To the Editor:

I would like to correct a few misrepresentations made in a recent letter to the editor by Edie Abrams concerning my ability to serve New Scotland residents living in County Legislative District 33, which includes parts of Bethlehem and New Scotland.

On the matter of the Kinder Morgan blasting bill (also known as Local Law B), I have been anything but silent.  I openly stated my support for the first draft of the bill; however, changes to the bill’s language were subsequently made.

Conversations with attorneys and engineers raised my concern that those changes might have unintended negative consequences for farmers, small businesses, and municipalities throughout Albany County.  I expressed my concerns to bill sponsors as well as to citizens rightfully concerned about the safety of their water. Enough of my concerns were addressed that I publicly testified in favor of the bill before the Albany County Legislature on May 11.  

My position throughout this legislative process was never opposition or “indifference,” but rather due diligence to craft a better bill that would achieve its stated purpose and survive a legal challenge.  I certainly agree that “good policy makes good politics.” I believe it is the responsibility of elected representatives to put in the time, effort, and careful attention to detail necessary to ensure the best possible policy is achieved.

My commitment to New Scotland and Voorheesville is longstanding, including my public opposition to the proposed big-box store that would have damaged the character of Voorheesville.

More recently, I have supported inter-municipal agreements between Bethlehem and New Scotland that benefit both communities and I have advised the town of New Scotland on several cost-saving matters relating to solar power development in the town of New Scotland.  I am also a co-founder and director of Solarize Albany, a bulk purchasing group that will benefit residents throughout the county.

I am a vocal opponent of the oil trains that pass through both New Scotland and Bethlehem.  I have advocated for completion of the “Rail Trail,” the wonderful asset shared by all the residents of Bethlehem and New Scotland, and look forward to working on that issue as well as preservation of the LeVie barn should I win election to the county legislature.

William Reinhardt

Slingerlands

Editor’s note: See related story.