Former Albany County Legislator Richard Touchette has been appointed to fill the District 37 seat on the Albany County Legislature following the resignation of Legislator George Langdon in April.

The Legislature voted to appoint Touchette and swore him in Monday night to fill the seat for the remainder of the year. An election will be held in November to choose an individual who will represent the district for the remainder of the term ending in 2023.

“I want to welcome Mr. Touchette back to the Albany County Legislature. It's my hope that Rick will continue to reflect the fiscally sound, innovative ideals of our body, as he did when he served with us previously. We will continue to drive bold, progressive and sound public policy that recognizes the importance of all our residents including the LGBTQ+ community, women and our black and brown communities. It is our responsibility to build a sustainable future and create an inclusive environment for all of our residents and for future generations,” said Albany County Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce.

“It’s a great honor to be appointed to the Albany County Legislature. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues once again and to serve my neighbors in the 37^th District,” said Touchette.

Touchette served on the Legislature from 2015 to 2019. During his tenure, Touchette chaired the Elder Care Committee and served as a member of various committees including Law and Personnel. As a legislator, Touchette was an avid supporter of environmental policy that led to a Clean Air Law that prohibits waste burning and a law that instituted a countywide ban on polystyrene. He also supported forward thinking legislation including paid sick leave.

Prior to the County Legislature, Touchette served as a member on the Coeymans Town Board and chair of the Planning Board.

Touchette is the executive director of the Catholic Cemeteries of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, New York. He is past president of the New York State Association of Cemeteries, served on the Board of Directors of the National Catholic Cemetery Conference and is a certified cemetery executive. He also served on the Board of the Philmont Staff Association and the National Catholic Committee on Scouting.