November - December 2020 Bulletin Issue 25
In this issue
-Andy, Lynn & Voter Services
-President's Message
-Member Engagement Opportunities
-Film & Panel
-Election Night Reporting
-Voting with a Disability
-Clean Air Act Update
-Observer Corp
-County Legislative Size Update
-Thank you Albany Co BOE
-Welcome New Members
-Calendar

Mission: The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Policy on Inclusiveness
The League of Women Voters in both its values and practice is committed to inclusion and diversity. This means:
We recognize that diverse perspectives are important and necessary for responsible and representative decision making; We believe inclusiveness enhances our organization's ability to respond effectively to changing conditions and needs;
We affirm our commitment to reflecting the diversity of Albany County; and There shall be no barriers to participation in any activity of the League on the basis of economic position, gender, race, ability, age, sexual orientation, creed or national origin.

LWVAC BOARD
President: Patricia Sibilia 
1st VP: Mary Berry 
2nd VP: Gail Volk 
Secretary: Britt Westergard  
Treasurer: Marggie Skinner 
Directors    
Margaret Danes
Christine Deyss
Andrea (Andy) Lee
Pat Maxon 
Alissa Maynard
Marilyn (Lynn) Nugent 
Mary Kate Owens
Regina Tillman



Artwork by Fiona Nugent
Andy, Lynn and volunteers hit it out of the park on voting

The League of Women Voters of Albany County says a huge THANK YOU! to Andy Lee and Lynn Nugent for their leadership in our voter registration, education and get-out-the-vote work.

The Voter Services team this election season has been in full speed ahead mode for months! We engaged more than 30 volunteers, nearly all League members, and more than a dozen local organizations to reach across the county from Glenmont to Guilderland, Rensselaerville to Roessleville. We made extra efforts in areas of the county and city that have had low turn-out over the past several elections. That meant attending events at parks, churches, food giveaways, street markets, pop up veggie trucks, and celebrations. We printed and distributed over 10,000 documents: information brochures, absentee ballot request forms, posters, instructions for voting and more. We also passed along electronic files and hard copies to libraries across the county, who have been giving out information with book pickups. 

LWVAC received a grant from the NYS League to run two campaigns:
  • Along with Leagues in Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties, we put together a CDTA bus ad campaign that was on the back of 19 buses and at a bus stop on upper Central Avenue in Albany.
  • VOTE lawn signs were put up in every ward in Albany city and every town and village in the county. 

We partnered with the Census office at many events and worked with other community organizations to help register new voters. Due to Covid, we adjusted our ongoing efforts to support naturalization ceremonies, providing information and registration packets that are given to every new citizen by Homeland Security and the court system. We have also continued our work to register and provide civics education to inmates at the County Jail, an ongoing project with a coalition of local groups. Special thanks to the students working to make this project go!

We also participated in voting education webinars and conference calls for a number of groups, and helped people as diverse as the disabled, the elderly/home care residents, SUNY Albany and high school students, Planned Parenthood, LGBTQ+, the Latinx community, and church congregations. LWVAC members also presented online an hour long program, “Get Smart,” and a state senate candidates forum.

Extra efforts were made for social media artwork, an animated short video about how to vote, and new brochures to update our material for a savvy, younger audience.

It was herculean, daunting, even dangerous - because of Covid-19. But our volunteers were tenacious masked crusaders, committed to the principles of the League. Democracy is NOT a spectator sport! 

This year feels momentous. Our reach was in the tens of thousands, maybe more, in terms of the total numbers of people who saw, read, or asked questions. But the League has been educating and registering voters for 100 years now. We’ve all played a part in keeping Democracy in our community and our country alive and thriving. Well done! Thank You most sincerely to all the people who helped and made this year the largest turn-out of voters in the history of Albany County. It’s been a genuine pleasure to work with so many committed and energetic people!

Andy Lee & Lynn Nugent
Voter Services and Get-Out-the-Vote Directors
President’s Message
 
Wow, it’s been an election season unlike any we’ve witnessed before! Our activities far exceeded previous years with lots of “firsts,” some due to the pandemic, some - like monitoring early voting sites - due to changes in voting practice. It was all possible because of you, our volunteers! The strong leadership of our Voter Services team, Andy Lee and Lynn Nugent, was key. We also had significant visibility and efforts through partnerships with the Albany Public Library Howe Branch, Planned Parenthood, and the 1Person 1Vote Coalition. You’ll read about some of it in this bulletin and can see the full picture in the Voter Services Survey we submitted to the State League, at this link.
 
How did Albany County do? As of November 1st, the County had 217,145 registered voters, a solid increase of about 14,000 voters since the midterm elections. Our core work is reflected in this increase in registrations! While we won’t know final numbers until all absentee ballots are counted, our turnout is expected to break records. The 30,000 absentee ballot requests exceeded expectations. During early voting, more than 21% of voters in Albany County cast their ballots, compared to a state average of 17.33%. In spite of some long lines at polling sites, there was more choice about when to cast our ballot with 9 days of early voting. As of this writing, we’re just shy of 122,000 ballots officially cast, a 56% turnout rate and an increase of nearly 5,000 votes since the midterm elections. As an election inspector on Election Day, I found the steady turnout of first time voters of all ages, and those who haven’t voted in many years, to be unusually high.
 
What lies ahead: As the League starts our next 100 years, we find our country divided and civil discourse too often lacking. I am hoping the League can play a role in bridging the divide and strengthening our country.
 
Thanks everyone, for all you do. It’s truly amazing!
 
In League, Patricia
Twitter: @SibiliaPatricia
A Few of the Many LWVAC Volunteers Who Worked
for This Year's Largest Election Turnout Ever
Andy Lee and Patricia Sibilia rocking the vote!
Galen Heins at Crossgates (pre-covid) with Albany Common Council member Osuwu Anane.
Helen Klaeysen at the Vegie Mobile. Healthy eating makes healthy voters!
Our online program with Albany Public Library, Howe Branch.
Gienabou Diallo & Lynn Nugent, your friendly vote team.
Rose Harrigan and Katie Kanter served Albany voters.
Sharon Gale and John Casale were at Stewarts in Latham.
Alpha Phi Alpha got out the vote via Get Smart & social media.
Mary Berry explained how to vote absentee for Channel 13.
Spectrum News included Mary Berry demonstrated the absentee ballot dropbox.
Maureen Bernstein and Lisa Petter got out the vote at Stewarts in Guilderland.
Kathy McCabe and Kristin Smith also helped "GOTV" in Guilderland.
Tom McKee and AHS SIA recipient Elizabeth Alzawahara with two friends welcomed voters.
Andy Lee and Deb Liebman were at Stewarts in Slingerlands.
Jean Hecker and Maria Ingersoll (not pictured) helped voters at Stewarts in Menands.
Member Engagement Opportunities -
Volunteer Needs

DEI Initiative Begins, Join the Team: A team of committed members is being organized to lead the LWVAC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiative. The LWVUS considers the DEI policy of equal importance to our non-partisan policy. This team’s work will guide the LWVAC to view all work through a DEI lens. We will review organizational policies and practices as well as opportunities for self-learning and reflection. Contact Gail Volk at lwvacgvolk@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more. 

LWVAC Social Media Lead: We are seeking a volunteer to help LWVAC make the most of Social Media communications: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. If you enjoy using a computer and sharing information on social media then this may be a good fit for you. Use your online and social media skills to share messages related to the League’s work and events to empower voters and defend democracy. Ideally, you should have:
  • experience with social media
  • understanding of League work and nonpartisanship
  • staying in touch with LWVAC leaders and happenings (e.g., via board minutes, email conversations, text/phone). And ability to go with the flow! 
  • creativity, good writing, ability to create or curate images
  • estimated 6- 10 hours a week, to post items and respond to comments and messages
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Communications Director Chris Deyss through lwvac@lwvalbany.org. 

Observer Corps Local Liaisons: We are still looking for members who are interested in being a Local League Liaison in their community, where you can do as little or as much as you’d like. If interested or have any questions/comments about Observer Corps, please reach out to Patricia Sibilia at PatriciaSibiliaNY@gmail.com. (See more about the Observer Corps in the article that appears below.) 
Film “AGAINST ALL ODDS” with Messiah Rhodes and
Panel Discussion on “Incarceration in the Pandemic: Break the Cycle”
Friday 11/20/2020, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Online

7:00-8:00 Screening of Against All Odds: Part 1 & Part 2. A personal and important story about recidivism, our criminal justice system, and how it affects many generations. It is also a story of women surviving this broken system and ways we can support them.

8:00-9:00 Panel: “Incarceration in the Pandemic: Break the Cycle.” Local activists in Troy and the Capital Region and New York State, with focus on understanding what Defund the Police means, empowerment and access to services. Panelists include:

Co-sponsored by iEAR Presents!, the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Rensselaer, Youth FX and TEAM Hero, and made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts. Recommended by the Coalition for Voter Education & Registration in County Jails.

Please register and join us for the film and discussion! Get more information at: https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/against-all-odds-with-messiah-rhodes/
Voting Despite a Disability: A Right to a Private and Independent Vote

Thirty five million Americans identify as individuals with disabilities. The rate of voting among this population is significantly lower than those without disabilities, and the pandemic only compounded the difficulties. Failing to provide voting access to individuals with disabilities is voter suppression.

Legislation addresses this problem (the 1965 Voters Act, 1973 Rehab Act, the ADA, the Help America Vote Act), but the devil is in the details. Barriers to voting include 
  • Physical, i.e., architectural layout, transportation, input devices, and 
  • Graphical and technological, i.e, reading, seeing, accessing.  
Not only do these barriers prevent some voters from private and independent voting access, but fears and concerns limit others from even trying to vote.

Last August, Voter Services Director Andy Lee provided an online presentation to a consortium of Disability Rights groups and began distributing voting and registration information to homes and living centers in Albany. In October, with the support of a grant from the LWV of NYS, several LWVAC volunteers reached out to independent living centers, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers to provide voting assistance and information to those who might need it. That assistance included a last minute absentee ballot run on Election Day from one of the rehab centers to the Board of Elections. Many voters who might otherwise have been disenfranchised, were assisted.  

Our initiative to support and reach voters who need assistance will be ongoing. If you would like to volunteer, please reach out to Board Member MaryKate Owens at lwvac@lwvalbany.org.
Election Night Reporting

Thanks to everyone who took part in the Albany LWV effort for poll reporting. Forty six people, 25 LWV members and 21 supporters, covered about 147 voting districts in more than 50 locations. Special thanks to Bonnie Beard and Melanie Trimble who recruited some brand new folks to help fill in the holes that remained as election day got closer and closer.

Please let Marggie Skinner know how it went. She keeps track from year to year, to avoid sending anyone to a site that is problematic. And she asks that you definitely let her know if you will be willing to do poll reporting in the future. Marggie can be reached at lwvac@lwvalbany.org. 
Clean Air Update- Take Action

Norlite in Cohoes-  Support S.7880-B/A.9952-B.
Cohoes residents learned in February 2019 that a hazardous waste incinerator owned by Norlite LLC, had been burning shipments of toxic firefighting foam. In response to public concern about the health risks, a bill banning the incineration of the foam passed the Senate and Assembly unanimously in June 2020. 

The bill has become a flashpoint between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and its sponsors, Senator Neil Breslin and Assemblyman John McDonald. Gov. Cuomo has proposed turning the permanent ban into a moratorium, which could be lifted at the state DEC’s discretion. Senator Breslin and Assemblyman McDonald will not support a moratorium. They both support a ban. The Governor has until the end of the year to sign the bill. 
League Actions:
  • Call Governor Cuomo’s office between 9am and 5pm at 866-946-1451 and tell him to sign S.7880-B/A.9952-B that passed unanimously in June 9, 2020.  
  • Write Letters to the Editor urging the same. 

 
Town of Coeymans Clean Air Law Oppose amendments.
In 2019, with the support of the League, the Coeymans Town Board adopted the Clean Air Law, Chapter 80, which would prevent LafargeHolcim from burning tires at their plant which is directly across from the RCS High School and Middle School. The current Town Board has proposed amendments which would remove LaFarge’s obligation for continuous monitoring and revert to the DEC and EPA monitoring which is not as comprehensive. The amendment also takes steps to remove and ban the 25-ton allowance unless DEC approved.
 
There will be a public hearing on the proposed changes on Thursday, November 19th at 6 pm. The revised law could be pushed through without much accountability or debate. Changes to the Clean Air Law will fit with the Town Board's revised Solid Waste and Zoning laws, approved in July 2020. These laws now permit a "Recycling/Transfer Station" to be built opposite the Port of Coeymans along the Coeymans Creek. This solid waste could end up in the Lafarge incinerators along with tires.
League Actions
  • Attend the Public hearing in Coeymans, Thursday November 19. 
  • Reach out to your networks for those who live in the Town to attend and comment. 
Albany County Observer Corps

2021 Budget
Budget season for Albany County kicked off in mid-October with County Executive Dan McCoy presenting his proposed 2021 budget of approximately $719 million, about $13 million below the current year’s budget. In April, the County proactively offered a separation buyout, which over 100 people had put in for, and 72 employees were approved for separation, eliminating the positions they held. This will save the County about $5 million next year. The proposed budget would give the taxpayers a third straight year of tax decreases. The public hearing on the budget is set for November 24th, with expected vote for passage of it at a December 7th Legislative session.

Selected Legislation Passed
  • Local Law B, to prohibit waste burning and protect clean air in Albany County, passed 32-7 in the August legislative session. The League played a significant role in supporting and helping to ensure the passing of this law.
  • Local Law D, to extend the lease agreement with the Shaker Heritage Society for up to 50 years passed in the August legislative session.
  • Resolution 276, requesting the Albany County Comptroller and the Commissioner of Human Resources to review timekeeping regulations, passed unanimously in the September session with an amendment for follow-up in 45 days. A competing resolution (243) put forward by the Republicans, that outlined specifics of employee prohibited behavior, failed 28-10. In the same evening the new Commissioner of Human Resources’s appointment, Peter Apostol, was approved. These actions were a response to audit findings by the Comptroller’s office earlier this year. 
  • Local Law H, prohibiting the use and sale of sparkling devices passed 33-5 in September after months of public comment on the topic.  
  • Local Law C passed 23-14 as a technical amendment to the plastic bag ban to have 40% of the five cent fee go back to the County to purchase bags for residents, particularly those of limited means.  
  • Tax Anticipation Notes: A unanimous vote in November supported the issuance of $40 million of Tax Anticipation notes that will be used to cover County operating expenses. Real estate tax revenues for 2021 are projected to be $90 million. 
  • Appointment of the new Commissioner of Management and Budget, David Reilly, Jr., was approved in November’s meeting. 
  • Formation of an economic development corporation, Advance Albany County Alliance, with the goal of rebuilding the county’s economy amid COVID-19, was approved in November.
  • A new Democratic Commissioner for the Albany County Board of Elections, Kathleen Donovan, was approved along with Rachel Bledi continuing as the Republican Commissioner. Their four year term will begin January 1st.

Albany County Land Bank In the November session, discussion before a vote on approving a new board member to the Albany County Land Bank highlighted that several legislators have concerns about how the Land Bank is operating. The legislature agreed to hold a meeting to further discuss the concerns. 

Thanks to Olubunmi Erogbogbo, a new member who has joined our Observer Corps, starting with shadowing Patricia Sibilia on the County Legislature. We are still looking for members to be a Local League Liaison in their community, where you can do as little or as much as you’d like. If you are interested or have any questions or comments about Observer Corps, please reach out to Patricia Sibilia at PatriciaSibiliaNY@gmail.com. 
LWVAC Changes Position on County Legislature Size

On October 24, the Albany County League of Women Voters General Membership Meeting voted to abandon the League’s previous position on reducing the size of the Albany County Legislature. Members concurred with the statement that: "In light of the potential negative impact that downsizing could have on minority and community representation, the League’s current position should be abandoned."

The previous position, adopted in February of 2014 mirrored the conclusion of the independent Charter Review Commission that the size of the County’s legislative body should be reduced-specifically from 25 to 14 members.

In October 2019, League members formed a study group to reexamine the issues and impacts of the size of the County Legislature. Thanks to the efforts of President Patricia Sibilia, member Mary Kate Owens and community volunteer Steven Stowitt Elliot, members have access to an in-depth consideration of the subject.

Prior to decision making at the October 24 online session, members were provided with an overview of the study findings. League Secretary Britt Westergard led members through a structured process to ensure members had needed information to make a decision on the proposed concurrence. 

In addition to abandoning the the previous position, League members expressed their commitment to community input and effective representation in the County Legislature. Please contact Patricia Sibilia, PatriciaSibiliaNY@gmail.com, if you want to learn more about the study.
You Are Invited to Become a Member of LWV of Albany County

You may be reading this Bulletin because of your past interest in our work. This would be a great time to join us!

Or perhaps your membership lapsed in the crush of activity this fall. Please take the time to check your status for the 2020-2021 program year by contacting our Membership Treasurer or Membership Committee today at lwvac@lwvalbany.org.  

During this tumultuous election season we’ve worked with other Leagues and community partners to share vital non-partisan information about voting, election laws and legislative issues. News in this bulletin and the postings on www.lwvac.org remind us how much we can accomplish together!

The work goes on. Legislative redistricting, health care proposals and the array of local governments in our county call for active citizens’ attention. League of Women Voters members will be in the forefront of these civic efforts.

If you are a current member, consider some of the voters and organizational partners you’ve met recently. Invite them to share their commitment and energy by joining the League of Women Voters. Membership applications can be found at www.lwvac.org.

As we continue the celebration of this Centennial Year of Women’s Suffrage, new programs and volunteer roles are taking shape at Albany County’s League. Be a part of the action!
Thank you, Albany County Board of Elections!

The Albany County Board of Elections (BOE) deserves our deep thanks for handling an especially challenging election in a timely and professional manner

Recent New York State laws expanded voter access. Then the pandemic required additional polling measures to ensure the health and safety of voters, which was largely achieved through the Governor’s Executive Orders. The BOE had to assume a huge responsibility for responding quickly to each of the legislative changes and executive orders, executing new systems and protocols during a general election with a record-breaking participation.

When the Capital District took full advantage of all three ways to vote - absentee, early and on election day - members of LWVAC were busy monitoring lines at early voting sites and responding to the state league’s requests to address local complaints. Each time that our board members reached out to the Albany County Board of Elections (BOE), staff was helpful, courteous and had taken care of the concerns. And the demands on the BOE did not end on November 3. They had the awesome task of counting the barrage of absentee ballots. 

While we are quick to point out gaps or areas in need of improvement, we also want to recognize when things go well. We extend our thanks to all those who were responsible. 
Welcome New Members!
Judy Kahn
Guilderland

Bonnie Eisenberg
Albany

Alex Harrington
Albany
Gienabou Diallo
Albany

Don & Lois Porter Schenectady

Susan M. Ludeman, PhD, Delmar
Pam Robbins
Slingerlands

Melissa Salmon
Albany
December - January Calendar

Thursday, November 19, 6:00 pm. Town of Coeymans Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments to the Local Clean Air Law. See article above.
 
Friday, November 20, 7:00- 9:00 pm. Film and discussion, Against All Odds and Incarceration in the Pandemic. Online. See article above.
 
Tuesday, November 30, 7:15. Public hearing on the Albany County Budget. Contact Patricia Sibilia for more details at patriciasibiliany@gmail.com.
 
Monday, November 30, 6:30. Albany County Legislative Session (Observer Corps). Public forum followed by the legislative session. Contact Patricia Sibilia for more details at patriciasibiliany@gmail.com.
 
Monday, December 7, 6:30. Albany County Legislative Session (Observer Corps). Vote on the budget. Contact Patricia Sibilia for more details at patriciasibiliany@gmail.com.
 
Monday, December 21, 6:30. Albany County Legislative Session (Observer Corps). Public forum followed by the legislative session. Contact Patricia Sibilia for more details at patriciasibiliany@gmail.com.
 
Monday, January 11, 2021, 6:30. Albany County Legislative Session (Observer Corps). Public forum followed by the legislative session. Contact Patricia Sibilia for more details at patriciasibiliany@gmail.com.
Membership 2020-21 - Join & Make a Difference
Our annual dues run from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.
Have you renewed yours?
Carol Bell and Christine Deyss - Bulletin Editors, Stacey Lee - Editorial Assistant
Published by League of Women Voters of Albany County
PO Box 611, Slingerlands, NY 12159 www.lwvalbany.org