Broome County Legislative Internship Program

The Broome County Legislature has had an active Student Internship Program since the Spring/Summer of 2007. Internships can be completed in the spring, summer, fall or winter. This program continues to be a great experience for students who go to school either as an under-graduate or graduate at Binghamton University, at Broome Community College, or who come back home to the Southern Tier during summer or winter break from various other colleges. We strive to provide a constructive and vigorous program to help students gain knowledge and experience; both about how local government works, with a special focus on the Greater Binghamton area.

Interns with the Broome County Legislature have the opportunity to: Conduct confidential research and administrative staff work for the County Legislature. Serve as a resource person and act as a communicator with the Executive branch, Law Department, Audit and Control Department, and other departments upon request. Transmit documents between the County Legislature, County and State Departments, agencies, State officials and community leaders. Research and present ideas used by other New York Sate Counties and other local governments. Schedule and organize meetings between legislators and agencies. Work closely with local government leaders on county and municipal concerns. Prepare and present data and reports clearly and concisely to the Legislative Assistant or Clerk or other staff for presentation to County Legislators. Compose constituent reply and other governmental correspondence. Assist with drafting of press releases and setting up press conferences regarding legislative issues. Assist with the drafting of Legislative Proclamations, and other honorary communications.

Below are profiles of our prior interns and the projects they worked on. Some interns have also contributed pictures and quotes. If you are interested in pursuing and internship with the Broome County Legislature please send a Letter of Intention and a Resume to legclerk@co.broome.ny.us

Fall 2009

George Hadjiconstantinou - student from Binghamton University

• Project: Researched student housing in Binghamton and made recommendations to improve student housing that would be beneficial to students, as well as local residents and landlords. 
• Quote: "My experience at the Broome County Legislature has made me well-versed in local governance and legislative activity in general. It was fascinating to learn about Broome County and its quirks. The committee meetings and legislative sessions that I was able to attend were enlightening and gave me a better sense of what goes into the passing and/or rejection of legislation and legislative procedures. I highly recommend this internship to anybody who is interested in making a career in politics so they may be able to understand politics in the local arena." 

Jonathan Rudge - student from Binghamton University

• Project: Researched the effects of Natural Gas Drilling on Health and Environment. 
• Quote: "Interning here has been a wonderful and exciting experience!  While working on my own chosen project, I was able to gain an understanding of how things work within the Legislature while at the same time making my own contribution to an issue that was important to me.  My time spent here was both challenging and fun, a rare combination found in the professional world.  The people you work with are professional, friendly, fun and extremely helpful.  Mr. Denk is a great agency supervisor to work under and easily approachable, Chris is an awesome project guide and if they aren't around then the secretaries are more than willing to help and they are always there.  They will work with you to help you get exactly what you want from this experience.  As a senior looking to prepare for a career in law, this internship gave me everything I was looking for and more.  It's a great opportunity for any undergraduate or graduate student looking to pursue a career in politics, legal practice or anything related.  If you're thinking about anything along those lines, or even if you're just looking to try something new and exciting, I would highly recommend interning here.  Thank you to everyone for a great semester and a great first experience in the world of politics.  After this, I'm sure it will not be my last!" 

Nicholas Vevante - student from Binghamton University

• Project: Helped the Energy Advisory Board research different possible state and federal grant opportunities for the Mainstreaming Energy Efficiency Project.
• Quote: "During my time interning for the Broome County Legislature, not only did I learn a lot about how county government works, but I was also able to work independently on a project that I cared about.  Being able to work on something meaningful and not just doing "busy work" was important to me and made my internship experience much more beneficial.  Also, even though I did work independently the staff there was very supportive and whenever I needed help with something, I was able to get it from them.  I would recommend this internship to anyone who wanted to do important work and learn about local government."

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Summer 2009

Jason Birriel - student from Binghamton University

• Project: Created a Citizens' Guide to the Broome County Legislature and the Broome County Budget, helped Legislator Garnar with research for a Cell Phones for Seniors program 
• Quote: "My internship with the Broome County Legislature provided me with in depth experience into the legislative process of Broome County.  It allowed me to learn how local government operates on a daily basis.  I was allowed to observe committee meetings and several meetings with external organizations.  I was also able to conduct my own research while coordinating with the excellent staff at the Legislature throughout the duration of the program.  The interns at the Legislature are viewed as a valuable asset and unlike many other internship programs, they are given meaningful work that allows anyone who works here to gain invaluable real world experience.  The staff at the Legislature genuinely enjoyed mentoring my development and I recommend this internship to anyone who desires valuable experience on the inner workings of county government."

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Spring 2009

Jeremy Algire - student from Broome Community College

• Projects: researched potential ideas for a legislative essay contest for local students about "There Ought to Be a Law"

Greg Regensburg  - student from Binghamton University

• Projects: Assisted with the implementation of the 2nd Annual Green Recognition Awards, researched information about youth courts

Norka Vera- student from Binghamton University

• Projects: Research Green Homes and other energy smart initiatives

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January 2009

Justin Salkin - student from Binghamton University

• Project: Research on gas leases and current gas lease law
• Quote: "My internship experience was a comfortable one.  The entire staff at the Legislature made me feel very comfortable.  I got to see committee meetings, and legislative sessions, both of which helped me learn about how county legislature goes about handling county issues on a daily basis."

Fall 2008

Cristal Regalado - student from Binghamton University

• Projects: work on the Empire State Games Proclamation Database, Environment and Recycling Initiatives research

Brian Derry - student from Binghamton University

• Projects: Rural Transportation research, GASB 45 research
• Quote: "My internship at the Broome County Legislature provided me with real experience in the legislative process and allowed me to see how county government operates on a day to day basis.  I was allowed to conduct my own research and formulate my own reports on topics I thought were both interesting and important for the community.  All work was done under the helpful guidance of the staff in a wonderful work environment.  I really appreciate the fact that interns at the legislature are viewed as a valuable resource and not just people to do busy work.  I would recommend this internship to everyone as it is a valuable experience that will teach you the ins and outs of county government in a great work environment."

Summer 2008

Steven Blackwell - post-graduate from LeMoyne College

• Projects: Local taxicab project in conjunction with the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, Public Transportation survey
• Quote: "The internship with the Legislature was one that has proved to be more valuable than I would have ever imagined.  Through the hands on guidance and mentoring throughout the entire program, I was able to get a grasp on what government work was like, and in the end has turned me into not only a more critical thinker and problem solver, but a more well rounded member of the community."

Eric Ewing - student from the University of Albany

• Projects: Comparison of NYS IDA web pages, creation of a rating system for the pages, research on ways to increase usage of libraries by 12-16 year olds
• Quote: "During my summer internship with the legislature I had the opportunity to work on some exciting projects. From my time there I learned new ways to look at and explore local issues. I also gained valuable experience working in a government setting."

Kimberly Heinle - student from Ithaca College

• Projects: Microgrid and Windmills research, Regional Community Food Project and Farmer's Market work and research, work with the community group in Northern Broome Centered on Gas Drilling education and research, work on organizing the Legislature's Article Database
• Quote: “My time spent as a summer intern in the Legislative Clerk's Office far exceeded my expectations. I saw first hand the operations of the legislative office and had many unique opportunities that I would not have had anywhere else. I was immediately involved in projects tailored to my interests and career path, which allowed me to gain useful contacts and experiences that I am sure to use again in the future.”

Priyal Karecha - student from Daemen College

• Projects: Town budget review for a FOIL request, compiled a paper on Renter's protection laws and understanding of foreclosures, created a database for proclamations to go to local winner's of the Empire State Games
• Quote: “The internship program through the Broome County Legislature has been an extremely rewarding--both in experience and knowledge gained. Everyone involved in the program was more than helpful, and work expected of the interns was fascinating for each person because of the large selection presented in the beginning. I would absolutely recommend the internship to anyone interested in government who wants the freedom to learn at their own pace, as well as the tools they need to do so.”

Nancy Shaw-Herzog - Graduate student from Binghamton University

• Projects: County Prescription Card research
• Quote: "This was the best internship I’ve had. My undergraduate internships were very good, but my experience at the Broome County Legislature allowed me the opportunity to apply many of the skills acquired from my education. My project required me to work independently and at the same time I received strong support from the legislators, my supervisors, and county department heads. I found the county working atmosphere very professional, but also comfortable and friendly.
  I would highly recommend this Internship to anyone in the MPA program who is interested in local government."

Christine Zulko - student from LeMoyne College

• Project: Work with the Downtown Farmer's Market as manager

Spring 2008

Joe Johnson - student from Binghamton University

• Projects: Broome County Financial Comparison with other counties
• Quote: "I learned a lot about the process and the intergovernmental cooperation that occurs between different levels of government.  I had the privilege of attending a conference during my time with the Legislature which was very educational.  The freedom I was given to research the concerns of Broome County residents regarding the ailing economy New Yorker's are now facing has given me a new perspective on the resources that state and local governments have at their disposal.  I left my internship believing that with the proper resources, New York will be able to pull itself out of the financial storm we are now facing."

Jason Kaplowitz - student from Binghamton University

• Projects: Green Business and Organization research, press conference information and proclamations, potential future essay contest development
• Quote: "The Broome County Legislative Internship program has given me the opportunity to be an integral part of legislative initiatives, develop my interpersonal and research skills, and work in a productive environment."

Fall 2007

Rosemary Guzman - student from Binghamton University

• Projects: REAP research, Transportation Department research, grant research.

Michael Hanbury - Graduate student from Binghamton University

• Projects: GASB 45 research and prep work for the GASB 45 Citizens Task Force. Conducted an audit on Broome County's Energy Costs
• Quote: “I was able to put the skills that I had been learning in Graduate School to use at a very high professional level. The projects and assignments are challenging and are very rewarding. The Broome County legislature offered me more than just an internship; it offered me a chance to explore new career opportunities.”

Hanna Reyes - student from Binghamton University

• Projects: Attended and reported on the 'I Live NY' Summit at SUNY Cortland on Sept. 18, 2008, grant research and databases for the Windsor Community Pool Association

Graham Ruff - student from Binghamton University

• Projects: Trans-fat legislation research, initial work on a county guide

Fannie Santana - student from Binghamton University

• Projects: FOIL database, young adult job seeking opportunities in Broome County research

Chris Waters - student from Binghamton University

• Projects: Various AED research and letters to those affected by AED legislation

Spring/Summer 2007

Teresa Bouton - student from Broome Community College

• Projects: Broome County History and Form of Government summaries for the internship packet, research on Medicaid Intercept, research on Forbes' county rating system

Kara Briggs - post-graduate from Binghamton University

• Projects: Biofuels Research, Switchgrass Research, Watershed research conference and paper, Eastern Broome Internet Access Survey development and database of results
• Quote: "My internship experience with the Broome County Legislature was incredible.  The research I completed was very interesting, especially the watershed symposiums.  It really opened my eyes to the community around me.  I learned about the great features of Broome County, but also the problematic issues.  I learned how I can contribute to resolve these issues, and how and when to utilize my county officials in time of need.  The internship was professional, yet casual and a very comfortable environment.  I truly learned the meaning and function of local government, and also made some great friends.  Eric Denk and Jenni Royer, as well as the legislators, particulary Mark Whalen and Steve Herz were so helpful and informative and wonderful to work with."

Laura Chaath - student from Binghamton University

• Projects: Community Art Database

Betsy Fitzpatrick

• Projects: Watershed conference, meeting and research

Richard Jones - student from Binghamton University

• Projects: Brownfield research, Energy (windmills, oil beds and natural gas) research

Mathias Kamin - student from SUNY Plattsburgh

• Projects: Sheriff Department research

Lauren Kutch - student from Binghamton University

• Projects: Watershed research conference and paper, Morrill Land Grant research, Eastern Broome Internet Access Survey development and database of results
• Quote: “I had a wonderful experience being an intern with the Broome County Legislature. Not only did I learn more about local government I was also exposed to all the great events this town has to offer and the people that make it such a nice community.”

Amy Labzentis- student from Houghton College

• Projects: Created a 'Guide to Rural Development Aid', 'Highway signs – How to', and 'Lobbying How-to', REAP program research

Simona Neacsu - student from Binghamton University

• Projects: Renewable energy products research, economic development grants research, rural community development grants research

Stephen Ramsey - student from Villanova University

• Projects: Passenger Rail interviews and research, Microgrid research