Alexander L Betke

Alex Betke is a member of the firm’s Government Relations practice and is co-chair of the Municipal practice. This unique combination of legal concentrations enables Alex to meet client needs at all levels of government and provide them with innovative solutions to their problems. A registered lobbyist, Alex has extensive experience working with the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, state agencies, the Attorney General and the State Comptroller, along with New York’s federal government representatives. Alex’s clients range from major industry associations to small businesses to not-for-profit organizations. His work encompasses all aspects of government relations, including legislation, procurement, appropriations and regulatory matters. Alex established a Municipal practice in the Albany office in 2004, drawing on his significant experience serving as general counsel to various municipalities. Alex currently serves as attorney for the Villages of Catskill and Saugerties, providing representation on a number of legal matters. For other clients, he handles the full range of municipal law matters, including zoning and land use matters under the Environmental Quality Review Act and other regulations. His recent siting projects include a 30-room hotel and 20,000 square foot catering and restaurant facility in the Village of Saugerties; one of the state’s largest WalMart stores located in the Village of Catskill; a water desalination plant in the Town of Haverstraw; and a large senior living complex to be built in Red Hook. Alex has been elected to several terms as a councilman in the Town of Coxsackie and currently serves as the town supervisor. He has been involved in New York State politics throughout his career, serving as an elected state committeeman for the New York State Democratic Party and working on several statewide campaigns. Alex’s dual perspective as an elected public official and a private practice attorney enables him to analyze issues from both sides of the desk and best position his clients to achieve their goals.