Scotia Trustee Cathy Gatta tapped for seat; Dagostino new chair
The head of the Schenectady County Legislature is changing hands, and a newer face to the political scene will step up to fill the vacancy.
Former Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature, Susan Savage, D-Niskayuna, announced Thursday, April 14, that she was stepping down to take a position as the deputy commissioner of Tax and Finance for the Office of Real Property Services with Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration. Her new title carries a salary of $106,000.
On Monday morning, April 18, Democrat Judith Dagostino, formerly vice chair of the County Legislature, assumed the role as chairwoman. Scotia Trustee Cathy Gatta has been chosen by County Democrats to fill Savage’s District 3 seat vacancy, but the legislature will vote on the appointment.
The legislature is comprised of very smart, hard-working people who are not only friends, but respected colleagues. I leave the County Legislature very confident that the work we have done together is going to continue, said Savage. `I am extremely confident in the leadership of Judy Dagostino. Judy is a quiet and strong leader who will do a tremendous job as chair and has the respect of every member of the legislature.`
Savage said she thought she was leaving the county stronger and better off than when she began serving as chairwoman in 2004. She joined the legislature in 1998. A main accomplishment Savage pointed to was establishing the county’s Office of Economic Development and Planning. Often during her tenure, along with her unsuccessful 2010 bid against Sen. Hugh Farley, she touted the economic development of the county and the revitalization of downtown Schenectady she helped facilitate. Savage said she helped create 3,500 new private sector jobs and secured $400 million in investments to the community. She also noted General Electric’s Alternative Energy Headquarters and new sodium battery plant as important projects for the county.
`I think, broadly, the greatest accomplishment was changing the economic development climate in Schenectady County,` said Savage. `Job creation and rebuilding this community has always been my goal.`
She said she is also confident the legislature will continue making progress improving the county.
`We had a big to-do list and most of the things on that to-do list have been checked off,` said Savage. `There is always more to be done. I certainly would have liked to have accomplished even more, but I am certainly satisfied with what we accomplished in the seven years.`
County Legislator Minority Leader Robert Farley, R-Glenville, wished Savage well in her new endeavor.
`She has said that she wanted to take on this new opportunity, and I presume that she viewed it as fulfilling,` said Farley. `She has been on the County Legislature for quite some time, and I think I am the only one that has been there longer than her. I assume that she views this is best way she can contribute.`
If the State Legislature approves Cuomo’s proposed tax cap, Savage said, she would be working with local government officials to help implement the initiative.
`At this point I am very much looking forward to working with Gov. Cuomo to help him achieve his goals for the State of New York. That will be my focus for the foreseeable future. I am honored that he asked me to be a part of his administration.`
She wouldn’t completely throw out ever running for office again, but for the near future, it appears off the table. She did thank her constituents for electing her to office.
`I am truly grateful to the people of Niskayuna, Scotia and Glenville and Schenectady County for giving me the opportunity to serve my community.` said Savage. `I know that everyone who is in public office makes statements like that, but it is truly heartfelt. I told them if they gave the opportunity, I would work very hard to bring changes to this community.`
Gatta was elected to her position after the recent election and garnered the most overall votes out of the three candidates. Scotia Mayor Kris Kastberg couldn’t be reached for comment because he is out of town on vacation. The Board of Trustees could choose to fill the vacancy or wait until the upcoming election in November.
Farley said he, along with fellow Republican James Buhrmaster, would offer a GOP nominee for the appointment. Democrats control the legislature with 12 seats and Conservative Holly Vellano caucuses with the Democrats, leaving two seats to GOP control.
In 2007, the Democrat-controlled legislature changed the county charter for all legislators to vote for any appointment. Previously, only district representatives of the vacancy were allowed to vote on an appointment.
Farely didn’t say what candidate he would offer.“
