Capitol Report

Malta Supervisor Mark Hammond (standing), state Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and Times Union reporter Kathleen Moore (left to right) were among those at Thursday's meeting. (Pete Bardunias photo)

Carrie (a club member) gave her usual thorough report on the legislative session so far, starting with an update on "my eighth budget" -- she is in the middle of her fourth two-year term.

She engaged in-depth with questions about problems and opportunities in areas including criminal justice legislation, employment, welfare, transportation and housing.

Firefighting Report

 

Malta Ridge Fire Chief Pete Shaw was our speaker on Thursday, and said his volunteer department responded to 527 calls in 2021. Shaw, who retired from his professional career in 2020 as assistant chief of the Saratoga Springs Fire Department, pointed out some drawbacks to modern modes of construction. Open plans, two-by-four framing, and furniture amounting to "wood covered in gasoline" can help fire spread dangerously fast, he said. He stressed the importance of working smoke detectors, and supports passage of a local law requiring sprinklers in new buildings.

In other business, Treasurer Cynthia Young confirmed she is sending $1,330 for AOET in Uganda and $830 for QMC in Lesotho. The funds include $1,000 approved at the Dec. 23 meeting, supplemented by additional contributions from members to be funneled through the club.

Next week's speaker (Jan. 27) will be club member Carrie Woerner, who is also a member of the New York State Assembly.