By Doug La Rocque
“The PFOA issue has disrupted the lives of many residents in Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh, and these residents need some measure of relief and attention.” It was with these words that Rensselaer County Legislative Chairman Stan Brownell introduced three resolutions at last Wednesday night’s legislative meeting.[private] The first calls for a federal income tax credit for residents in both communities.
The second urges creation of a public information site to inform residents of remediation efforts in these communities. “There is also a significant need for more information to residents on the PFOA remediation effort, including the maintenance of testing devices, filters, and other equipment. Currently, there is a gap between what residents need in information and what is being presented,” said Brownell. The Chairman said he envisions having the EPA maintain a dedicated website for the PFOA remediation effort.
The third resolution calls for the establishment of more uniform national PFOA standards. All three resolutions gained unanimous approval and will be forwarded to U.S. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand as well as Congressman Gibson and Tonko.
Rensselaer County Takes Aim At The Saratoga Gun Show The City of Saratoga Springs recently took action that will prevent the annual gun show from being held at the City Center in the future, and now many locations are courting the organizers of the event to relocate in their communities.
One of those is Rensselaer County, as was expressed in a resolution adopted at their meeting. That legislation states the lawmaker’s belief there is sufficient interest and support as well as a number of potential locations within the county to attract the organizers. It also cites the potential to boost the economic vitality of whatever community it might be moved to.
In other matters of interest, the Legislature passed a resolution requesting the review of what they called the sudden, sharp and unexplained increases in federally-regulated and approved prescription drugs and medical devices. It urged the review and approval by the Food and Drug Administration of any possible price increases.
There has been an outcry prompted by the recent dramatic increase in the price of “epipens” that contain the drug Epinephrine, used to reverse many allergic reactions.
The lawmakers also authorized County Executive Jimino to execute a master agreement with NYS Department of Transportation for an aid eligible program geared toward the preservation of county bridges. October was declared National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the County.[/private]