County legislators attend conferences in Albany, Washington, DC

Officials seek support for several issues in Orleans

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

Provided photo: Pictured from left include County Legislators Skip Draper, Lynne Johnson and John Fitzak outside the U.S. Capitol during a break at the National Association of Counties annual conference.

ALBION – Orleans County legislative leaders returned home today after spending several days in Albany and Washington DC at two major government conferences.

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Legislative conference was held in Albany from Feb. 23-26. The National Association of Counties (NACO) conference was held in Washington DC from Feb. 28 to March 4.

Both annual conferences bring together elected officials from across New York State and the nation. While there, Orleans County Officials met with state and federal officials to lobby for funding for key county projects.

“I have said this before but there really is no better way to advocate for our residents then to sit down at the table with our federal and state representatives personally,” said Johnson, the County Legislature chairwoman. “It’s important that leaders of all levels of government representing Orleans County have our priorities aligned so we speak with one voice when seeking dollars and pursuing legislation.”

Joining Chairman Johnson at the NACO Washington DC conference were Legislators Merle “Skip” Draper and Legislator John Fitzak. Legislator Ed Morgan and County Administrator Jack Welch attended the NYSAC Conference in Albany. Topics of interest at the conferences included homeland security, the Great Lakes, workforce development, economic development and emergency management.

Orleans County officials spent time on Capitol Hill meeting with key staff from Senator Schumer’s and Senator Gillibrand’s offices. In addition, they met with staff from Congresswoman Tenney’s office.

Orleans specific needs and more funding for the Public Safety Building; dredging; relocation and remodeling to the Genesee Community College Satellite building; the Marine Park Docks repair and continued expansion of broadband were major topics of discussion.

“Time was tight, especially in Washington, when we were doing meetings the day of the State of the Union address, but I very much appreciated our federal delegation taking the time to meet with us,” Johnson said. “I want to thank my legislative colleagues for attending these conferences and advocating on behalf Orleans County residents.”

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) represents New York’s 62 counties, including the City of New York, before Federal, State and Local officials. NYSAC staff educate, train and provide research on public policy to Federal, State and Local officials and to the membership on issues important to counties.  The National Association of Counties (NACO) serves nearly 40,000 county officials. Founded in 1935, NACO unites County leaders from across the United States to educate lawmakers and advocate for county priorities.