In this Week's Perspective

• Midterm election rundown
• Operation Green Light honors veterans across NY
• County budget season underway
• NYSAC News digital edition
• Upcoming webinars, and more!

2022 Election Recap – The Balance of Power in Albany and Washington

As election officials continue to count electoral votes from yesterday’s midterm elections, Congress is waiting with bated breath to see which power will assume control of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Here in New York, Kathy Hochul made history becoming the elected female Governor of the State of New York. Democrats continue to wield power in the State Legislature; however, they saw Republicans chip away at majorities in both chambers. 

In the Assembly, there are still eight outstanding races that are too close to call. At this time though, it appears that the democrats will have secured at least 94 seats while republicans have secured at least 47. Heading into election night, the Assembly Democrats had a 107-member majority coalition, while Assembly Republicans had 43 members of their conference. 

Of note, 38% of the Assembly have only been in office since 2020, 18.7%, or 28 members of the 150-member body will be new in January. 

In the Senate, there are seven races outstanding. Republicans have claimed at least 22 seats, while Democrats have a minimum of 35. Thirty-two seats are required for a majority in the State Senate. 

Like the Assembly, the Senate has less experience than years past. In fact, 41% of the chamber have only held office since 2020. Fourteen members, or 22% of the chamber will be freshman come January. 

Lastly, for the New York congressional delegation, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer cruised to victory, however, it is too early to tell whether he will continue to serve as majority leader or minority leader of the U.S. Senate. Of the 26 seats in the House of Representatives, there are two races that are outstanding and too close to call – the 4^th and 22^nd congressional districts which were held by Rep. Rice (D) and Rep. Katko (R). The republicans have secured at least 8 seats, while democrats have at least 16 seats. 

Tracking New County Members from this Week’s Elections

This year, NYSAC is tracking 157 county elections. This is compared to last year when we tracked over 800 county elections.

This year, 75 county legislators from 11 counties were up for election. There were three county executive races, eight county clerk elections, 10 county treasurers, seven DAs, 19 sheriffs, and 33 coroners across the state.

NYSAC will be tracking the winners of these elections to update our membership list and begin to prepare for the 2023 County Directory.

Counties Honor Veterans With Operation Green Light

Ahead of Veterans Day, counties across New York State and the nation began to light up green as part of Operation Green Light.

To date, more than 30 counties across New York State have joined in the campaign, lighting county courthouses, office buildings and other assets green.

Warren County

Otsego County

Rockland County

Genesee County

The campaign, started by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), in collaboration with the NYS County Executives’ Association and NYS Veteran Service Officers’ Association to honor our nation’s veterans and raise awareness of the local services available to help them successfully transition back to civilian life was that was launched last year has spread nationwide to include more than 29 states and over 90 counties and municipalities around the country!

Watch NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario tell the story of how Operation Green Light grew from one bulb to a nationwide symbol.

On behalf of NYSAC President Michael E. Zurlo and NYSCEA President MaryEllen Odell, we’d like extend a heartfelt thank you to all the counties who have made this initiative a success and encourage everyone to join in shinging a light of hope and support for our veterans this Friday, Veterans Day.

Visit nysac.org/operationgreenlight to find more information and tools for how you can participate!

Governor Hochul Signs Executive Order Establishing a State Master Plan on Aging 

On November 4, 2022, Governor Hochul enacted Executive Order 23, which established a New York State Master Plan for Aging. The purpose of such plan is to make strategies to be implemented to help older New Yorkers live “fulfilling lives, in good health, with freedom, dignity and independence to age in place for as long as possible.” Multiple states have already implemented or developed master plans for aging which help develop a framework to shape and support state policies and funding to meet the needs of older adults and their caregivers.

The EO calls for the creation of a Master Plan for Aging Council, chaired by the Commissioner of Health, and vice-chaired by the acting Director of the State Office for the Aging. Members of the Council shall include the Commissioners and Directors of relevant Executive agencies and offices, as determined by the Governor.

Additionally, a the EO calls for the creation of a Stakeholder Advisory Committee to advise the Governor and the Master Plan for Aging Council in the development of the Master Plan. The Advisory Committee members may include, but not be limited to, health care and support service providers, consumers, informal caregivers, older adults—particularly those in communities experiencing disparities, health plans, labor organizations, community-based organizations, employers, experts on aging, academic researchers, foundations, local governments, and tribal communities.

SAVE THE DATE!

‘Tis the Season’... for County Budgets

As the air gets cooler and the last of the leaves fall, counties are entering high season for their budgets. By November 15^th, all counties will have introduced their budgets have begun the process of adoption through November and December.

For those counties that have already adopted and introduced their budgets they are trending to the cautious side as the national and state economic picture is focusing on whether or not a recession will happen in the next 12-18 months and how deep. Counties have budgeted carefully during the COVID years and the addition of historic direct federal aid and strong sales tax results during the COVID recovery have helped stabilize most county budgets. As a result, most counties are holding the line on property taxes with many lowering tax rates, and some lowering tax levies, while maintaining essential services.  

First Look at the Fall Edition of NYSAC News

The digital edition of the Fall 2022 NYSAC News magazine is here! This issue is focused on one of the most pressing issues facing county governments today, finding and retaining the workforce they need.

This issue provides insight on best practices for attracting new workers, creating an effective remote work policy, and retaining local talent and shares challenges and success stories from counties across New York.

It also includes a preview of NYSAC’s legislative agenda for the coming year, economic analysis of current trends and an update on new and innovative local laws.

Read the digital edition of NYSAC News here!

NYSAC Publishes Cyber Insurance Report

Upon request of a number of counties, we explored the possibility of contracting with an insurance carrier to provide a program of coverage for multiple county governments—which are paying more premium for less cybersecurity coverage, and in some cases being denied a policy altogether. The result for the time being is that insurers are reluctant to take on this risk. They are losing money in the cyber space and municipalities (and school districts) are a prime target for cyber criminals. 

Based on our surveys and discussions on the exploration of a pooled purchased of cybersecurity insurance, we published Cybersecurity Insurance Challenges Facing Public Entities provide member counties with the state of cybersecurity insurance, and the challenges we all face trying to secure quality insurance coverage.  

NYSAC continues to focus some of the association’s attention and resources on helping our members understand and strengthen their cybersecurity readiness.

County Treasurers’ and Finance Officers Association Names New Leaders

On November 4th, at their fall meeting, the New York State Treasurers and Finance Officers Association elected the Hon. Andrew B. Jarosh, Saratoga County Treasurer, as their new president. His term began immediately and will run one year. They also selected a new slate of officers.



• Hon. Amy L. Davies, Livingston County Treasurer – 1^st Vice President
• Hon. Kevin Gardner, Oswego County Treasurer – 2^nd Vice President
• Hon. Kimberly DeFrank, Orleans County Treasurer – Secretary
• Hon. Patrick Schmitt, Wayne County Treasurer – Treasurer

Congratulations to all these new officers and thank you for your service to our counties!

NYSAC Staff Graduate NACo High Performance Leadership Academy

NYSAC is proud to announced that four of its staff recently graduated from the NACo High Performance Leadership Academy!

Congratulations to:

• Jeanette Stanziano, Director of Education and Training;
• Patrick Cummings, Esq., Counsel;
• Juanita Munguia, Marketing Specialist; and
• Kate Pierce-Nimz, Multi-Media Specialist!

The NACo High Performance Leadership Academy is an innovative, completely online 12-week program created to equip frontline county government professionals with practical leadership skills to deliver results for counties and communities.

For a limited time, and because of the pandemic and economic crisis we are facing, NACo is offering a $1995 scholarship for the first enrollee from your county. That means, when you or another leader at the county enrolls, the cost is not $2,995; it is now $1000.

If you have more than one person to enroll, NACo will extend significant discounts to them, too. This High Performance Leadership Academy will make existing leaders better and your emerging (next generation) leaders ready to address the growing complexity of county business.

We are inviting county officials to enroll at least one leader into the courses that begin in January or April 2023. If you have any questions or to enroll someone in the program, please contact Ben Graves at 503-908-3931 or [email protected].

The onboarding for the next semester of the HPLA starts in December! To learn more, visit www.naco.org/resources/education-and-training/naco-high-performance-leadership-academy.

State Seeks Input on Extreme Heat Action Plan

New York State is seeking input from county officials in the development of their Extreme Heat Action Plan. The plan is indented t help address the impacts of extreme heat, particularly on vulnerable New Yorkers and disadvantaged communities.

To facilitate this process, DEC is hosting monthly planning forums for State agency experts, scientists, local government representatives, and community leaders to work together on developing the extreme heat action plan. The forums will meet monthly from December 2022 through summer 2023 in workshop-style virtual gatherings.

To participate in a planning forum, click here. To learn more about the Extreme Heat Action Plan on click here.

County Conversations: Stopping the Scammers! An inside look at fraud identification and scam prevention.

This episode features a conversation on fraud identification and scam prevention. Joining NYSAC’s Deputy Director Mark LaVigne is Jen Martin, Head of Enterprise Fraud Services at KeyBank. Jen gives an overview of new forms of financial fraud county leaders should be aware of, and she provides tips for county and financial services leaders in the challenging task of protection.

Listen here!

ICYMI: Moving Past the Great Resignation

Livingston County Administrator Ian Coyle recently joined us for a webinar on the factors influencing employment trends in local government and what counties can do to attract and retain employees in this ultra-competitive environment. Watch the webinar!

Upcoming Webinars

Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology - Potential Impacts on State and Local Government

Tuesday, Nov. 29, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Join the Government Law Center for the Edwin L. Crawford Memorial Lecture on Municipal Law.

As blockchain-powered currencies like Bitcoin gain popularity, government leaders are considering how this technology could affect constituents and delivery of services, such as registries, voting, utilities, contracts, and identity verification.

A panel of legal experts and government officials will discuss the uses and effects of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology on state and local governments.

Reinventing Democracy: How Hometowns are Strengthening America

December 7, 8, and 9, 11:30am-4pm EST

This special event will bring together county officials, mayors, city councilors, select board members, city and town managers, and other municipal officials from across the country for a free, three-day virtual symposium to learn about pragmatic approaches to reforms like ranked choice voting, participatory governance, clean elections laws, civic education, and more. The event will feature keynote speaker Judy Woodruff of PBS News, as well as panels of subject-matter experts and elected leaders with practical experience working on these initiatives. 

Participants will also have the opportunity to build connections with other leaders working to reinvent American democracy from the ground up through a series of peer workshops. The symposium is part of the Academy’s ongoing work to advance the recommendations made by our bipartisan Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship in its 2020 report, Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21^st Century. 

You can find more information and the registration link here.