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.