3-11-24
STATEMENT FROM ALBANY COUNTY LEGISLATOR BILL Ricard-17th LD REGARDING THE AQUISITION OF THE GATEWAY SPORTS COMPLEX
“I am enormously happy that Albany County has decided to purchase this facility. We have been working towards this goal for several months. I believe that the health and overall societal benefits of having a county-owned aquatic and fitness center in the Spindle City will pay dividends for years to come for all segments of the population in the city of Cohoes, and Northern Albany County. It's a win-win for all.”
2-28-24
STATEMENT FROM ALBANY COUNTY LEGISLATOR BILL Ricard-17th LD FROM THE JOINT MEETING OF THE ALBANY COUNTY LEGISLATURES AUDIT & FINANCE AND LAW COMMITTEES CONCERNING DISTRICT ATTORNEY
DAVID SOARES
Chairman Kuhn, and Vice-Chair Reidy, I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this matter this evening.
As many of you know my name is Bill Ricard, and I represent the 17th Legislative District of Albany County, which is wholly located in the city of Cohoes. The district that I represent is one of the least affluent in Albany County, with many of its constituents struggling to make ends meet. It's from that perspective, that I will focus my thoughts on the Honorable District Attorney David Soares this evening.
During my tenure as an elected official on the Albany County Legislature, and as a Councilmember in the City of Cohoes, I have always had the utmost respect and admiration for our current District Attorney. I believe that he has been competent and above reproach in his decision-making process. I have heard him speak off the cuff, on a wide range of topics, for hours on end, and is qualified to be our District Attorney.
With this said to the current matter at hand, when the district attorney came before our legislative body to discuss the grant, I don’t ever recall any statement being made that anyone other than staff would receive a portion of this grant, and it was meant as a staff retention according to my recollection. I also don’t recall any statements being made that the District Attorney himself would be receiving a portion of this grant.
Was this an oversight or was it a clear lack of judgement?
Aside from whether it is legally permissible for DA Soares to receive the money, I would like to know why he thinks that it is appropriate for him to receive a $20,000, pay increase when individuals in various legislative districts are struggling to make ends meet.
Thank you.
2-11-24
2-15-22
Statement on today's announcement by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) concerning the comprehensive off-site dust study
8-10-21
Statement on today's announcement by Governor Cuomo that he will be resigning
First and foremost, I would like to thank all of the brave women who had the intestinal fortitude to come forward and speak about their experiences with Governor Cuomo.
Hopefully, with today's announcement, these victims will achieve some level of closure to this matter.
To my fellow elected officials who had the courage to speak out and call for the Governor's resignation since early March, kudos to all of you.
As we transition to a new Governor in 14 days, I wish Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul all the best wishes as she assumes the role of being the first female Governor in the State of New York.
Excelsior.
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Statement on today's announcement by Governor Cuomo that he will be resigning
First and foremost, I would like to thank all of the brave women who had the intestinal fortitude to come forward and speak about their experiences with Governor Cuomo.
Hopefully, with today's announcement, these victims will achieve some level of closure to this matter.
To my fellow elected officials who had the courage to speak out and call for the Governor's resignation since early March, kudos to all of you.
As we transition to a new Governor in 14 days, I wish Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul all the best wishes as she assumes the role of being the first female Governor in the State of New York.
Excelsior.
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8-4-21
Members of the County Legislature respond to the Attorney General’s report of the investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by Governor Andrew Cuomo.
8-3-21
Statement from County Legislator Bill Ricard on calls for Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign
3-7-21
An elected official should always do what’s in the best interest of those that they represent, even if they feel it isn’t in their own. To that extent, I believe that Governor Cuomo has reached a crossroads on what is the appropriate path to follow moving forward.
Currently, New York State Attorney General James has an investigation with regard to the allegations of sexual harassment against Governor Cuomo. In addition, the United States Justice Department is examining whether the governor’s coronovirus task might have intentionally manipulated data.
I believe in due process and am hopeful that both of the aforementioned governmental agencies will investigate these matters in an independent and professional manner, as many (myself included) have called for since the allegations became public.
However, I also believe the time has come for Governor Cuomo to do some serious soul searching and reflection. The Governor should take all things into consideration and not put the alleged victims of his unwanted flirtation and congruently the citizenry of the State of New York through a long protracted legal process on any litigation. In turn, Governor Cuomo should do what is in the best interest of all citizens of the State of New York and resign with the utmost expediency.
Thank you
An elected official should always do what’s in the best interest of those that they represent, even if they feel it isn’t in their own. To that extent, I believe that Governor Cuomo has reached a crossroads on what is the appropriate path to follow moving forward.
Currently, New York State Attorney General James has an investigation with regard to the allegations of sexual harassment against Governor Cuomo. In addition, the United States Justice Department is examining whether the governor’s coronovirus task might have intentionally manipulated data.
I believe in due process and am hopeful that both of the aforementioned governmental agencies will investigate these matters in an independent and professional manner, as many (myself included) have called for since the allegations became public.
However, I also believe the time has come for Governor Cuomo to do some serious soul searching and reflection. The Governor should take all things into consideration and not put the alleged victims of his unwanted flirtation and congruently the citizenry of the State of New York through a long protracted legal process on any litigation. In turn, Governor Cuomo should do what is in the best interest of all citizens of the State of New York and resign with the utmost expediency.
Thank you
Statement on the 2nd allegation of sexual harassment by Governor Andrew Cuomo
2-27-21
According to media accounts, a 2nd individual has come forward and alleged that Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed her in the workplace.
To that extent, I believe that it is in the best interest of all parties concerned that this matter is fully investigated with the utmost expediency and due diligence. I also believe that in fairness to all and to remove any sense of political allegiances, an independent special counsel who has subpoena power should look into the matter.
Thank you.
Please follow the link below to the Times Union News article for additional information
www.timesunion.com/news/article/2nd-former-aide-accuses-Cuomo-of-sexual-harassment-15985390.php?IPID=Times-Union-HP-CP-Spotlight
According to media accounts, a 2nd individual has come forward and alleged that Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed her in the workplace.
To that extent, I believe that it is in the best interest of all parties concerned that this matter is fully investigated with the utmost expediency and due diligence. I also believe that in fairness to all and to remove any sense of political allegiances, an independent special counsel who has subpoena power should look into the matter.
Thank you.
Please follow the link below to the Times Union News article for additional information
www.timesunion.com/news/article/2nd-former-aide-accuses-Cuomo-of-sexual-harassment-15985390.php?IPID=Times-Union-HP-CP-Spotlight
Statement on the probing of the Cuomo Administration by the FBI, and the United States Attorney in Brooklyn
2-17-21
As I have stated last week regarding this matter I will reiterate again, I do believe that it is in the best interests of all to provide a full disclosure and transparency as to how and why Covid-19 patients were allegedly placed back into a nursing home facility.
To that extent, I am glad to see that the federal governmental agencies mentioned herein are doing their due diligence and looking into this matter. In turn, I am hopeful that this investigation will bring some clarity and comfort to the families of the elderly who succumb to the virus while at various nursing homes throughout the state of New York.
Follow the link below for additional information regarding this subject matter from the Times Union:
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Cuomo-15957401.php?IPID=Times-Union-HP-CP-Spotlight
As I have stated last week regarding this matter I will reiterate again, I do believe that it is in the best interests of all to provide a full disclosure and transparency as to how and why Covid-19 patients were allegedly placed back into a nursing home facility.
To that extent, I am glad to see that the federal governmental agencies mentioned herein are doing their due diligence and looking into this matter. In turn, I am hopeful that this investigation will bring some clarity and comfort to the families of the elderly who succumb to the virus while at various nursing homes throughout the state of New York.
Follow the link below for additional information regarding this subject matter from the Times Union:
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Cuomo-15957401.php?IPID=Times-Union-HP-CP-Spotlight
2-13-2021-Covid-19 patients in nursing homes
Mid 1980's sitting at a dinner table at 98 Breslin Avenue in Cohoes, NY with my grandmother and nana, they were always and still are near and dear to my heart.
Adelaide Gruba Ricard (shown on the left in this image) died of Metastatic breast cancer on May 1, 2007.
Beatrice Lanoue White (shown on the right in this image) died of Alzheimer's disease on December 28, 1999.
Fast-forward to the present day, and their grandson is an elected representative of a county and city where they resided their entire lives.
As I look at this image, I think about how innocent a world that we lived in. In turn, what would my grandmother's think of present day and the COVID-19 pandemic? What would they think of mask wearing, social distancing or the vaccine to allegedly reduce negative effects if you contract the virus? If my grandmother's were still alive today, how would I feel if I couldn't see them for an extended period of time due to COVID-19 protocols? On a related matter, my parents are both still alive, but they are at the age where the risk of having an adverse effect due to contracting COVID-19 increases exponentially.
As I think about the many folks who have lost their lives because of COVID-19, I especially think about the elderly who lost their lives in an adult care facility. I think about their children, grandchildren and all that knew them. When my grandmother's passed away, both my mom and dad were present for their individual parents passing, and on some level that brought them comfort, and me too.
As to what happened with some elderly allegedly being placed back into nursing homes after contracting Covid-19? Though I don't know all of the details, other than what has been stated in media accounts on the matter, I do believe that it is in the best interests of all to provide a full disclosure and transparency as to how and why this happened. How this is achieved in an appropriate legal fashion is up to the elected representatives and appointed individuals at the New York State and Federal government levels.
Someday we will all be the elderly person looking for help from our fellow citizens, just like I always tried to help out my grandmother's and they me. A colleague of mine shared this quote on social media today, and I think that it is appropriate in this matter too, "You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." Abraham Lincoln
May continue to bless all of you and the United States of America.
Adelaide Gruba Ricard (shown on the left in this image) died of Metastatic breast cancer on May 1, 2007.
Beatrice Lanoue White (shown on the right in this image) died of Alzheimer's disease on December 28, 1999.
Fast-forward to the present day, and their grandson is an elected representative of a county and city where they resided their entire lives.
As I look at this image, I think about how innocent a world that we lived in. In turn, what would my grandmother's think of present day and the COVID-19 pandemic? What would they think of mask wearing, social distancing or the vaccine to allegedly reduce negative effects if you contract the virus? If my grandmother's were still alive today, how would I feel if I couldn't see them for an extended period of time due to COVID-19 protocols? On a related matter, my parents are both still alive, but they are at the age where the risk of having an adverse effect due to contracting COVID-19 increases exponentially.
As I think about the many folks who have lost their lives because of COVID-19, I especially think about the elderly who lost their lives in an adult care facility. I think about their children, grandchildren and all that knew them. When my grandmother's passed away, both my mom and dad were present for their individual parents passing, and on some level that brought them comfort, and me too.
As to what happened with some elderly allegedly being placed back into nursing homes after contracting Covid-19? Though I don't know all of the details, other than what has been stated in media accounts on the matter, I do believe that it is in the best interests of all to provide a full disclosure and transparency as to how and why this happened. How this is achieved in an appropriate legal fashion is up to the elected representatives and appointed individuals at the New York State and Federal government levels.
Someday we will all be the elderly person looking for help from our fellow citizens, just like I always tried to help out my grandmother's and they me. A colleague of mine shared this quote on social media today, and I think that it is appropriate in this matter too, "You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." Abraham Lincoln
May continue to bless all of you and the United States of America.
2-11-21
Statement on the current state of our nation
1-10-21
I am deeply concerned about the current state of our nation. The events of Wednesday January 6, 2021 at the United States Capitol shook us all to the core. To that extent, I condemn any and all acts of violence and/or the destruction of property just as I have stated publicly in the past regarding other riots nationwide and in the county of Albany.
It is also my belief that we need to work towards healing our broken country, but some public statements from elected officials since the aforementioned event, have exacerbated diversity and intolerance.
We as Americans should strive to listen to each other, no matter one's political ideology, after all we are all one nation under God.
I will continue to listen to the views of all my constituents and perform my job to the best of my abilities, as I swore to do on January 1, 2020.
May God continue to bless all of you and the United States of America.
I am deeply concerned about the current state of our nation. The events of Wednesday January 6, 2021 at the United States Capitol shook us all to the core. To that extent, I condemn any and all acts of violence and/or the destruction of property just as I have stated publicly in the past regarding other riots nationwide and in the county of Albany.
It is also my belief that we need to work towards healing our broken country, but some public statements from elected officials since the aforementioned event, have exacerbated diversity and intolerance.
We as Americans should strive to listen to each other, no matter one's political ideology, after all we are all one nation under God.
I will continue to listen to the views of all my constituents and perform my job to the best of my abilities, as I swore to do on January 1, 2020.
May God continue to bless all of you and the United States of America.
County Legislators provide letter of support for Cohoes Local Law 4 for 2020
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Times Union Article Regarding Norlite PFAS
Have a plan, and stick by it?
As an elected official, business owner, and more importantly a citizen of the historic city of Cohoes, I am saddened by the crises that we have had to endure; it breaks my heart to say the least. I am not sad for me, but I am saddened by the messages that I receive on a daily basis. Many of our fellow citizens are struggling emotionally, financially and of course physically.
When will it end? As I listen to some experts in the public health sector, they believe that until we have a vaccine (which is probably 12-18 months away), the disruption in our lives could continue for the aforementioned time period. So what does that mean? Lives could be saved, that's a good thing. However many of our fellow citizens will continue to feel isolated in their homes. This social isolation will continue to cause adverse affects on the mental well being of the people. Some of these same
folks have lost their job, which adds to the economic devastation happening everywhere. This economic devastation includes all levels of government too. Projected budgets can't be sustained without revenue streams. Property owners won't be able to afford to pay for their taxes, many will just abandon their possessions.
So what's the alternative? Some experts say that we could slowly open parts of the economy? Which theoretically will lessen the amount of financial devastation that's happening daily. However, the amount of individuals infected with COVID-19 could increase as a result. In turn, if a well thought out recovery plan isn't established before opening up society, more of our fellow citizens could lose their lives, including a family member of yours or mine? In order to save lives, any recovery plan will need to ensure that businesses (including mine) have safety protocols in place, to slow the spread of the virus. If this isn’t done correctly, more people could lose their lives. Is it worth it? I don't know! What I do know is that the current state of affairs can't be maintained indefinitely.
We will eventually return to a sense of normalcy, as long as there is a well thought out plan to deal with the two crises that we’re facing, hopefully those plans are implemented soon, that way we can plan for it too…
Stay healthy and safe.
In God we trust
As an elected official, business owner, and more importantly a citizen of the historic city of Cohoes, I am saddened by the crises that we have had to endure; it breaks my heart to say the least. I am not sad for me, but I am saddened by the messages that I receive on a daily basis. Many of our fellow citizens are struggling emotionally, financially and of course physically.
When will it end? As I listen to some experts in the public health sector, they believe that until we have a vaccine (which is probably 12-18 months away), the disruption in our lives could continue for the aforementioned time period. So what does that mean? Lives could be saved, that's a good thing. However many of our fellow citizens will continue to feel isolated in their homes. This social isolation will continue to cause adverse affects on the mental well being of the people. Some of these same
folks have lost their job, which adds to the economic devastation happening everywhere. This economic devastation includes all levels of government too. Projected budgets can't be sustained without revenue streams. Property owners won't be able to afford to pay for their taxes, many will just abandon their possessions.
So what's the alternative? Some experts say that we could slowly open parts of the economy? Which theoretically will lessen the amount of financial devastation that's happening daily. However, the amount of individuals infected with COVID-19 could increase as a result. In turn, if a well thought out recovery plan isn't established before opening up society, more of our fellow citizens could lose their lives, including a family member of yours or mine? In order to save lives, any recovery plan will need to ensure that businesses (including mine) have safety protocols in place, to slow the spread of the virus. If this isn’t done correctly, more people could lose their lives. Is it worth it? I don't know! What I do know is that the current state of affairs can't be maintained indefinitely.
We will eventually return to a sense of normalcy, as long as there is a well thought out plan to deal with the two crises that we’re facing, hopefully those plans are implemented soon, that way we can plan for it too…
Stay healthy and safe.
In God we trust
The Unseen Enemy
As I sit here and write this, my 82nd day of elected office, never did I think that our community would be fighting a war against an enemy that we can't see. As a result of this unseen enemy, our lives have been changed in an instant. Many of our fellow citizens have lost their jobs, educational instruction is happening in homes. Where does it end? Businesses are shuttered or on the brink of it, financial markets are in tatters, and everyone is in a state of panic because they see no light at the end of the tunnel.
We have been asked to change our daily routines, so that this unseen enemy can be controlled, or at least neutralized, until we can develop a natural immunity or create a cure for it. We have no hope. Why don't we all just give up? Because, that’s not what it means to be an American citizen at its core. We are not quitters, the United States of America is the greatest country in the world. We will get through this. Will it be easy? No! This enemy can be defeated; we just have to do our part, and it might take several months or longer to win this war.
For the last few days, my daughter and I walked through the heart of the 17th legislative district for Albany County, which for those that don’t know, is wholly in the city of Cohoes. During our walk, I was astonished at how many folks were out there, exercising and getting some fresh air. We talked with many of them; their positive demeanor was inspiring and uplifting, even from the appropriate social distance.
We have been asked to do our part, by staying in the comfort of our homes, and spending time with our loved ones. I believe that we will win this battle; we just have to all work together to conquer this unseen enemy, who likes to control the unknown, and often goes by the name of fear…
As always, should you have any questions, please reach out.
In God we trust
We have been asked to change our daily routines, so that this unseen enemy can be controlled, or at least neutralized, until we can develop a natural immunity or create a cure for it. We have no hope. Why don't we all just give up? Because, that’s not what it means to be an American citizen at its core. We are not quitters, the United States of America is the greatest country in the world. We will get through this. Will it be easy? No! This enemy can be defeated; we just have to do our part, and it might take several months or longer to win this war.
For the last few days, my daughter and I walked through the heart of the 17th legislative district for Albany County, which for those that don’t know, is wholly in the city of Cohoes. During our walk, I was astonished at how many folks were out there, exercising and getting some fresh air. We talked with many of them; their positive demeanor was inspiring and uplifting, even from the appropriate social distance.
We have been asked to do our part, by staying in the comfort of our homes, and spending time with our loved ones. I believe that we will win this battle; we just have to all work together to conquer this unseen enemy, who likes to control the unknown, and often goes by the name of fear…
As always, should you have any questions, please reach out.
In God we trust
Statement on Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19)
The United States of America is still the greatest country in the world. We have the best experts to solve this problem, and I am confident that they will. We just can’t panic and let anxiety overtake the facts.
We can do our part to help reduce the numbers of those that will be infected with Covid-19 by doing the following:
-Avoid close contact with people who are sick
-Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and throat
-Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects
-If you have to sneeze or cough, do it into your elbow
-Maintain an appropriate social distance, when in public settings
-Stay home when you’re sick, unless you have a medical appointment
-Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Stay calm, we will get through this…God bless
Please follow these links for additional information:
https://www.cdc.gov/
https://www.health.ny.gov/
https://www.albanycounty.com/departments/health
As always, should you have any questions, please reach out.
In God we trust
Sincerely,
Bill Ricard
Albany County Legislator-17th District
·Cohoes ·Community ·History
We can do our part to help reduce the numbers of those that will be infected with Covid-19 by doing the following:
-Avoid close contact with people who are sick
-Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and throat
-Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects
-If you have to sneeze or cough, do it into your elbow
-Maintain an appropriate social distance, when in public settings
-Stay home when you’re sick, unless you have a medical appointment
-Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Stay calm, we will get through this…God bless
Please follow these links for additional information:
https://www.cdc.gov/
https://www.health.ny.gov/
https://www.albanycounty.com/departments/health
As always, should you have any questions, please reach out.
In God we trust
Sincerely,
Bill Ricard
Albany County Legislator-17th District
·Cohoes ·Community ·History
Statement on Bill Number: A9952 (McDonald) S7880 (Breslin) -“An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to prohibiting the incineration of aqueous film-forming foam and associated perfluorocarbon components.”
Statement on the Federal Lawsuit against Norlite for allegedly burning firefighting foam
Thomas Marcelle
Cohoes City Court Judge
Issues Order Challenging state's bail reform law
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United States Census information below provided by the U.S. Census Bureau
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Census 2020 Stand Up. Get Counted. Information below provided by Assemblymember John McDonald
Albany County Legislature starts new year with historic first meeting- January 1, 2020
Special Edition Newsletter-1-1-2020
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General election-11-5-2019
The voters in the 17th Legislative District for Albany County have spoken, I am pleased to announce that an overwhelming majority of my fellow citizens would like to see me as their representative.
Thank you to the voters who supported our message; from the bottom of my heart, your trust in me will not be forgotten.
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the professionalism of my opponent Cassandra Horn. It's not easy to put one's name on the line for public office, Ms. Horn had the intestinal fortitude to do just that.
Cassandra, is a very intelligent and kind person, who has a bright future in whatever path she chooses to follow in her life, I wish my neighbor all the best in fulfilling that destiny...
During this campaign, I have been privileged to meet so many outstanding citizens who want nothing but the best for our community.
I would also like to thank the individuals (especially my family) who have helped me behind the scenes, but never want any public acknowledgement; your efforts are truly appreciated!
As I embark on being your representative (starting on January 1, 2020) in the Albany County Legislature, I will take with me the thoughts, dreams and aspirations of all that I have met.
May God continue to bless all of you and the City of Cohoes.
Thank you!
WE DID IT!
Thank you to the voters who supported our message; from the bottom of my heart, your trust in me will not be forgotten.
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the professionalism of my opponent Cassandra Horn. It's not easy to put one's name on the line for public office, Ms. Horn had the intestinal fortitude to do just that.
Cassandra, is a very intelligent and kind person, who has a bright future in whatever path she chooses to follow in her life, I wish my neighbor all the best in fulfilling that destiny...
During this campaign, I have been privileged to meet so many outstanding citizens who want nothing but the best for our community.
I would also like to thank the individuals (especially my family) who have helped me behind the scenes, but never want any public acknowledgement; your efforts are truly appreciated!
As I embark on being your representative (starting on January 1, 2020) in the Albany County Legislature, I will take with me the thoughts, dreams and aspirations of all that I have met.
May God continue to bless all of you and the City of Cohoes.
Thank you!
WE DID IT!
It is an honor and privilege to announce that I have earned the endorsement of CSEA, the state's largest public employee union, in my campaign for Albany County Legislator.
Palm cards, being passed out to constituents throughout the 17th district for Albany County.
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A mailer, sent out to constituents throughout the 17th district for Albany County.
Thank you cards, sent to constituents who signed my petition.
