Kenneth Crowe is reporting for the Times Union Rensselaer County Executive Steven McLaughlin delivered his first State of the County Address March 13, with an upbeat message praising the county workforce and promising a county that will grow and prosper. “I know this audience is comprised of mostly Rensselaer County residents, but I hope you will all help me send the message loud and clear, Rensselaer County is the place to be, the place to make your investment, work hard and chase your dreams here,” McLaughlin said. McLaughlin touted his administration's efforts that saved the county $250,000 since Jan. 1. He also spoke about the importance of stimulating county economic development, praising the retail expansion at Routes 4 and 43 in North Greenbush. He also emphasized the importance of supporting development of the Route 7 corridor in Brunswick, and Routes 9 and 20 in East Greenbush and Schodack, as well as the Hudson River waterfront in Troy and Rensselaer. McLaughlin also pledged to continue the fight against opioid addiction, to push for increased school safety, to find ways to ensure quality public water supplies for the communities impacted by PFOA contamination and to protect the environment. Read the full story in the Times Union.