Decay and stagnation have given way to growth and renewal

Since the new Democratic Majority took leadership of the county Legislature, change for the better is happening in Schenectady County because Democrats at all levels of government in our county are working together. Even in these difficult economic times, the results have been dramatic. Already the new unified economic development team has delivered 3,300 new jobs, and $400 million in new private sector investment in our economy. Through hard work and vision, decay and stagnation have given way to growth and renewal.

A recent New York Times article about the changing perception of Schenectady among Union College students and officials shows more proof of the dramatic results that the new Democratic Majority has brought. Below are some quotes from the article:

"(Union College) Officials are trying to capitalize on the fact that downtown Schenectady, which had become a symbol of urban decay, has managed a marked turnaround in the past five years, with the $40 million renovation of its historic Proctors Theater and the opening of a six-screen movie theater, a handful of restaurants and a Hampton Inn. In addition, General Electric has brought hundreds of additional employees to Schenectady for its new renewable-energy headquarters."

"Around 2003, the city and Schenectady County began a commitment to rebuild the commercial base and improve facades along State Street and Broadway. In addition to G.E.’s renewable-energy headquarters, Schenectady attracted the Golub Corporation, the parent of the Price Chopper supermarket chain, which has just opened a new headquarters near campus with 800 employees. G.E. also plans to open a $100 million battery plant next year in a restored manufacturing building, with 350 positions. "