County Conversations

Reflections on the 19th Amendment Centennial

NYSAC’s Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce is joined by Martha Robertson, Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature, and Martha Sauerbry, Chairwoman of the Tioga County Legislature and President-Elect of NYSAC.

They discuss the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, reflect on the momentous anniversary, and have a candid conversation on the challenges and opportunities for women in local government.

Counties Need Federal COVID Stimulus Funding

NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario recently had the opportunity to sit down with Dave Andrews, General Manager and News Director of Hometown Radio (WIRY) in Plattsburgh NY - to talk about the need for federal COVID stimulus funding for counties who have been fighting the pandemic since early march. 

The Role of a County Manager with Jay Gsell

NYSAC’s executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Genesee County Manager Jay Gsell.

They discuss the accountability and attention to detail required for a county manager position, the importance of inter-county collaboration in the GLOW region, and how Genesee County leadership has kept perspective throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They also reflect on Jay’s 46 year career in service to local government as he approaches retirement.

Challenges Ahead for New York’s School Districts

NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Robert Schneider, Executive Director of the NYS School Boards Association. They discuss adaptations made by school districts in response to the pandemic, the need for federal stimulus funding for critical resources, what is on the horizon for reopening, and how counties and school districts are continuing to work hand-in-hand towards solutions in our communities.

School Transportation Concerns During COVID-19 Pandemic

This episode features a conversation on school transportation services. NYSAC’s executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by David Christopher, executive director of the New York Association for Pupil Transportation - and Bill Harvey, Director of Transportation & Safety for  Honeoye-Falls Lima CSD, which encompasses Monroe, Ontario, and Livingston counties.

They will discuss the challenges of school transportation, especially including COVID-19 social distancing and a shortage of school bus drivers. 

Rural Cellular Coverage

This episode features a conversation on rural cellular coverage and service. NYSAC’s executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Congressman Anthony Brindisi of New York’s 22^nd congressional district, and Chairman William Farber of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors. They will discuss the lack of cellular coverage in rural areas of the state, the need for federal infrastructure stimulus funding, and next steps to move forward with the industry to help communities in need of coverage.

COVID-19 Response: NYC Food Czar

This episode features a conversation on addressing food insecurity in New York City. NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Kathryn Garcia the City’s Commissioner of Sanitation, and “Food Czar” during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the logistics of emergency food distribution, using technology in innovative ways, and leveraging lessons learned during the pandemic for long-term planning. 

COVID-19 Response: Monroe County Airport Director

In this episode, NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Andy Moore, the director of the Greater Rochester International Airport. They discuss loss of revenue and the economic impact of the pandemic, how the airport is staying operational and sanitized,  and what preparations are being made for when travel resumes.

COVID-19 Response: Albany County Executive

In this episode, NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by County Executive Dan McCoy of Albany County. They discuss setting up test sites in the best locations to serve the community, how skills from a military and fire fighting background help with coordinating emergency response, and how Albany County is preparing for the long run against this pandemic.

COVID-19 Response: Steuben County Director of Solid Waste Management

In this episode, NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario is joined by Rich Bills, Steuben County’s Director of Solid Waste Management to discuss how they are safely handling trash, changing procedures for recycling, and the process of disposing medical waste.