Michael Stammel, Mayor
Education
- S.U.N.Y. – Empire State College, A.S. Associates Degree, Major – Fire Administration,
- Graduate, Dennis A. Pelletier, County Government Institute, Sponsored by NYSAC
- Rensselaer City School District
Michael Stammel prides himself for being there for the community.
The representative of the City of Rensselaer in the Rensselaer County Legislature, Stammel stays busy as a volunteer in different community organizations. He serves a member of the Rensselaer Little League and has done so as a Manager, Coach and member of the Board of Directors. He is a lifelong member of the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Rensselaer County and currently serves a Vice President of the Board of Directors and is a member of a number of civic organizations that support community initiatives.
Stammel serves a volunteer fireman for over 40 years and has held various offices in the department including Captain, Lieutenant, 1st Assistant and acting Chief. He has been a member of the Rensselaer Volunteer Ambulance for over 20 years and is an EMT and member of the Board of Directors. “Serving the residents of Rensselaer as a mentor for our youth, participating in civic initiatives, or responding in an emergency as a volunteer helps me stay on top of important issues in the City of Rensselaer,” said Stammel, a lifelong resident of Rensselaer. “Giving back something to my city is important. It has also been a great way to stay close to the people and keep up on events and issues in Rensselaer,” said Stammel.
As legislator, Stammel has worked to improve and maintain county services relied on by Rensselaer residents. He has sponsored legislation that has enhanced emergency services that supports the County Sheriff, Probation, Rensselaer City Police and Fire Department, including tools, communication equipment, training, with funding provided by state and federal grants. He also has ensured that full Senior Services continue in the city after program funding was in jeopardy, and fought to keep the senior center open after closure was proposed.
Stammel also supported a sales tax distribution agreement that has provided Rensselaer millions more than the city could have generated independently. He also provides funding each year to the Rensselaer Boys & Girls Club, which plays an important role in the lives of city youth. Stammel has also been supportive of key economic development projects in the city and county. Environmentally, Stammel has supported millions of dollars for improvements to the County Sewer facility and Combined Sewer flow to reinvigorate the historic Hudson River.
“My top priority is getting the services and funding Rensselaer needs to have a better future. There has been progress made in revitalizing the city and I want to continue to play a role in those efforts,” said Stammel.
Stammel was elected as the legislative representative of the City of Rensselaer in 2001, 2005, and re-elected in 2009. Prior to this, he served as a member of the Rensselaer City Common Council beginning with his election in 1993 and re-election in 1997. He was elected Pro Tem of the Council in 1998. During his service on the council, Stammel worked in the support of the development of the Rensselaer Rail Station and attract state funding for development of numerous street infrastructure improvements and a new boat launch on the Hudson River as the Chairman of the Planning and Development Committee of the city council.
As an employee for Amtrak for more than 37 years, Stammel is a Program Manager for the Emergency Management and Corporate Security division.
Stammel lives on Broadway and is the father of two children, Bridget and Michael Jr.