Resignation Effective December 31, 2024
Schenectady County Legislator Philip Fields has announced that he will resign from the Legislature effective December 31, 2024, citing the increased demands of a recent promotion.
Legislator Fields was appointed to the Legislature in January 2004 to fill a vacancy and has represented District 2 in the City of Schenectady since that time. He currently serves as Deputy Chair of the Legislature and Chair of the Rules and Ways & Means Committees. Legislator Fields was the first African American and Guyanese American to serve on the Schenectady County Legislature and has been a member of the Schenectady County Human Rights Commission since 2007.
Pursuant to the County Charter, a special meeting must be called within 45 days of a vacancy occurring. During the special meeting the full legislature takes nominations and then votes to appoint someone to fill the vacancy.
“It has been a privilege to serve alongside Legislator Fields and to have been part of the body that appointed him more than two decades ago,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “His steadfast commitment to our community, his leadership in crafting responsible budgets that balanced critical services with fiscal responsibility, and his historic tenure as one of our longest-serving members leave an enduring legacy. We thank him for his dedicated service and wish him the very best in the future.”
“It has been an incredible honor to serve the people of District 2 and Schenectady County over the past 21 years,” said Schenectady County Legislator Philip Fields. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, from fostering economic growth through our unified economic development team to improving public services and preserving the unique character of our community. I am grateful for the trust and support of my colleagues, County staff, and residents throughout my tenure. While I am stepping down, I remain committed to Schenectady County’s success and look forward to seeing its continued progress.”