Troy-Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino has announced the appointment of John Turi as the County’s Public Defender, and Charles Wojton as the Director of Central Services.  The appointments stem from the retirements of long term Department Heads Jerome Frost and Timothy Holt.   

John Turi has been a practicing attorney since graduating from Albany Law School in 1987 and employed as an Assistant Public Defender since 1999 where he handled major crimes while specializing in cases involving mental disease and defect. Mr. Turi’s appointment has been sent to the County Legislature for their confirmation. 

On Mr. Turi’s appointment Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino stated, “John Turi has proven to be an excellent attorney and I am confident that he will maintain the stellar reputation of the County’s Public Defenders Office. John’s predecessor Jerome Frost did an amazing job and I am quite certain that John will live up to that high standard.” 

Mr. Wojton has been appointed and confirmed by the Legislature as the County’s Director of Central Services.  Mr. Wojton previously served as the County’s Stop DWI Coordinator, a position he has held since 2003.  Mr. Wojton is a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College and is currently towards his Bachelor’s Degree. As the Director of Central Services Mr. Wojton duties include but are not limited to the making all purchases of equipment, materials and supplies required for any County purpose and contract for the rental and for servicing of equipment for all County departments in accordance with requirements established by law or by the County Legislature.

“I am extremely confident that Chuck Wojton’s experience in County Government will prove invaluable as he leads our Department of Central Services as that office performs the vital task of ensuring the County follows the rules and regulations governing the acquisition of goods and services in the most cost effective manner possible,” said Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino.

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