5 Reasons Why It’s a Conflict of Interest for Schenectady’s Mayor to Sit on the Metroplex Board

In Schenectady, the mayor is supposed to serve the people. But when the mayor also sits on the board of Metroplex, the county’s powerful development authority, it raises serious questions about fairness and accountability. Here are five reasons why this arrangement is a conflict of interest.

1. Competing Loyalties
The mayor’s first duty is to residents of Schenectady. Metroplex, however, has its own agenda and priorities, often focused on high-profile development projects. One person cannot serve both roles without favoring one over the other.

2. Control Over Public Money
Metroplex receives a guaranteed slice of county sales tax revenue — money that could otherwise help fund city services. When the mayor sits on the board, it becomes impossible to know if decisions are being made in the best interest of the city budget or to protect Metroplex’s funding stream.

3. Lack of Accountability
Residents can vote a mayor out of office, but Metroplex is not directly accountable to voters. Having the mayor on both sides blurs the lines of accountability and makes it harder for people to demand transparency.

4. City Services Are Being Cut
While Metroplex continues to fund luxury or high-profile projects, City Hall is cutting overtime, reducing youth programs, and raising fees and fines. The mayor should be fighting to keep services whole, not sitting on the board of the agency draining resources.

5. Trust in Local Government
Conflicts of interest erode public trust. If residents feel their mayor is working for Metroplex instead of the people, faith in city government weakens. Democracy requires leaders whose loyalty is clear.

Conclusion

Schenectady deserves a mayor who works only for the people, not for a development authority with its own priorities. If we want accountability and fairness, the mayor must choose: represent the city, or represent Metroplex — but not both.