District 30
Newcomer Clenahan runs unopposed

ALBANY COUNTY — Even though he isn’t being challenged for his seat, Democrat Bryan Clenahan said that Westmere residents will most likely see him knocking on their doors before the Nov. 6 election.

Clenahan was appointed in June to represent District 30 in the Albany County Legislature. He replaced Democrat Dennis Feeney who moved into a home in District 29 and is now challenging Republican Lee Carman to represent that district. (See related story.)
Being in his first run for an elected office, Clenahan said, "It’s been great so far"I’m really glad to be running."

He will be on the ballot in November under the Democratic, Independence, and Conservative lines.
"I’m trying to hit every door. I’m interested to find out what’s on people’s minds," Clenahan said yesterday.

Clenahan is also gearing up for his third session with the New York State Senate where he works as deputy counsel to the Democratic minority.

His responsibilities at the state capitol include reviewing and drafting legislation and proposals; researching and reviewing statutes, case law, position papers, and opinions; and advising senators and senate committees.

Aside from working in the State Senate, Clenahan is a prosecutor for the town of Guilderland. He also chaired the zoning board of appeals for two years, served as a zoning board member for three years, and was the board’s counsel.

Being in his 30s, Clenahan is one of the youngest members of the county’s legislature.

So far, Clenahan has attended three sessions of the county legislature, which meets monthly, and he said that he supported the right-to-farm law, but that he needs more time to see how effective it is.
"I think we should wait to see if the right-to-farm law is working first," Clenahan said of critics who don’t think the law goes far enough. "If there’s a gap, I think the county should jump in."

Protecting open space and containing sprawl and unplanned growth are issues that the county legislature should be actively discussing, Clenahan said.
When it comes to the size of the legislature, Clenahan believes that the current 32 districts are a good representation of the county, calling the smaller districts a "more direct form of democracy."

Clenahan said that larger districts require more fund-raising and therefore increase the chances of special-interest money influencing legislators.
"I don’t think that’s a good idea," Clenahan said of a suggestion by some of his Republican colleagues to cut the legislature down to 21 members.
Believing in fiscal responsibility, Clenahan said that the county’s 1-percent sales-tax hike, which was introduced as a "temporary" measure several years ago, should be regularly revisited.
"I know there are certain needs," Clenahan said, but added, "We should try to provide as much tax relief as possible for the people."

Other county-wide issues, such as the county’s nursing home and the proposed Albany convention center need to be carefully handled and considered, said Clenahan.
"I’m concerned for any plan that doesn’t adequately cover our residents"or takes them out of state," he said of the over-filled county nursing home. "It’s unacceptable"We need a new, adequate, efficient, and better nursing home."
The convention center "has the potential of being worthwhile," Clenahan said. He also believes that the county should have a "prominent role" and be actively involved with all aspects of the proposed convention center as it moves forward.

Countywide shared services need a closer look, too, said Clenahan.
"I think the county should look at it as a possibility"to reduce the tax burden," Clenahan said. "We have to be very careful, though, not to lessen the quality or scope of the services."

As a political newcomer, Clenahan said he is mostly interested in meeting with and listening to his constituents — now, and after Nov. 6.
"The worst kind of politicians are the ones who only show up around election time," Clenahan said. "I’m not going to be one of those guys."