County Conversations

Remembering WWII with Herman Geist

In this special Pearl Harbor Day episode, Herman Geist, a World War II veteran, former Westchester County legislator, and NYSAC Parliamentarian, reflects on his memories of the attack on Pearl Harbor and his experience serving during WWII.

Herman’s company was the first U.S. Army unit that entered Domažlice in the Czech Republic and helped to liberate the city. At the end of the war was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant, and after the war he graduated from the New York University School of Law and later became the First Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators.

New York’s 2020 Elections and the Impact of COVID-19 and Voting Reforms

This episode features a conversation between NYSAC Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire and Dustin Czarny, the Democratic Elections Commissioner for Onondaga County.

 

They will give an overview of facilitating voting during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a shift among voters from primarily in-person voting on election day to early voting and absentee voting. They will also discuss how Onondaga County has had to adjust their ballot counting process after a number of staff tested positive for coronavirus.

NYS Sheriffs’ Association on COVID Response, Police Reform and 2021

This episode features a conversation between NYSAC Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire and Alex Wilson, Esq., Associate Counsel with the NYS Sheriffs' Association.

They will discuss challenges facing law enforcement amid the COVID-19 pandemic, thoughts on the Executive Order 203 and police reform initiatives, and legislative priorities that both associations are advocating for in 2021.

 

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, FirstNet.  

Reimagining Supervision and Probation Services Amid COVID-19

This episode features a conversation between NYSAC Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire and Bob Iusi, Director of the Warren County Probation Department.

They will highlight legislative actions that would allow probation departments to reimagine services, and discuss issues probation departments are facing including COVID-19 response and concerns with budgets and state funding.

NYSAC thanks the sponsor of this episode, PERMA. 

 

Overcoming the County Budget Crisis

This episode features a conversation between NYSAC Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire and Dave Lucas, NYSAC’s Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs. They will discuss a recent NYSAC report that details county recommendations for overcoming the current State and Local budget crisis, overview ways to maximize efficiencies in local services provided in New York State, and explain why cutting spending just won’t cut it.

 

NYSAC thanks the sponsor of this episode, NYMIR. 

No Time to Spare: Early Intervention Services in the Time of COVID

In this episode NYSAC Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire speaks with Dr. Wanda McQueen, Orange County’s Director of Early Intervention Services about the impact of COVID-19 on services provided through Pre-K and Early Intervention programs, the exciting possibilities afforded by incorporating telehealth services, and the funding challenges facing counties in the wake of local revenue losses and state cuts to reimbursements.

The Tip of the Spear: Local Health Departments’ Role in the Fight Against COVID-19

This episode features a conversation between NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario, and Sarah Ravenhall, Executive Director of the NYS Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO).

They discuss the functions and responsibilities of local health departments, the 24/7 coordination of COVID testing, and how county health departments are rising to meet the needs of residents in communities throughout New York State.

Navigating Unknowns – Revenues, Sales Tax, and Moving Forward

This episode features a conversation between NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario, and Dave Lucas, NYSAC’s Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs. They discuss investment in economic development, latest data on distribution of sales tax, and how county finance departments are navigating revenue challenges, delays, and unknowns. 

Counties Moving Forward: Key Takeaways from the Virtual Fall Seminar

This episode features a conversation among NYSAC legislative staff members Ryan Gregoire, Dave Lucas, and Alex LaMonte.

They will review workshops that were held throughout NYSAC’s virtual fall seminar, and highlight the key experiences and advice provided by expert panelists and county leaders.

In the month of September, over 1,800 county officials through a series of almost twenty webinars. NYSAC also hosted a County Leaders conference call to bring together the chief elected and chief appointed officials in each county.

We would like to once again thank our featured sponsors PERMA, NYMIR, NYSTEC, three +one, and WSP. We are grateful to our sponsors for helping to make this event possible.

Protecting NY Forests Against Invasive Species

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

They will discuss 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.

NYSAC Thanks our Fall Seminar Featured Sponsor WSP.