Residents urge charter change to require department heads at Rensselaer County legislative meetings

At a public hearing on a proposed local law to update the Rensselaer County Charter, three residents urged legislators to adopt an amendment that would require department heads to attend legislative meetings addressing matters under their purview.

Quenton Curtis, who provided his address for the record, told lawmakers that in-person, cross-department discussion resolves complex questions quickly and accurately. "Emails won't do that," he said, arguing that department representatives should be present so all legislators receive the same information at the same time.

Jennifer Quinn, who identified herself as a project manager, agreed: "There's nothing like a face-to-face meeting to get the information you need quickly and efficiently," she said, and she also urged the legislature to make its website documentation easier to find.

A Troy resident who gave the name "Frankie" said better decisions follow when "all the right people are at the table" and urged adoption of the proposal so legislators have the information they need.

The clerk opened the hearing by reading notice language citing the county charter and New York State Open Meetings Law; Chairman Hoffman closed the hearing at 6:26 p.m. with no further speakers.

The hearing did not include testimony from department heads; commenters asked the legislature to require their attendance when agenda items affect their departments. The proposed local law and packet materials are available on the legislative website, and the legislature indicated it will consider the record as it proceeds with the local-law process.