SCHODACK - A Rensselaer County legislator was shot to death by his son, who then killed himself with a shot to the head, according to police.

Legislator Edward R. Swartz, 50, and his son, Edward N. Swartz, 24, were in a heated argument before the murder-suicide on the family farm, Schodack Police Chief Bernhard Peter said. The bodies were found shortly before 10 a.m. Saturday by the legislator's wife, Olga, and another relative, who called police.

Peter said he didn't know the nature of the dispute and there was no history of domestic problems in the family, which also includes two daughters.

Swartz was elected legislator in 2001, succeeding his father, also named Edward, who died that year. Fellow legislators said he was known for his focus on agricultural and environmental issues.

Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino said Swartz was very dedicated to his constituents and concerned that taxpayer money was spent efficiently.