The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Rensselaer County

2023 County Budget Proposed

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Fifth Straight Year with Property Tax Reduction

From the Office of County Executive Steve McLaughlin
The proposed 2023 Rensselaer County budget would include a 1 percent property tax reduction, making it the fifth consecutive year with such a reduction. When combined with the previous four years, property taxes will have been reduced by 20 percent under County Executive Steve McLaughlin.

“Under the 2023 budget, the County tax levy will decrease by 1 percent. While modest, when coupled with the previous tax reductions from the past four years, it will mean our taxes have decreased by one-fifth in just five years. A 20 percent reduction in taxes is, we believe, is not equaled by any County in the State, and shows Rensselaer County is a leader in protecting taxpayers and encouraging other development,” added McLaughlin.

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Rensselaer County Legislature Oct. Meeting Highlights

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Submitted by Rensselaer County Legislature Office of the Minority 

Election 2022
Early Voting starts on Saturday, October 29, through Sunday, November 6 in Troy at 500 Federal Street, Town of Brunswick Office Building and Schodack Town Hall.  The times can be found at the Rensselaer County Board of Election website, www.rensco.com/429/Elections.

Election Law Update
Due to NYS Election Law amendments in 2022, once an absentee ballot is requested, you will no longer be eligible to vote in person, at either the early voting locations or the election day polling sites.

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Power Lunch Needs Reading Mentors 

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Do you enjoy reading to children? Do you have an hour a week to spare? Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County has a pressing need for at last 10 volunteer reading mentors for the Everybody WINS! Power Lunch program at Van Rensselaer Elementary in Rensselaer as well as School 2 and School 14 in Troy.

Everybody Wins! is an innovative reading and mentoring program that increases children’s prospects for success in school and in life. Power Lunch pairs elementary school children one-to-one with volunteers from nearby businesses, colleges and the community. Once a week, reading partners enjoy conversation together at the school, and the adult reads a book aloud to the child while he/she eats lunch.

 Readers will be required to attend a training session on Wednesday, September 28, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm at Hart Hall on the campus of Russell Sage College, 71 First Street, Troy. To register or for more information, contact 518-244-4650 or litvoldirector@aol.com.

GOP Election Commissioner Charged With Ballot Fraud

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by Doug La Rocque
Rensselaer County’s Republican Election Commissioner Jason Schofield was arrested by FBI Agents Tuesday morning, September 13, and later arraigned in Federal Court in Albany on charges of ballot fraud. According to the indictment, Schofield is alleged to have taken possession of absentee ballots, brought them to voters to sign, but not actually vote—which allowed him or other individuals to cast ballots in their name. Schofield pled not guilty to the charges and was released pending future court appearances.

The FBI’s investigation into the ballot fraud case involving last November’s general election saw former Troy City Councilwoman Kim Ashe-McPherson arrested on similar charges in June, which resulted in a guilty plea and her resignation from the Council.

If convicted, Schofield could face a prison term of up to five years, a potential $250,000 fine, and probation.