Reflection on Political Polarization: Insights from Billy Jones in His Exit Interview
Assembly Member Billy Jones Steps Down from State Legislature to Lead Clinton Community College's Institute for Advanced Manufacturing
After a four-year tenure marked by increasing political polarisation, Assembly Member Billy Jones has announced his decision to step down from his position in the New York State Legislature. Jones will be taking on a new role as Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Workforce Development at Clinton Community College, leading its Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM).
Jones, who began his Assembly career in 2017, has been a prominent figure in the state's political landscape. He held the position of chair of the lower chamber's Committee on Local Governments and the Task Force on New York Canada Relations. However, the ongoing hyperpolarization of politics has been a significant factor in his decision to leave office.
In his new role, Jones will provide leadership and oversight of workforce and community education programs, manage the IAM’s operations, and spearhead the development of a strategic master plan to make it a regional hub for workforce development and education. He will also engage with businesses and employers to align programs with local industry needs.
Jones expressed bittersweet feelings about leaving a career he viewed as a calling. However, the new position offers an opportunity to continue serving the North Country region in a new capacity, allows him to spend more time with his family, particularly his 12-year-old daughter, and aligns closely with his passions for workforce development and economic growth.
During his time in office, Jones has witnessed two governors, two presidents, and the state Capitol adding Herbie's Burger to the concourse. He has also missed swastikas being taped to the Albany GOP headquarters during his time in office, which he finds upsetting.
Jones has never engaged in the nastiness that has become commonplace in politics. Instead, he has focused on collaborations, people, and issues. He has expressed that he is not interested in contributing to the nastiness and does not find it a good environment for getting things done.
Despite his decision to step away from politics, Jones will miss passing important legislation, performing constituent services, and the Albany nightlife. He will, however, look forward to spending more time with his family and leading the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at Clinton Community College.
[1] https://www.northcountrynow.com/news/assembly-member-billy-jones-to-lead-clinton-community-colleges-institute-for-advanced-manufacturing-146060 [2] https://www.wwnytv.com/2021/05/13/assembly-member-billy-jones-to-step-down-from-state-legislature/ [3] https://www.cnycentral.com/news/local-news/billy-jones-to-step-down-from-state-legislature/ [4] https://www.watertowndailytimes.com/story/news/local/2021/05/13/billy-jones-to-leave-state-legislature-lead-clinton-community-colleges-institute-for-advanced-manufacturing/4917966001/ [5] https://www.northcountrynow.com/news/billy-jones-says-increasing-political-polarization-factor-his-decision-leave-state-legislature-146059
- In his new role at Clinton Community College, Assembly Member Billy Jones will focus on labor and education-and-self-development, overseeing workforce and community education programs and spearheading the development of a strategic master plan for the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing.
- Despite leaving the New York State Legislature, Jones will continue to engage with local government, collaborating with businesses and employers to align programs with regional industry needs in his capacity as Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Workforce Development at Clinton Community College.
