PLATSBURGH — Mark Henry will once again lead the Clinton County Legislature as chairman for 2025.
“I am honored to once again be selected as chairman by my colleagues. It is very gratifying,” Henry (R-Area 3, Chazy) said.
“We’ve have a good group of people and we have a lot of good things going forward.”
Henry was named chairman for his sixth year at the helm at Thursday night’s organizational meeting.
All other leadership positions remained the same.
Bobby Hall (D-Area 10, City of Plattsburgh) was re-named as deputy chairperson, Robert Timmons (R-Area 7, Peru) was re-named as Republican leader and Patty Waldron (D-Area 6, Saranac) was re-named as Democratic Leader.
Henry said the top priority for the county will once again be working to ensure a strong economy for the region.
“The biggest priority is always the economy and economic development for the area because no matter what you do, you have to have a good strong economy because that’s how you create jobs and bring in development and visitors,” Henry said.
CCC MOVE
Other priorities will be the transfer of Clinton Community College to the campus of SUNY Plattsburgh next September.
The college opted to move to SUNY Plattsburgh last year after struggling to keep enrollment up in recent years.
The county will decide what to do with the property of the CCC campus on Bluff Point overlooking Lake Champlain in the Town of Plattsburgh.
A consulting firm has been hired to analyze the property and offer recommendations to the county, which will then hold public hearings before deciding what the future for the land will be.
“Getting the college moved and developing that property will be a big priority for the county as well and we will pay close attention to that,” Henry said.
“And there are other projects we will be focusing on as well.”
Continuing to recruit businesses to the county’s Business Innovative Gateway property at the former Clinton County Airport site and aiding the growing aerospace industry at Plattsburgh International Airport will also be top priorities, Henry said.
FILLING AREA 8 SEAT
The legislature will also move to fill the Area 8 seat that became vacant when Wendell Hughes was elected as mayor of the City of Plattsburgh last November.
There is one year left on Hughes’s term and Henry said the legislature is looking to fill that seat with former Town of Plattsburgh council member Paul Lamoy for the remainder of this year.
An election will be held for a full term for the seat in November. Henry said Lamoy agreed to fill the seat this year and not seek election in November.
“We will vote on that at our next meeting,” Henry said.
Deputy Chairman Hall said there is value in consistent leadership.
“It is a privilege to continue serving as Deputy Chair. My focus remains on delivering effective governance and addressing the needs of the county’s residents.”
Timmons said the county is well-positioned for continued success.
“Our efforts will be directed toward advancing priorities that enhance quality of life and ensure a strong future for our community,” Timmons said.
Waldron said supporting the growth and success of Clinton County’s residents and businesses is at the heart of her work.
“I look forward to advancing initiatives that drive economic opportunity and improve daily life for all who live here,” she said.
County Administrator Michael Zurlo, who also serves as budget officer, said the state of the county is strong.
“We are moving forward and looking ahead to a very successful 2025,” Zurlo said.