Kenneth C. Crowe II reports for the Times Union that the Republican-controlled Rensselaer County legislature holds a special meeting Oct. 19 to confirm Henry Zwack, a retired state justice and former county executive, as Republican elections commissioner. Recently Jason T. Schofield resigned from the position before he pleaded guilty in January to federal voter fraud charges and Corine Sheldon is leaving as acting commissioner effective Oct. 31 as a grand jury investigates her handling of ballots. Zwack was acquitted in 2001 of felony charges in a no-show job scandal and in 2002 he was acquitted of 34 charges — 27 misdemeanors and seven felony counts — in an alleged patronage job-for-votes trade case. County Republican Chair Chuck Peter said, “Henry Zwack has an outstanding record of public service to Rensselaer County and New York state and brings considerable experience and ability to this important position. We look forward to Henry serving as Republican Elections Commissioner and helping guide the BOE through the upcoming elections and beyond." Zwack will take over in the middle of an election, as voting begins Oct. 28 this year, and concludes on Nov. 7. Read more about this story in the Times Union.