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Joe Bonilla
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 14, 2015

COUNTY LEGISLATORS, LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES ANNOUNCE

DEMOCRATIC REFORM COALITION FOR ALBANY COUNTY
LEGISLATURE
ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 14, 2015) -- Today, a group of Albany County Legislators and candidates for County Legislature
announced the formation of the Democratic Reform Coalition to push a slate of common sense reforms to bring
transparency and integrity to governance in the County Legislature. The platform being supported by the coalition
outlines some of the various policy proposals the coalition would like to address once the newly elected legislature is
seated in January 2016.
The suggested reforms include broadcasting and live streaming of all County meetings, term limits for leadership
positions and chairs, an Administrative Code to organize and professionalize administration of County Government,
an amendment to the County Charter to create a non-partisan, Independent Redistricting Committee, and ethics in
government reforms.
The platform also includes an agenda to promote environmental responsibility in government and in the county,
equality of economic opportunity, and to protect and defend civil rights, as well as womens rights and gender
equality. The complete platform being supported by the coalition is attached and outlines some of the various policy
proposals the coalition would like to address once the newly elected legislature is seated in January 2016.
The candidates, representing or seeking to represent city, suburban and rural Albany County, consist of both
incumbents and challengers, and pledge to support the list of reforms which are necessary to move county
legislative business out of the backroom and into the sunlight. The list includes current County Legislators
Christopher T. Higgins, Bryan Clenahan, Raymond Joyce, Noelle Kinsch, Charlie Dawson, and Gary Domalewicz, as
well as several candidates including but not limited to JoAnne Cunningham, Andrew Joyce, Lynne Lekakis, Bill
Reinhardt, Sam Fein, and Matt Miller.
Membership in the coalition is open to any member or candidate willing to embrace and support the platform and its
stated goals.
The list of reforms include independent redistricting, term limits on leadership, organizing county laws and making
them easily accessible, and broadcasting of all county meetings. Members expressed their support for the newly
formed coalitions goals, condemning actions of past legislatures that have contributed to waste in County
Government, exclusion of certain representation, and served to protect the status quo.
Legislator Charles Dawson (D-Bethlehem), giving his support to the reform coalition's platform said, the reform
platform is a great starting point. I also reiterate my constituents' demand for an opportunity to vote on downsizing
the County Legislature and other reforms advanced by the blue ribbon Charter Revision Commission."
Legislator Bryan Clenahan (D-Guilderland) said, "Improving transparency and passing common sense reforms in
government are some of our most important goals. If I'm fortunate enough to be re-elected, I look forward to
working with my colleagues, new and old, next year to make our Legislature more open, efficient, and transparent."

Jeff Kuhn, Bethlehem Democratic Chair said, "Unfortunately our experience in Bethlehem during redistricting
showed clearly that too many political games are still being played where legislative lines were needlessly changed
to protect certain incumbents and prevent challengers to the status quo from even running. Nonsense like this has
to be stopped, and this is the reform we need to stop it."
Outgoing Legislator Noelle Kinsch (D-Albany) said, "This is exactly the kind of organized effort that is necessary to
advance much needed reform and to ensure decision making is inclusive of all legislative members.
Legislative Candidate Sam Fein (D-Albany) said, Voters consistently tell me that they dont believe in government
and dont trust that their representatives are working for them. These reforms will help bring accountability back to
government by making the legislature more transparent and more accessible. I look forward to working with this
coalition towards achieving these goals and am proud to be part of a group committed to goals such as protecting
and defending civil rights and fighting for equality of economic opportunity.
Legislature Candidate Joanne Cunningham (D-Bethlehem) stated, "I am thrilled to be part of a growing group of
individuals that are prioritizing accountability, transparency, and most of all -- the adoption of meaningful, practical
governance reforms that will make the Albany County Legislature function more efficiently and effectively."
Legislator Chris Higgins (D-Albany) said, We have seen time and time again how politics takes precedence in the
county legislature over policy decisions. These reforms will help fix what many believe is a system that is broken and
no longer works in the best interests of Albany County residents.
Legislative Candidate Matt Miller (D-Selkirk) said, "These are the kind of common sense reforms that I know, and
that voters are telling me, are desperately needed. I tell my students to be the change they want to see, and I will be
quite happy to see these reforms passed into law when I am elected."
Legislator Gary Domalewicz (D-Albany) said, I look forward to voting on these much needed reforms within 60 days
of taking office. These reforms will truly make Albany County open for everybody to see how Albany County
government works.
Legislative Candidate Bill Reinhardt (D-Bethlehem) said, Transparency and integrity are fundamental pillars of good
government. These practices should be an obligation of every candidate running for public office. The reforms
proposed by the Democratic Reform Coalition are an important step in the effort to achieve a more responsive
government and inclusive political process that works for all the members of our community.
Legislative Candidate Andrew Joyce (D-Albany) stated, "The people of Albany County need a Legislature that is
representative of the people, not political interests. I am excited to work alongside the Democratic Reform Coalition
in the Albany County Legislature to bring all of the resources and services our County can provide directly into our
communities and neighborhoods."
Legislative Candidate Lynne Lekakis (D-Albany) said, True leadership serves the people. To be able to do that well,
we need to strengthen access, transparency, and level the playing field inside the legislative arena. These seven
reforms go a long way in supporting good governance."
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