Schenectady County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara announced that he has officially changed his enrollment from the Republican to the Democratic Party on Dec. 31, according to information from the county.
I was treated with dignity and respect by the Democratic Majority on my proposals and plan to continue working in the best interests as part of that majority, said Santabarbara in a statement. `What that said, I am pleased to announce that I am joining the Democratic Majority in the Schenectady County Legislature, and that I will be a part of the Democratic caucus in January.`
The former Republican from Rotterdam will join County Legislative Chairwoman Susan Savage, County Democratic Chairman Brian Quail and a Democratic Majority in the county in the coming year.
`In my first two years as County Legislator, I was pleased to work with all of the legislators in helping to make Schenectady County a better place to live,` said Santabarbara in a statement. `I was especially pleased that two of my initiatives- a ban on the use of BPA in baby bottles, and a plan to provide court security for the Princetown Town Court, that were both enacted by the Legislature in a bipartisan manner.`
During his time as a part of the Schenectady County Legislature, Santabarbara has helped to introduce resolutions that have been recognized statewide such as his work in banning the use of BPA’s in baby products across the county.
`As a legislator, Angelo has put forth constructive proposals to benefit all county residents,` said Savage of Santabarbara’s change in party in a prepared statement. `He is a welcome addition to the Democratic caucus, and will continue to put the people of Schenectady County first.`
`I have witnessed first-hand, the outstanding progress in revitalizing and rebuilding our economy that can be achieved by working together in a constructive fashion,` said Santabarbara in a statement. `I am convinced that Schenectady County is on the right track with leaner, more efficient government, and robust economic development strategy. At this point, I believe that I can play a constructive role in that progress with my expertise as a civil engineer and work together towards a brighter future for Schenectady County.`
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