Albany County — The Town of Berne filed a lawsuit against New York Governor Kathy Hochul claiming she ignored requests to help fill town board vacancies.
According to court documents, three town board members resigned from the Town Board on August 14th, leaving too many empty seats. The resignation of Albert Thiem, Leo Vane, and Joseph Martin left the board with just two members. They were unable to pass the 2025 budget for the town.
The town claims it has tried to contact Governor Hochul’s office multiple times since August 22, 2024, asking her to exercise her authority under Public Officers Law 43, by appointing an additional person to fill at least one of three vacant positions so the Town could conduct its business…