often gets worse during the winter when weather conditions make it harder for people to interact in person. Through GetSetUp, New Yorkers can access thousands of engaging classes taught by older adults to their peers. Classes are available at the click of a button around the clock. [Read more…] about Online Learning and Socialization for Older New Yorkers 

Rensselaer County Purple Heart Highway 

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Submitted by the Office of NYS Senator Daphne Jordan
On Monday, December 12, Signage designating the Rensselaer County Purple Heart Highway was officially unveiled during a special ceremony. The signage was established via bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Daphne Jordan and Senator-Elect Jake Ashby to honor the courage of Rensselaer County Purple Heart heroes. The sign was unveiled at the American Legion Melvin Roads Post 1231, 200 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer.

The bipartisan legislation renames State Route 43, beginning at the border of Massachusetts just east of Stephentown, and ending at the intersection with 1-90 in North Greenbush, as the Rensselaer County Purple Heart Highway. The measure passed both houses of the State Legislature during the 2022 session with strong, bipartisan support, and was signed into State law by Governor Kathy Hochul on August 12.

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