County Legislator Bill Ricard

10/28/2026

National First Responders Day – October 28

Today, we recognize and thank the dedicated men and women who serve as first responders in Cohoes, throughout Albany County, and across our nation.

Our firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, emergency dispatchers, and other emergency personnel answer the call when our communities need them most.

Whether serving as career professionals or volunteers, their dedication, courage, and willingness to help others deserve our appreciation and respect.

We also recognize their families, who share in the sacrifices that come with public service, and remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your commitment to keeping our communities safe. 🇺🇸

10/27/2026

Nearly $1.5 Million in Proposed Improvements for Cohoes Community Center Moves Forward!

Tonight, as Chair of the Albany County Legislature's Public Works Committee, I presided over our meeting, where we approved two significant infrastructure proposals for the Gil Ethier Athletic & Community Center in Cohoes.

The proposed improvements include:
▪️ $1,228,811 for roof replacement.
▪️ $234,826 for boiler plant replacement.
That's a combined $1,463,637 in proposed infrastructure improvements at a county facility that currently serves approximately 2,000 members from throughout Albany County.

Both proposals will now move forward to the full Albany County Legislature for consideration and final approval.

These improvements are intended to help maintain and preserve this important community facility for years to come.

Our committee also reviewed several other matters involving road maintenance, sidewalk construction, roadway safety, the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, and the MVP Arena naming rights agreement.

I'll continue to keep residents informed as these proposals move through the legislative process.

Watch a replay of tonight's Public Works Committee meeting. Link in the first comment.

10/27/2026

Cohoes Residents and beyond FYI:

Please follow the link below for more information about Mr. Allen Aubin's recognition for his service to our country.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19nNi52Vp6/

10/27/2026

Albany County Legislature – Public Works Committee

Tonight at 5:00 PM, I'll be chairing the Albany County Legislature's Public Works Committee meeting.

We'll be reviewing several important proposals, including improvements to the Gil Ethier Athletic & Community Center in Cohoes, winter road maintenance, sidewalk construction, roadway safety improvements, the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, and renewal of the MVP Arena naming rights agreement.

It's an opportunity to ask questions, review proposed expenditures, and make sure we're being responsible with taxpayer dollars.

Residents are welcome to follow along. I'll continue sharing updates as these proposals move through the legislative process.

📺 Watch live tonight:
https://youtube.com/live/uuG_KM6FFLQ?is=mfpRxstjHWPpCuk_

10/26/2026

Tonight at 5:30 PM, the Albany County Legislature continues its review of the proposed 2027 County Budget with our fourth departmental budget hearing.

We'll be reviewing the budgets for Social Services, Children, Youth and Families, Crime Victims, Veterans Services, Health, Mental Health, Aging, and the Nursing Home.
These departments provide important services to Albany County residents, including children, families, seniors, veterans, and those in need of assistance.
It's another opportunity to ask questions, review spending priorities, and ensure we're making responsible decisions with taxpayer dollars.

Residents are welcome to follow along. I'll continue sharing updates as the budget process moves forward.

📺 Watch live tonight: https://youtube.com/live/hxMvFyYrnWM?is=R6FtsJyTk-pfpImJ

10/24/2026

💜 A Meaningful Day at Siena University Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern NY

Today I had the opportunity to attend the Walk to End Alzheimer's at Siena University, and it was a beautiful day!

What made the day especially meaningful was spending time with my dad and stepmom. Sometimes it's the simple moments together that mean the most.

It was wonderful seeing so many families, friends, and community members come together to support those living with Alzheimer's, their caregivers, and the loved ones who stand beside them.

The beautiful fall foliage made Siena's campus even more spectacular, and the Albany Pipe Band added a special touch.

Alzheimer's affects so many families, and events like this remind us of the importance of raising awareness, supporting one another, and continuing the search for a cure.

A special thank you to everyone who organized, volunteered, and participated in today's walk.
Family, community, and hope. That's what today was all about. 💜

10/24/2026

Keeping you informed.
I've been updating my website with information about what's happening in Cohoes and throughout Albany County, including community programs, county investments, public safety information, and the work I'm doing in our community.
I've also added more photos from events and activities throughout Cohoes and Albany County.
Visit the website and take a look at the latest Statements & Updates, Photo Gallery, and more:

https://www.billricard.com/statements--updates.html

P.S. Don't forget that early voting begins today.

This page is dedicated to serving the electorate in a transparent, open & responsible manner.

10/23/2026

TWO IMPORTANT ALBANY COUNTY BALLOT PROPOSITIONS — KNOW BEFORE YOU VOTE

As early voting begins this Saturday, October 24, I want to share some information about two proposed amendments to the Albany County Charter that voters can decide during early voting or on Election Day, November 3.

IMPORTANT: BOTH PROPOSITIONS ARE ON THE BACK OF YOUR BALLOT.
PROPOSITION 1 — Replacing Coroners with Medical Examiners

This proposal would eliminate our elected county coroners and replace them with an appointed medical examiner system.

I voted NO when this proposal came before the County Legislature.

My concern was eliminating an elected office and taking that decision away from voters. I recognize the importance of having qualified medical professionals involved in determining causes of death, but I also believe voters should have a voice in who serves them.

A YES vote would approve the change to an appointed medical examiner system.

A NO vote would retain the current elected coroner system.

PROPOSITION 2 — Establishing Additional Qualifications for County Legislators

This proposal would amend the County Charter to establish three specific grounds concerning a county legislator's qualifications:
• Failure to maintain the required residency.
• A state or federal felony conviction while serving in office.
• A finding by the County Ethics Commission that a legislator knowingly filed a materially false financial disclosure while serving in office.

The amendment also addresses the Legislature's authority to investigate qualifications and discipline members, including possible expulsion by a two-thirds vote.

I voted YES to send this proposed amendment to the voters for their consideration.

Afterward, I had questions about the language concerning the Legislature's authority to determine qualifications and discipline its members.

I sought written clarification from our legal counsel. Counsel interpreted the amendment as limiting the Legislature's authority to determine qualifications and impose discipline to the three specific grounds identified in the amendment.

A YES vote would approve the proposed Charter amendment.

A NO vote would leave the existing Charter provisions unchanged.

PUBLIC INFORMATION AND TRANSPARENCY

The Albany County Legislature addressed both proposals during its April 28, 2026 public hearing. No members of the public spoke on either proposal.

The Legislature's Law Committee also considered both proposals on May 27.

Anyone interested in reviewing those proceedings can watch the recordings:

April 28 Public Hearing:

https://youtube.com/live/FRvyfb_E4Wg

May 27 Law Committee:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP0_kyYn514

Additional legislative documents:

https://albanycounty.legistar.com/

MY FINAL THOUGHTS
These are two important decisions that deserve Albany County voters' attention.

I've shared my votes, my concerns, and the information available so residents can review the proposals and reach their own conclusions.

You don't have to agree with me. That's the beauty of voting.

Please remember to vote on both sides of your ballot.
Early voting begins October 24. Election Day is November 3.

10/22/2026

🏛️ Albany County 2027 Budget Review
Tonight at 5:30 PM, I'll be participating in the Albany County Legislature's Audit & Finance Committee's third budget review session as we continue examining the proposed 2027 County Budget.
Tonight's session will focus on our legal agencies and related departments, including:
• Probation
• Public Defender
• Alternate Public Defender
• Assigned Counsel
• County Attorney
• Immigration
These departments perform important functions within county government, and the budget review process allows legislators to examine their funding requests, ask questions, and better understand their operations.
As always, my focus is on responsible spending, accountability, and making sure county government delivers value for the taxpayers we serve.
Good government starts with asking questions and doing the homework.

Residents are welcome to follow along. I'll continue sharing updates as the budget process moves forward.

📺 Watch live tonight:https://youtube.com/live/-oA1Nszl9Hg?is=SKO2IeddpUTlXnvn

10/22/2026

🗳️ Early voting begins this Saturday, October 24!
If Election Day doesn't work for your schedule, early voting is a great option.

I encourage everyone to get out and exercise their right to vote! 🇺🇸