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Council President Newsletter — January 2026

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Sue Steele
Sue Steele
Council President
January 2026

January 14, 2026

Friends, neighbors, and fellow Trojans,

I'm sharing a quick update on the city council's work to protect taxpayers and oversight of city spending.

Last week, I contacted the city's bond counsel and fiscal advisors to get clarification on the last-minute $6 million borrowing request approved by the outgoing council for a new pavilion and other improvements in Frear Park. There were concerns the legislation was crafted incorrectly, limiting where the money could be spent and potentially requiring the new council majority to take action to correct.

Unfortunately, the administration intervened to block the call, incorrectly claiming the legislative branch has no right to speak with these financial advisors—despite the council approving the very contracts that pay them.

However, on Tuesday, the deputy mayor acknowledged the bond resolution passed on December 30, 2025, was not written correctly, confirming our earlier concerns that approval was given without sufficient time to review the request and avoid the exact issue we're now facing.

The council majority will discuss this latest information and consider next steps, including the administration's willingness to participate with the councilmembers in a call with the bond counsel.

I appreciate the administration's confirmation of the council's right to speak directly with representatives of Troy's bond counsel and fiscal advisory firms.

The council majority takes our financial oversight role seriously, and will continue to press the mayor to open the books, increase transparency, and work collaboratively with us to restore public trust in Troy's finances.

Onward,

Sue Steele
Council President

Governor Hochul's State of the State

On Tuesday, Governor Hochul delivered the annual State of the State address outlining the challenges facing our state and how her administration is fighting to address affordability, protect our environment, and build a safer, healthier future for New Yorkers. You can watch a playback of the governor's address on YouTube.

Public Feedback During Council Forum

I spoke with WAMC's Samantha Simmons about the strong turnout for our first council meeting and how public engagement is critical to building stronger communities.

I also spoke with Eden Stratton of the Troy Record about the level of participation and my disappointment the mayor did not attend, which is required by city charter. This was a missed opportunity for the mayor to join the council in hearing directly from residents, and denied the public a chance to speak directly to the city's chief executive.

Downtown Troy BID Board Appointment

I was excited to announce the appointment of Monica Kurzejeski to serve on the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District's Board of Directors. Many of you know Monica as a familiar face around Troy, including her early work on the Troy Farmers Market and for the late-John Hedley.

She also spent 10 years working at city hall, first as economic development coordinator and then as the Collar City's first female deputy mayor.

Upcoming Council Meetings

A list of future meetings is available on the council's webpage, and will be updated with agendas as they are published.

I encourage residents to subscribe for email updates to receive notifications on upcoming meetings and legislation under consideration by the council:

https://troyny.gov/315/City-Council

Nov. 4, 2025: Troy voters overwhelmingly elected a new 7-member Democratic majority to the city council.

Oct. 31, 2025: The vote to approve a thirty year lease for a new city hall—scheduled for days after Election Day—should be delayed until a new council is seated in January.

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