A proposed appointment to the Troy City Clerk’s Office is causing controversy.

Troy City Council President-elect Sue Steele said Jason Schofield, former Rensselaer Republican elections commissioner, will be named an assistant to the city clerk.

Schofield pleaded guilty to federal voter fraud charges in January. He used the names and dates of birth of voters to fraudulently apply for absentee ballots in Rensselaer County. He has not yet been sentenced.

Troy Majority Leader Tom Casey defended the selection of Schofield for position.

“Jason Schofield made a mistake that he quickly took responsibility for. In this state, we’ve had a lot of justice reform. When people make a mistake, it should not rob people of their life,” he said.

Steele called the appointment a “slap in the face” to Troy voters and taxpayers.

“I call on my Republican colleagues on the City Council to withdraw this ill-advised appointment of Mr. Schofield and urge the mayor-elect to join me in rejecting this scheme,” Steele said in a statement.

Schofield is scheduled to be sentenced on May 16, 2024.