Thursday, August 27, 2009

McGrath endorsed by labor council

LANSINGBURGH – A local candidate for City Council has received the endorsement of an area labor union.

Kevin McGrath, a Democrat who is seeking to represent District 1, was recently endorsed by the Troy Area Labor Council, an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.

McGrath said that to be recognized by an organization committed to improving the lives of working men and women was very rewarding.

“With more and more individuals and families living on limited and declining incomes, I think it is imperative for city government to work harder to make our community affordable, safer and a place where residents feel they and their loved ones have a future,” said McGrath.

Michael Keenan, president of the labor council, said that his union supported McGrath’s community involvement and the fact that he knew more has to be done to help hard working people in the city.

“We think Kevin’s plans to address the many problems that plague Lansingburgh are right on the mark,” said Keenan. “He has a vision, and he knows how to get things done. Without a doubt, Kevin has the ability to make Troy’s city government more effective for Lansingburgh’s residents.”

Additionally, McGrath pledged to revitalize area neighborhoods so that they are safe for families, the elderly, and local businesses. He also called for a stronger police presence, aggressive enforcement of the city’s housing code to crackdown on absentee landlords, and greater public investment in area businesses.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Brown receives additional labor endorsements

TROY - An incumbent City Councilman has been endorsed by two local labor unions as part of his bid for re-election.
Councilman John Brown, D-At Large, received the endorsements of the Troy Area Labor Council, which represents 10,000 households in Rensselaer County, and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1321, which represents nearly 800 union members of the Capital District Transportation Authority.
“To have such valuable organizations like TALC and the ATU recognize the work I have done for the people of Troy it is very gratifying," said Brown. "There is more to be done and I am anxious to continue the progress we have made as a city.”
Mike Keenan, president of TALC, said that Brown was unanimously endorsed by the union's executive board.
"John is one of the leaders in city government and he has shown his ability to work across party lines but also his willingness to take on the tough issues as well," said Keenan. "Having John on the City Council is very important for working families in Troy and we are confident the voters across feel the same way.”
Steve Green, president of the ATU said that Brown had shown a commitment to strengthening workplace safety, health enforcement, and creating a better workplace environment for the working people of the city.
“I have fought hard for lower taxes, cleaner, safer streets, and an open and responsive government," said Brown. "I hope I am fortunate enough to continue to serve the people of Troy for two more years and make sure City Hall is working for the taxpayers of this great city.”
Additionally, Brown was previously endorsed by the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2, as well as the Greater Capital Region Building Trades Council.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

North Greenbush Dems set caucus

NORTH GREENBUSH – The town’s Democratic committee has set Aug. 27 as the date of their caucus to determine the party’s candidates for November.
All registered Democrats can vote at the Elks Lodge at 134 North Greenbush Road beginning at 7 p.m.
Voters will select candidates for supervisor, clerk, highway superintendent, two council seats and two town justices to obtain the Democratic line for the Nov. 3 election.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Galuski seeks re-election


TROY - An incumbent City Councilman will seek re-election this fall in an effort to help continue the city's revitalization.
Councilman Gary Galuski, D-District 6, a life-long Trojan, said that he was seeking re-election to continue to bring about the change necessary to revitalize Troy and provide the leadership and direction to secure the city's future.
Galuski, who noted his strong business background and history of community involvement, said he had fulfilled his pledge to district constituents by continuing to be a presence in all of the local neighborhoods while being visible, accessible, open, and responsive to their needs and concerns.
"As District 6 councilman, I remain committed to fighting for the interests of our East Side and South Troy neighborhoods to ensure their fair share of resources, funding and project inclusion needed to preserve neighborhood character, maintain property values, assure safety and security, and receive delivery of city services," said Galuski.
Galuski has been actively involved with and promoted participation in a number of area neighborhood groups and has served as their liaison with community police officers, Code Enforcement, Public Works, and a number of other city bureaus.
He believed his experience in government as a former city department supervisor and his people skills had helped forge a strong working relationship with city bureaucracy that was necessary to resolve constituent issues and protect the interests of the district.
Galuski also noted his belief that the lives of city families and the security of their property are of the highest concern to all city residents.
"I believe that the brave personnel that serve Troy are our greatest asset," said Galuski.
"Maintaining appropriate staffing and providing the tools, education and resources to continue the proud history and reputation of our police and fire departments are fundamental to those basic safety and security concerns," he continued. "Public safety will remain as the primary issue in my campaign to continue to represent District 6 on Troy's City Council."

Walsh deemed qualified

TROY - Beth Walsh, a candidate for Rensselaer County Family Court Judge, was recently deemed "qualified" by the Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commission.
The 15-member commission rates judicial candidates in the Third Judicial District as either "qualified" or "unqualified" to sit as a judge.
“It’s an honor to be rated ‘qualified’ by this respected nonpartisan panel," said Walsh. "The commission’s work helps voters determine whether judicial candidates have the ability to effectively serve on the bench, and I’m pleased that my close to two decades of work in Family Court met their high standards.”
The commission examines candidates for a series of qualifications, including their professional ability, integrity, courtroom management, reputation for fairness and temperament. The panel also is known to interview attorneys and supervising judges about a candidate’s views and work performance.
“To have my Family Court experience examined and deemed worthy of the commission’s highest rating is very satisfying,” said Walsh, whose name will be on the ballot in next month’s Democratic and Work Families Party primaries.

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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Martiniano for Council

LANSINGBURGH – A longtime local resident is looking to challenge a two-term incumbent for a seat on the City Council.

Robert Martiniano, a Democrat and 20-year resident of Lansingburgh, announced his candidacy for District 2, which is currently represented by Republican Mark McGrath.

“There are a number of issues facing the voters of Troy in general, and the voters of District 2 specifically,” said Martiniano. “We need to streamline government and make it more efficient, including eliminating health benefits to part-time employees, including city council members; reducing the size of government, except where public safety is concerned; and working with Rensselaer County and other local governments to consolidate services.”

Martiniano criticized the city’s prospective move of City Hall and said that taxpayer dollars needed to be spent more wisely.

“The deal to move Troy city government to the Verizon Building is bad for the taxpayers, especially considering that two branches of the Troy Public Library were closed due to lack of funding, including one in Lansingburgh,” said Martiniano, who noted that despite seven months of taxes and rent, city government has not spent one day in the building.

Martiniano also said that he would not support any tax increase, that city leaders must be held accountable for their actions and words, and that council members should be accessible to ever voter in the district.

“Every two years, we hear promises from individuals running for office that never come to realization, including redeveloping the Haskell School, the submarine museum, and the Lansingburgh Village plan. We need to keep our promises,” said Martiniano. “My phone number is listed under my name in the phone book, so there is no doubt that I can be reached by everyone in the district - those who know me and those who don’t - and I will work for everyone in the district every day.”

Martiniano has also been endorsed by the Working Families Party.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

North Greenbush Dems pick a slate

NORTH GREENBUSH — The town’s Democratic committee has announced the candidates it is endorsing for November’s election, though all town Democrats will have the final say in a caucus vote later this month.
Committee members chose Josephine Ashworth for supervisor. She is a former adjunct professor at numerous universities and most recently a co-founder and partner at the Center for Organizational Energy, a business seminar organization. She will face incumbent Mark Evers, who is endorsed by the Republicans.
Democrats picked former Councilman and Supervisor Richard Fennelly and former Town Clerk Patricia Noel for the two open council seats, currently held by Alan Michaels, who is not running again, and Ernest Kern, who is not endorsed by either major party. Republicans are putting up Kelly Hoffman and Joe Bott for those seats.
Incumbent Highway Supervisor Mark Premo received the Democratic nod and appears to be running unopposed in November. Janice Liberty, a former deputy clerk in town court and secretary in Troy City Court, was chosen for town clerk. Democrats chose to endorse her over incumbent Kathryn Connolly.
Connolly is a lifelong Democrat who has held her position for 18 years and recently accepted the Republican nomination. Town Democrats have said they would not endorse anyone running on the GOP line for fear of denying voters a choice at the ballot box.
Also on the Democratic list are former town attorney Josh Sabo and longtime incumbent Raymond Elliott III for town justice. Republicans tapped Stephanie Piel, appointed to that judgeship in May, and Kathryn Dell for those positions.
“We are excited to endorse a professional management team for town government that offers experience in both the private and public sector,” said Democratic Chairman Dan Ashley in a statement.

— Dave Canfield