Editor, The Spotlight;
The Albany County Legislature’s Charter Review Committee has completed its work and its recommendations will be brought to the full legislature for consideration.
Not many residents know that this legislative committee was “amending” recommendations made by a citizens committee called the Charter Review Commission. Apparently some of the recommendations made by county residents were a bit too threatening to Democrat leadership in the Albany County Legislature, so the legislature appointed its own committee, manned by its own elected officials.
Recommendations by legislators include changing the veto override provision in the Charter from 2/3 to 3/5. This reduces the number of votes needed to override a veto and enhances the power of the legislature. Also, the legislators’ version has taken departmental appointment and removal powers away from the County Executive.
Some county residents may say “So what?” I leave them with this thought. Our national government was founded on the principle of creating and maintaining a balance of power among our legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Our founding fathers realized that the balance of power was, and is, the foundation of our democracy.
From what I’m observing, the balance of power concept is respected by most elected officials — except some Democrat legislators in Albany County. Our residents should be concerned.
Brian Hogan, Albany County Legislator,
Colonie