TROY – The man recently voted as the Capital Region’s best garbage man by a local news weekly is running for re-election to the Rensselaer County Legislature this fall on his reputation of being "the man who gets things done."

Legislative Majority Leader Bob Mirch, who was given the title by Metroland last week for his work as Troy’s commissioner of public works, his legal battles, and the questions surrounding the shuttering of a controversial art exhibit in 2008, is seeking re-election with hopes to continue serving the city that he loves.

Mirch, who is seeking re-election in District 1, has also earned a reputation for constituent service in his public works position by directing proper responses to snowstorms, floods, fires, and other emergencies, in addition to his work with code enforcement, rehabilitation, and management of abandoned properties.

In his capacity as majority leader, Mirch helped to stabilize property taxes, protect county services for seniors, veterans and youths, and joined other legislators to oppose tax and fee increases approved by the state this year. He also worked to make the Legislature more accountable and accessible to constituents with the monthly broadcast of meetings, maintenance of a legislative Web site and working to keep legislative operating costs down.

Mirch said that he took pride in his ability to respond to the needs of local residents and was seeking re-election to continue to be there for them.

"I love Troy and it has been an honor to serve the residents of Troy. I genuinely enjoy handling calls from residents and making sure the job gets done right," said Mirch, who said that constituent service would continue to be his focus. "Policy and procedure are important, but too many elected officials forget about handling the little things. Being able to help get a street repaired, trash removed or have a code enforcement issue be resolved is just as important to me."

Mirch, who is a lifelong city resident, lives with his wife, Cecile in Lansingburgh and learned about public service from his father, John, a former City Court judge.