County Conversations

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

Protecting NYS Forests Against Invasive Species

This episode features a conversation on the impact of Hemlock Woolly Adelgids (HWAs) in forests of New York State, the important role and natural value that hemlock trees have, and how local leaders can support preservation efforts. Joining NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire is Cornell University Forest Entomologist Mark Whitmore.

Chronicling Our Darkest Hours: County Leadership & the COVID Pandemic Part IV

This episode is the fourth in a series NYSAC has produced that chronicles the county response to COVID-19.

NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Dutchess County Executive and President of the New York County Executives’ Association, Marc Molinaro for this episode to discuss Our Darkest Hours: New York County Leadership and the COVID Pandemic. You’ll hear about why the book was commissioned, how it was written, and its significance as we continue to battle this pandemic and prepare for future emergencies

Previous Episodes - Part I: The Early Days | Part II: Into Action | Part III: Economic Impact

 

Commemorating 9/11 in Westchester County

In this episode our conversation focuses on the ways that Westchester County is commemorating the 20th anniversary of tragic events of September 11^th. Joining NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario is Westchester County Executive George Latimer. They discuss the county’s upcoming memorial dedication and a day of service, and reflect on what it meant to serve as a county leader 20 years ago and today, during two different national emergencies.