County Conversations

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.

Redesigning and Investing in Main Streets

In this episode we’re talking about Oneida County’s Main Street Program, an initiative that provides county-level support to local municipal downtown development projects, assists in the redesign of main streets, and promotes investment and business growth.

Joining NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce to talk about the program is Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente.

Expanding Access to Broadband in Erie County

This week’s episode focuses on investing in broadband infrastructure. Joining NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire is Benjamin Swanekamp, Erie County’s Deputy Budget Director.

Ryan and Ben discuss Erie Net, a 360-mile fiber network that would bring high-speed broadband to communities throughout the county who have struggled with access. The project was originally postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the arrival of federal infrastructure funding could help to move it forward.

Workshops Preview: What to Look Forward to at the Fall Seminar

In this episode, you’ll hear directly from members of NYSAC’s Legislative Team about some of the exciting workshops being held at this year’s Fall Seminar, which runs from Monday September 13th through the morning of Wednesday the 15th, at the downtown Marriott Hotel in Syracuse.

Workshops are a vital component of all NYSAC conferences and provide our members with an opportunity to learn about issues facing county government from experts both in and out of county government. This year’s workshops take place  from 2-5pm on Monday the 13th and from 9am to 5 pm on Tuesday the 14th. 

For more details on our workshops and registration for NYSAC’s 2021 Fall Seminar, visit nysac.org/fallseminar.