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Legislator Samuelson Becomes President of Statewide Association

Legislator Scott Samuelson

Monticello, NY – Sullivan County proudly announces that District 1 Legislator Scott Samuelson has been elected the Board President for the NYS Association of Counties (NYSAC), the influential advocacy and support organization for New York State’s 62 counties.

The appointment was made official yesterday in front of more than 600 attendees of NYSAC’s annual Fall Seminar, held for the first time at Resorts World Catskills in Monticello.

“NYSAC wields a powerful voice in Albany and around the State, so Scott will play a significant role in major legislation and decisions that affect Sullivan County and its siblings,” remarked Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek, who has worked closely with the legislator in both Samuelson’s current role and as past chairman of the Legislature. “To have a member of our hometown team at the helm of such a prestigious organization is an incredible honor, not just for Scott, but for the entire County. I look forward to working with him to advance our interests at a Statewide level.”

“I am humbled, thrilled and privileged to be asked to take on this leadership role, and I thank my colleagues, both locally and throughout the State, for their confidence, support and collaboration,” said Samuelson. “While my job will be to protect and advocate for counties’ interests across New York, rest assured I will not forget my home County as I carry out my duties. Indeed, we kicked off my term with the annual convention right here in our backyard, showcasing all that Sullivan County can offer to groups looking to host their events in our beautiful corner of New York State.”

Samuelson has served two terms on the Legislature since 2012, representing the towns of Bethel, Cochecton, Highland and Tusten, and has been an active member of NYSAC’s Board for much of that time. He lives in White Lake with his husband Eddie Dudek.

The below release is republished courtesy of the NYS Association of Counties, which authored it...

Monticello, NY - Sullivan County Legislator Scott Samuelson was elected today to serve as President of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) for the upcoming year.

NYSAC is a bipartisan municipal association serving all 62 counties of New York State including the City of New York. Organized in 1925, NYSAC's mission is to represent, educate, advocate for, and serve member counties and the thousands of elected and appointed county officials who serve the public.

“I look forward to serving as NYSAC’s President and advocating for New York’s counties,” said Samuelson. “Our Association provides a unique opportunity for us to come together from all regions of the state to voice our needs and share our ideas as the local governments closest to our communities.”

Since 2012, Mr. Samuelson has represented Sullivan County District 1. He served as Chairman of the board for the first four years, (2012-2015). As Chairman, Mr. Samuelson was instrumental in helping bring economic development to the forefront in Sullivan County. Landing one of four NYS casino gaming licenses was the turning point that brought Resorts World Catskill Casino to Monticello. Since the opening of the casino unemployment rates in the county are at an all-time low and sales tax revenues are at an all-time high. 

Previously, Mr. Samuelson served as the president of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce from 1998 until 2004. He has also served on the Board of Directors of Catskill Regional Medical Center, served as President of the Sullivan County Community College Dormitory Corporation, Treasurer of the Sullivan County REAP Board, ex officio member of the board of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, was a founding member of the Sullivan County Business Association, the Bethel Business Association and most recently, the Bethel Council of the Arts.

"Scott has been valuable member of the Board of Directors, and I look forward to continuing to work with him as President as we work on behalf of counties across the state,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario.