Minority is concerned about speculation. County Executive has an eye on position
ALBANY — Albany County Assemblymen Jennifer Whalen and Ryan Conway have formally requested a meeting of the Assembly’s Public Transportation Committee following the announcement that Albany County Airport Authority CEO Philip F. Calderone’s contract will not be renewed in December.
In a letter to key members of the county legislature, including Chair Joanne Cunningham, Majority Leader Dennis Feeney and Public Transportation Committee Chair Alison McLean Lane, the Republican and Conservative Minority Conference stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the decision-making process surrounding Calderone’s contract.
According to an article in the Albany Times UnionThe airport authority’s board voted on Monday not to renew Calderone’s contract.
“The public should be informed why this happened,” they wrote, adding that the decision to waive Calderone raises concerns about the current $100 million renovation project at the airport. “All reports indicate that Mr. Calderone has performed admirably with the agency over the past five years.”
Calderone has served as CEO of the Airport Authority for the past five years and has overseen significant developments at Albany International Airport. Under his leadership, the airport’s master plan was updated for the first time in three decades, he received international recognition, achieved three bond upgrades and completed multimillion-dollar renovations aimed at improving the facility.
“Phil should also be commended for protecting local taxpayers during his time in office,” Minority Leader Frank Mauriello said in a statement to The Spotlightadding that he was sad while thanking Calderone for his service. “By securing millions in federal and state funds to undertake massive infrastructure improvements, an aggressive rebranding and other important actions, Phil has helped make ALB a world-class airport.”
MEPs expressed concerns about how an abrupt change in leadership would affect renovations at the airport. They are also worried about the selection process for Calderone’s successor. They called for a public meeting with a closed session so MEPs can participate in the discussion.
Her letter also referred to reports in the Albany Times Unionwhich called the panel’s decision a “political coup” aimed at giving the current county executive a chance to assume the CEO position. This speculation has added urgency to lawmakers’ calls for a thorough review.
“The search that led to the selection of Mr. Calderone as CEO was extensive, with over 50 candidates and seven finalists from across the country,” they wrote. “If the Board replaces Mr. Calderone as CEO, it should explain how it will proceed in its next selection process.”
The requested meeting is intended to provide a platform for the airport authority’s board to explain its decision and lay out its plans for selecting Calderone’s successor. Lawmakers hope this process will help address public concerns and ensure continued progress on the airport’s renovation projects.
Cunningham said she was as surprised as most people who followed the article when it was published. She and McCoy have had a “great partnership.” She cites raising funds for the demolition of the Central Warehouse building as one of the district’s successes during her first year as legislature leader.
“I think he’s done an exceptional job as our county executive,” she said of Dan McCoy, who served as county executive for 13 years. “I support him in everything he does, including continuing his role as county executive.”
The Times Union article cited unnamed sources who speculated that McCoy would end his political career to replace Calderone. McCoy was given another four-year term last November. Should he leave his post, Deputy County Executive Michael McLaughlin Jr. would assume the role of acting county executive until the vacancy is filled.
In May, McLaughlin was charged with drunken driving after allegedly failing a breathalyzer test during a traffic stop on Wolf Road in Colonie. He then requested that a special prosecutor take over his case, citing the animosity between McCoy and District Attorney David Soares. McCoy supported his challenger Lee Kindlon in the primary.
But any news suggesting that McCoy plans to leave his post as district administrator is mere speculation, according to his office.
“The County Executive is 100% committed to doing the job he was elected to do,” said Albany County spokeswoman Mary Rozak. “He is focused on many important projects including the Central Warehouse, the College of Saint Rose, the fire tower, the 2025 budget and another exciting project yet to be announced.”
McCoy’s political career is typical of a man on the rise, beginning with a 12-year stint as a county assemblyman, serving two years as chairman of the assembly, and making history as the youngest chairman of the Albany County Democratic Party Committee, a position he held for three years.
In 2011, he was elected county executive, where he focused on improving services, maintaining consistent property taxes and promoting economic development through initiatives such as the Advance Albany County Alliance. Last September, he was named vice chairman of the New York State Democratic Party Committee, representing upstate New York. He previously served as president of the County Executives of America and currently serves on the board of the National Association of Counties.
“He’s received national recognition as one of the best county commissioners in the country and I think he’s been involved in a lot of different things, especially in the last few years,” Cunningham said. “So it wouldn’t be a surprise to me if the airport authority is one of the places he might be interested in.”
“Whatever and whenever his next chapter is.”
