Lawmakers Agree On A Pair Of Issues
By Doug La Rocque
Unless it is a piece of legislation that usually has no political ramifications, the Rensselaer County Legislature has been known to typically vote along party lines, with the Republicans holding a 13 to 6 majority. At its Tuesday, September 10 meeting, two bills, one introduced by each side, gained unanimous approval.
Legislation that asked New York State to ban all Styrofoam containers, not specially Rensselaer County, was introduced by the minority legislators, and passed through committee. It was however, amended on the floor of the legislature to exclude such items as automotive bumper fillers, medical packaging and other such uses not associated with the food industry. It still called for a ban on Styrofoam cups, plates and the like. Eagle Bridge Legislator Bruce Patire said, “I think it is about time we move in that direction, but felt a slower approach to a complete ban was in order.” On the Republican bill asking Governor Cuomo to rescind the $25 dollar fee for the new license plates to be issued next year, Minority Leader Peter Grimm said his caucus backed it because “ it makes sense.” County Clerk Frank Merola went even further, calling it “just a money grab by the state.” He noted that if a motorist wants to keep their current plate number, there is an additional charge of $20. He also said most families have more than one vehicle, making the added fees seemingly punitive. The County Clerk’s Office administers the Motor Vehicle offices in the county.
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin issued a statement to The Eastwick Press following the meeting, in which he said, “New Yorkers have roundly criticized the new license plate fee, and believe it is unnecessary and ill-timed. State residents are taxed too much and too often, and this new fee is a step in the wrong direction.
The fact that county legislators voted unanimously to oppose the fee at the September legislative meeting shows a need for state leaders to halt this move, and find more common-sense alternatives that do not shift costs onto families.”
On the Styrofoam legislation, the Executive said, “Our environment deserves protection, but there should be a study of potential impacts of a Styrofoam ban on consumers and businesses. That would ensure full information before a final decision is made on the issue.”
“While there is some reason for concern about a ban, any move to restrict use and sale of Styrofoam belongs at the state level. The County does not have the resources to enforce a new law of this nature at this time.”