County Conversations

2021 in Review

As we come to the last month of 2021, this conversation is a look back on this past year of advocacy efforts, leadership, and key initiatives led by the counties of New York State.

Joining us for the conversation are NYSAC’s President Martha Sauerbrey, Immediate Past-President Jack Marren, and Marc Molinaro, President of the NYS County Executives’ Association.

Maximizing Your Liquidity Asset Management

For this episode we are revisiting a conversation from earlier this year on how liquidity asset management can help maximize county revenues. NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Joseph Rulison of Three+One Advisors to discuss new technology, financial forecasting, and planning for the future.

For more information about the services three + one provides, and how you can identify the longevity and predictability of your cash liquidity, visit threeplusone.us

‘Charging’ Ahead on an Electric Vehicle Fleet

This episode features a conversation on transitioning to electric vehicle fleets and reducing carbon emissions at the county level. Joining NYSAC’s Communications Manager Tom Oldfather is Terry Carroll, Chief Sustainability Officer for Tompkins County.  They discuss the county’s Green Fleet Capital Fund, green energy and infrastructure initiatives, and plans for the future as the county aims for net-zero emissions.

Terry recently wrote an article for The Climate Issue of NYSAC’s News Magazine on the topic of fleet electrification, which you can find on the NYSAC website at nysac.org/magazine.

Bringing County Government to the People

This episode features a conversation with Livingston County Administrator Ian Coyle on the county’s series of town-hall style meetings called, “Conversations with the County.”

These events are intended as drop-in gatherings where residents and business owners can provide feedback on county programs and services to the County Administrator and Town Supervisors in an informal environment.

NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario and Deputy Director Mark LaVigne join Livingston County’s Administrator to discuss these meetings and his position in county government.

Honoring Veterans Day

Today’s episode is a special edition dedicated to veterans from New York State and across the country. We are proud to be joined by Herman Geist to discuss his experience returning to New York at the end of World War II with NYSAC’s Deputy Director Mark LaVigne.

We will also be joined by retired Brigadier General Mike Eastman, Executive Director of the ETS Sponsorship Program, which is designed to help active-duty service members successfully transition back to civilian life. You will also hear about Operation Green Light, a NYSAC initiative to shine a light on the service of veterans.

Supporting Veteran Peer-to-Peer Service

For this episode, we’re revisiting a conversation from earlier this year on the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program. This program aims to help veterans facing the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) to transition and reintegrate back into civilian life.

Joining NYSAC’s Counsel Patrick Cummings for the conversation are Mark Cozzupoli, Director of Ulster County Veteran services, and Kevin Keaveny, Executive Director of the Hudson Valley Center for Veteran Reintegration.

Introducing NYSAC President Martha Sauerbrey

Today’s episode features a conversation with Martha Sauerbrey, NYSAC’s newly elected President and Chairwoman of the Tioga County Legislature. She's joined NYSAC Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce to discuss her goals as President of the Association, the opportunities and challenges ahead for New York county leaders, as well as her path to county government and passion for leadership

Invasive Species Check-Up: NY’s Forests One Year Later

This episode features a conversation between NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire and Cornell University Forest Entomologist Mark Whitmore.

Mark provides an update on efforts taken in the past year to reduce the harmful impact of Hemlock Wooly Adelgids, and discusses the impact of climate change on the prevalence of invasive species affecting forests throughout New York State.

Rising Above Opiate Addiction in Niagara County

Today we’re talking about the “Rise Above the Occasion” Campaign that Niagara County has launched. The initiative was created to help fight against addiction, overdoses, and suicide, and to show there are many options available for support, services and treatment. To read the press release and watch the video, visit Niagara County’s website.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce is Myrla Gibbons Doxey, Deputy Director of the Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services.

Shining a Light on Veteran Services

Today we’re talking about supporting veterans at the county level in New York, including the initiative Operation Greenlight, that shines a light and brings awareness to the unique challenges facing veterans and their families. 

Joining NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario for the conversation is Jason Skinner, Livingston County’s Director of Veteran Services.

For more information on Operation Greenlight, visit nysac.org/operationgreenlight