What you're both missing (or at least not stating) is that Angelo is not running for reelection for another 3 years (if he decides to do so). Further, the only race for County Legislature in November is in District 3 where (D) Marty Finn, who was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Michael Eidens is running for a 4 year term against (R) Tim McFarland.
So, I don't consider it an election year ploy. I believe that Angelo is simply trying to set a tone for 2009 county budget discussions. Legislator Santabarbara has been in office for only ~10 months. He has proposed several pieces of legislation that were meant to benefit the oppressed tax payers in this county which is now, reportedly, the 12th highest taxed in the entire 50 states. Angelo proposed elimination of the county sales tax on heating fuel. He also was able to arrange for the Schenectady County Sheriff to provide security at the Town of Princetown meetings.
This call for County Legislators to accept a cut in their salary and his proposal for term limits suggests to me that he is serving to "give back", not to become a career politician. Brings to mind Blanchfield's deceptive advertisement.
It's about giving back ... public service ... (period). |