A decade ago, this page supported creation of the Metroplex Development Authority as a way to remove ever-divisive partisan politics from Schenectady County’s economic development equation. Metroplex has, for the most part, succeeded in doing that: Inarguably, more positive economic development has taken place in the county over the last nine years than in the previous 19, and it’s probably because elected officials have little input in the process.

Thus we endorsed the authority’s request — approved by the county Legislature last month — to have its bonding authority increased by $25 million, and its charter extended five additional years. Unfortunately, that vote didn’t settle the matter — action by the state Legislature is also necessary — and one of the most partisan Republicans in the state Assembly is threatening to delay the home-rule legislation.

Assemblyman James Tedisco has picked up the mantle for county Legislator Joseph Suhrada, who has decried virtually every Metroplex initiative since Day One and who voted against the bonding measure at the county level. The minority leader (like Suhrada) wants a smaller bonding cap — only $10 million higher than the current $50 million cap that has nearly been reached — and various other changes to the proposal that would further Suhrada’s goal of meddling in Metroplex affairs. All are inadvisable.

Ray Gillen has done a commendable job running Metroplex. He’s also made some mistakes and done some equivocating about them. But for every Van Dyck or Big House failure, there have been several much-larger accomplishments — e.g. the Bowtie Cinema, Proctors, Hampton Inn, MVP garage, Villa Italia, facade improvements, etc.

The guy deserves more time and money to keep the good things coming. If by some remote chance, the state comptroller’s audit that Tedisco and Suhrada want to await the results of did uncover some problems, it wouldn’t justify shutting off the authority’s revenue stream. Whatever happens, Metroplex will still need the money. That’s why restricting the bonding authority to $60 million makes no sense.

Tedisco should follow the lead of Sen. Hugh Farley and sponsor a bill on behalf of Metroplex in accordance with the county Legislature’s wishes. Let’s keep the politics out of this.