Kingston Common Council Democratic majority leader reappointed, grant received

On January 4, the Kingston Common Council unanimously voted Alderman Rennie Scott-Childress as its majority leader for the fourth year in a row.

Scott-Childress kicked off the election by nominating Alderman Tony Davis, who declined and said, “Rennie, you are doing a great job as the chairperson so my hat would be for you to continue to run unless someone else is being nominated.”

“I am very happy about his leadership qualities,” said Alderman Steven Schabot about Scott-Childress. “He moves us along with wisdom and good humor. I would like to see his continued leadership in this role.”

Scott-Childress hoped the Common Council  members could see each other in person at some point over the next few months. “I hope we can talk more closely about how things operate so we can work even better as a group of folks who can communicate easily and clearly as we tackle the difficulties coming out of the Covid crisis,” he said. “I look forward to working with you over the next year.”

Scott-Childress was appointed to the Common Council in April 2016 after Brad Will stepped down. Scott-Childress won re-election both in November 2017 and 2019. He serves Ward 3.

Kingston Community Development Block Grant received

Kingston has received its second round of Community Development Block Grants related to Covid-19, with a total of $256,376 to be allocated. Although the Common Council voted unanimously on the resolution specifying the distribution of the money during its January 5 meeting, Mayor Steve Noble subsequently informed Alderman Steve Schabot, who has been spearheading this initiative, that he will be vetoing the resolution due to a large share ($51,275) going toward administration. As a result, the Common Council will take up the question again in the future.

Aside from administration, intended uses for the money include a drop-in school support program, a micro-grant program for businesses, support for child-care programs, meal preparation in schools, emergency meals, legal services, arts in education, and rental assistance.