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Schenectady County legislators appoint Rajnakanth Ishmael to fill District 2 vacancy; Richard Russo named deputy chair
Summary
At a legislative caucus on Jan. 14, 2025, the Schenectady County Legislature unanimously appointed Rajnakanth Ishmael to fill the District 2 vacancy created by Philip Fields’s resignation. Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara administered the oath. The chair also designated Richard Russo as deputy chair and he was sworn in.
Schenectady County legislators unanimously appointed Rajnakanth Ishmael to the County Legislature seat for District 2 at a legislative caucus on Jan. 14, 2025, and later named Richard Russo deputy chair of the legislature.
The caucus was called under Article 2, Section 2.05 of the Charter of the County of Schenectady to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Legislator Philip Fields. The nomination to appoint Ishmael was made by the legislative attorney and seconded by Legislator Samuel; the chair declared the voice vote unanimous with 10 members present.
Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara administered the oath of office to Ishmael. Santabarbara, who said he had worked with Ishmael and his family, told the legislature, "Your work is much more than just passing laws. It's about improving lives, strengthening our community, and making sure every voice is heard." After taking the oath, Ishmael thanked colleagues and said, "I will uphold my oath. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I am deeply honored. Let's get to work." Ishmael identified himself during remarks as the first Guyanese member to serve on the body and referenced local priorities including food insecurity, housing and infrastructure.
Earlier in the meeting the clerk read the statutory notice calling the caucus under the county charter and identifying the caucus date, Jan. 14, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., and the location at 620 State Street, sixth floor, Schenectady. The notice specifically cited the charter provision authorizing the caucus to fill a legislative vacancy.
After Ishmael's swearing, Chair Gary Hughes read a certificate designating Richard Russo as deputy chair "pursuant [to] Article 2 of the rules of the Schenectady County Legislature." Russo took the oath and made brief remarks about his work on neighborhood revitalization and county projects, saying, "It's an honor to take on this role, and I'm truly humbled by this opportunity to serve in this capacity." The chair thanked members and the caucus adjourned to reconvene for the regular meeting at 7 p.m.
No formal roll-call vote transcript listing individual member votes was recorded for the deputy-chair designation; the appointment was read and the oath administered during the caucus.
