Albany County Legislature Appoints New Legislators, Filling Two Existing Vacancies in Legislative Districts 6 and 21

Dannielle Hille (District 6, Albany) and Kenneth Weafer (District 21, Colonie) were sworn in as the newest Albany County Legislators during the body's February 9 meeting in the William J. Conboy II Legislative Chambers within the Albany County Courthouse on Monday.

Photos are available on the Legislature's Facebook page.

Hille is a New York State Supervising Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator with a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice from the University at Albany.

She also founded and runs the non-profit, A Block at a Time (ABAAT), which helps heal and rebuild Albany communities through advocacy, education, reform, and access to basic needs and services.

She annually co-chairs the largest National Night Out celebration in the City of Albany, with more than 500 attendees and nearly 100 vendors from law enforcement, healthcare, mental health, and community organizations.

Weafer is an Assistant Director of Pension Operations for Teal, Becker, and Chiaramonth, which is a certified public accounting firm in Albany.

Prior to his current position, he was an Associate with Jackson Lewis P.C. in Albany, an Assistant District Attorney with Albany County, and worked with the Honorable Joseph C. Teresi, who served as a justice for the Albany County Supreme Court in the 3rd Judicial District of New York.

Weafer, an attorney, graduated from Albany Law School in 2006. He previously was a middle school English and History teacher.

Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: "Legislatures evolve. As much as we will miss working with our colleagues Legislators Fein and Whalen - and the unique experiences, perspectives, and knowledge they brought with them - this is an exciting opportunity to bring in new people with new energy and new ideas. Their perspectives will help guide our efforts ahead, and I look forward to partnering with them as we move our shared priorities forward."

Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said: "Both Sam Fein and Jennifer Whalen have been exemplary leaders, great colleagues, and dedicated advocates for their constituents. They will be greatly missed, but I am confident they will continue to do outstanding work in their new positions. I welcome the newly appointed legislators and thank them for stepping into these important roles. I look forward to working collaboratively with them to advance our shared community priorities and to continue the important work ahead."

Albany County Legislature Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said: "Following extensive conversations with representatives from Legislative District 21 and Legislative District 6, and careful consideration of feedback from residents in Colonie served by the 21st District and the City of Albany in the 6th District, the Albany County Legislature has appointed K.C. Weafer and Dannielle Hille to serve in the Albany County Legislature. These appointments reflect the input and priorities expressed by residents. The appointment process is grounded in ensuring communities are represented by individuals prepared to serve their needs. Both appointees bring strong professional experience, deep community ties, and a demonstrated commitment public service. Their work will support the Legislature's continued focus on delivering results for Albany County residents."

Albany County Legislator Danielle Hille said: "I am truly honored to serve the 6th Legislative District. When I moved to Albany for college, I never imagined it would become my home. This community welcomed me, shaped me, and inspires the work I do every day. I look forward to continuing to serve and working even harder as your County Legislator."

Albany County Legislator Kenneth Weafer said: "Public service has always been at the heart of my career, beginning with my work as an Assistant District Attorney in Albany County. Today's appointment is an incredible opportunity to deepen my connection with my community and continue to build on my longstanding history of community involvement. I am grateful to my colleagues for their trust and confidence, and I look forward to collaborating with local leaders, community organizations, and residents to provide real results for the residents of the 21st Legislative District."