The Dennis A. Pelletier County Government Institute
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“Fostering informed, constructive and civil dialogue on the challenges we face.”
A Message from the NYSAC Board of Directors
We were all deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden passing of Dennis A. Pelletier, NYSAC First Vice President, during the NYSAC Legislative Conference in February of 2004. Dennis was an able public servant and valued friend to all that had the pleasure of knowing him.
During his career as a county legislator, Dennis developed a strong reputation for his hard work in becoming fully informed on the issues facing county government. As President of the Monroe County Legislature, he encouraged active debate concerning the impact decisions made by elected leaders would have on the lives of the citizens they represent.
Even after the most contentious debates, he was renowned for visiting dissenting legislators, to ensure that the tone of the political discussion was never personal and to attempt to achieve consensus on the important work ahead.
In our country and in our state, we are facing harsh partisan divisions; divisions that all too often result in bitter political impasse. These political obstacles severely impact our ability to address the problems we as New Yorkers face in an ever more complicated and dangerous world.
To help combat this troubling trend, we have established a comprehensive educational program for county elected and appointed officials to assist us in becoming more knowledgeable about the issues confronting us as county leaders. By obtaining greater knowledge and new skills, we will be more prepared to engage in civil and constructive dialogue on the challenges we face as county leaders.
It is our hope that through this effort we will be able to assist in minimizing the political and personal rancor that is becoming far too prevalent in all levels of government.
At our June 2004 meeting, the Board of Directors of the New York State Association of Counties unanimously adopted a resolution to name this ambitious effort the Dennis A. Pelletier County Government Institute. We can see no greater tribute to our colleague and friend Dennis A. Pelletier, than to honor his memory by striving to achieve this goal.