Albany County Republican & Conservative Conference Agenda 

On Recent Events Surrounding the Albany Airport Authority

I am glad the County Executive has removed himself from consideration as the next Albany Airport Authority CEO. However, there are still many issues and unanswered questions we need to examine regarding the Authority and County’s involvement in recent events.

I want to be clear this is not about politics – it’s about our obligation as a County to protect Albany International Airport, and ensure its operational viability and the completion of a $100 Million renovation and expansion project well underway.

Our Airport sees scores of departing and arriving flights every day, and millions of travelers every year. Allegations that politics played a role in decision-making at the Airport Authority have embarrassed our County and entire Government. I completely support my colleagues’ calls for the Legislature to hear directly from the Authority Board of Directors and other involved parties to these allegations.

We vote on the Board’s appointments. We approve their Capital Plan. We should have oversight on this matter too, because it is our responsibility to protect the Airport and its interests. This is simply too big and important to ignore, or let politics decide. There’s too much at stake for Albany County and the entire Capital Region.