By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-866265.mp3
Troy, NY – Democrats and Republicans are bickering over The Rensselaer County Legislature's Chamber Renovation Fund... Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
Questions have been raised about the renovation fund: is it neccessary? ... and ... What is it used for? The so-called "slush fund" been in the budget for years and is currently in the 675-thousand dollar range. Democratic Legislator Brian Zweig represents North Greenbush, East Greenbush and Poestenkill. He believes there is a tendency for funds to be dispersed for political purposes... Republican County Legislature Chairman Neil Kelleher has no regrets about saving - or- spending the money. I asked Kellher why the chamber fund is suddenly making headlines. He noted that we are very close to November elections. Zweig would like to see a little more control exercised over the fund, while Kelleher points out that the money is already in a capital fund, and its been tapped in the past to help shore up the budget and reduce the county tax rate.