Columbia County announces burn ban

By DOUG LAROCQUE

Capital Region Independent Media

EAST GREENBUSH—If you were to ask many residents of the rural portions of the Capital Region, they might well tell you human trafficking is a big city, urban problem, it doesn’t happen here in Columbia County.

According to the public officials and experts gathered at a September 24 gathering at the Rensselaer County Office Building, they would be wrong.

The NYS Assembly Minority Task Force brought together experts and others in the know for a two-hour forum to discuss the problem as it exists in Columbia and other Capital Region counties. According to a 2022 report from the NYS Interagency Task Force, there were 249 confirmed cases in the state while the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 467 cases involving 622 victims over the same timeframe.

One of the attendees was Columbia County Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore, who tells The Columbia Paper, “It’s prevalent everywhere. Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it does not exist.” She indicated it’s not just a problem in the more urban Hudson area, but it can exist in the very rural areas of the county as well.

Undersheriff Salvatore says there has to be greater spotlight on the problem and more funding to help law enforcement deal with it. “There has to be a mechanism in place to help train officers on what to look for and where to look for it.”

Online predators are another problem, says Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan. “I can think of four cases right off the top of my head, where children have been removed from the home following internet encounters.” Kids put themselves out there without appreciating the vulnerability. “It’s very real.”

Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly bemoaned that New York and the nation’s law are woefully outdated and need to be updated for today’s technological age. She also said, “Funding is needed for law enforcement to be more proactive and for all around educational purposes.”

Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R-107th) hosted the conference. He told The Columbia Paper, “Human trafficking is a brutal crime that destroys lives and it’s happening right here in our own state. We cannot turn a blind eye any longer.” Mr. Bendett represents the towns of Valatie, Kinderhook, Chatham and Ghent in Columbia County.

Assemblyman Brian Maher (R-101st) is co-chair of the task force. He labeled human trafficking as a multi-billion-dollar industry. He highlighted another area of concern—safety. Not only for victims but for those providing services as well. He spoke of several instances where those attempting to provide help and shelter have actually been threatened themselves.

Housing for victims is another concern of Mr. Maher’s, noting the funds available to place victims in hotel or motel rooms is very limited, often meaning low rate and sometimes, “not up to standard” housing is employed.

Others in attendance included representatives from the START Children’s Center, Unity House, the YMCA, Crime Victim’s Services from St. Peter’s Health Partners, Nursing Coordinating personnel from the Glens Falls Hospital and private business concerns. Bill Batkay of Miller Industrial Engineering said, “It’s critical the private sector becomes involved. The eye doesn’t see what the mind doesn’t know.” Mr. Batkay said that government funding can only go so far and the problem needs to be addressed by the business community as well.

The task force plans more listening and learning sessions around the state, including New York City, Buffalo, Central New York and the Hudson Valley.