Legislator

District Four - Schodack, Sand Lake and Nassau

Alex Shannon has proven to be an effective legislator, working on efforts to protect open space and natural resources, and supporting economic development and job creation projects.

Known for his service as a respected town judge in Schodack and village justice in Nassau, Alex supported a 2009 county budget that avoided a property tax increase. Elected to the Legislature in 2007, Alex has also supported financial management practices that led to the county's credit rating being upgraded.

Alex has joined with his colleague, Legislator Martin Reid, in advocating for a more comprehensive clean-up of toxic contamination in Nassau. Together with local officials and residents, they were successful in lobbying for construction of an improved new dam to protect the Nassau Lake area.

As chairman of the Legislature's Environmental Committee, Alex has supported efforts to protect farmland and open space, including management by the county of the 156-acre Papscanee Island Nature Preserve along the Hudson River. Alex also joined Martin Reid in sponsoring legislation that led to the federal government release a $3.6 million lien on the former Fort Orange Paper Co. property in Castleton.