Broome County Elected Officials Might be Off the Industrial Development Agency

Broome County Executive Debra Preston and some county legislators may be having one duty removed in the future. A motion tot eliminate elected officials from the Broome County Industrial Development Agency has moved forward but still needs approval by the full legislature.

IDA Executive Director Kevin McLaughtlin says lines of communication would still remain open between the panel that helps plan economic development projects in the area, legislators and the Executive.

Legislator Mark Whalen, who is not one of the two legislators who could be removed from the agency, says the elected officials are on the board to maintain necessary oversight.

Supporters of the move say it would improve the transparency of the work of the IDA.

The legislators currently serving with Preston on the IDA are Dan Reynolds and Ron Keibel.

The full legislature could take up the matter October. 16.