Friday, September 30, 2011

Smith accepts debate invitation

PRESS RELEASE:

Charles Smith, candidate for North Greenbush Town Supervisor, has accepted an invitation to attend a debate forum moderated by the Rensselaer County League of Women Voters on October 17th at 7PM at St. Timothy's Church.

Last week, Smith challenged his opponent to a debate, making this invitation an excellent opportunity for each candidate to present themselves and their vision for the town to the voters.

"I am grateful to town voters who went to the polls on Primary Day to ensure voters would have a choice in the race for Supervisor", stated Smith. I look forward to taking this test before the voters and urge my opponent to accept this offer in the spirit of an informed electorate".

Smith also announced that each of the Democratic candidates for town offices will accept the invitation to debate and will be present that evening.

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Desso announces his candidacy in North Greenbush

Incumbent Lou Desso announced he will seek a third term on the North Greenbush Town Board.

"I ran on a promise that reducing the financial burden carried by tax payers would be my number one priority and that I would work hard to ensure budget stability. I believe I have made good on that promise and will continue to do so if re-elected," Desso said.

Some of his accomplishments Desso points to is working in a bi-partisan manner no tax increases for the last fout years, eliminating $400,000 in debt and renegotiating the sales tax formula which is worth some $200,000 more a year for the town.

Desso also worked to revitalize the town’s youth and summer camp programs, staged a series of summer concerts that brings the community together, and worked in a cooperative and non-controversial manner.

"We are proud that we have been able to protect taxpayers, provide and improve needed services and protect the special qualities that make North Greenbush such a great place to live. We have done this by focusing on the needs of the people, not the politicians," Desso said. "That sums up my philosophy in governing. It’s about people, not politics."

Desso and his wife Deb have been proud to call North Greenbush home for three decades.

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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Mantello endorsed by Uniformed Firefighters Association


PRESS RELEASE:


TROY, NYCarmella Mantello, candidate for Mayor of Troy, today received the endorsement of the Troy Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA). Mantello was joined today at press conference surrounded by members of both the UFA and Troy Retired Firefighter Association who had previously endorsed her.

Members from both groups cited her strong background on public safety issues and operations.

“Carmella is clearly the only candidate with the experience to end our City’s bickering and unite us, regardless of politics. She has worked under four different governors of both political parties, she has managed an $80 million budget and supervised 600 employees,” said Eric Wisher, President of the Troy UFA.

“She is the only candidate with a record of not only supporting public safety, but understanding how it works,” he continued.

The Retired Firefighters Association also spoke to having seen Carmella serve the public with a straight forward approach to accomplish positive goals.

Troy Retired Firefighter Association President Phil Quandt said. “We, as Firefighters, have witnessed her work ethic and capabilities on a variety of state and local municipal matters and we have the confidence that she can do great things as Mayor of Troy.”

“Troy needs a Mayor with energy, vision and the ability to make things happen. We believe Carmella is the Trojan to do it,” Quandt concluded.

“I am pleased to have the endorsement from the Uniformed Firefighters Association along with the Troy Retired Firefighter Association. I have always been a strong advocate for public safety and as mayor I will work with all of our City’s public safety agencies to ensure that Troy is a safe place to live and work,” Mantello said.

Mantello, a lifelong resident of Troy, is former Director of the New York State Canal Corporation and Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. She and her husband Paul Laviano are raising their two sons, Paul Jr. and James.

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Mantello endorsed by New York Leage of Conservation Voters

PRESS RELEASE:

TROY, NYCarmella Mantello, candidate for Mayor of Troy, today received the endorsement of the New York League of Conservation Voters. Mantello was joined by NYLCV Capital District Board Member, Larry Schillinger at a press conference in River Front Park this afternoon.

“We are pleased to endorse Carmella Mantello for Mayor of Troy. Her impeccable record as Director of the New York State Canal Corporation and Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway makes her the most experienced and able candidate in the race. Throughout her career she has always been a friend to the environment. Additionally, she knows how to revitalize waterfront communities and we have seen her do so all across the state. She will be a great Mayor for the people of Troy,” Schillinger said.

“I am pleased to have the endorsement of the New York League of Conservation Voters. I am proud of my record as Director of the New York State Canal Corporation and Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. I am please that the NYCLV recognizes my record for what it is. The people of Troy see through the same old politics as usual displayed by that my opponent and they will recognize that my experience is what Troy needs to keep our city moving in the right direction,” Mantello said.

Mantello, a lifelong resident of Troy, is former Director of the New York State Canal Corporation and Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. She and her husband Paul Laviano are raising their two sons, Paul Jr. and James.

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Monday, September 26, 2011

Mantello endorsed by retired firefighters

PRESS RELEASE:

TROY, NYCarmella Mantello, candidate for Mayor of Troy, has received the endorsement of the Troy Retired Firefighters Association. The Association’s members overwhelmingly endorsed Mantello citing her strong background on public safety issues and operations.

“Carmella was instrumental as a lead Troy Councilperson in establishing the Troy Fire Department ambulance operations in 1995 which has been a productive, revenue producing and life saving service for the people of Troy,” Association President Phil Quandt said.

The Retired Firefighters Association also spoke to having seen Carmella serve the public with a straight forward approach to accomplish positive goals.

“We, as Firefighters, have experienced her work ethic and capabilities on a variety of state and local municipal matters and we have the confidence that she can do great things as Mayor of Troy,” Quandt continued.

“Troy needs a Mayor with energy, vision and the ability to make things happen. We believe Carmella is the Trojan to do it,” Quandt concluded.

“I am pleased to have the endorsement from the Troy Retired Firefighters Association. I have always been a strong advocate for public safety and as mayor I will work with all of City’s public safety agencies to ensure that Troy is a safe place to live and work,” Mantello said.

Mantello, a lifelong resident of Troy, is former Director of the New York State Canal Corporation and Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. She and her husband Paul Laviano are raising their two sons, Paul Jr. and James.

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Friday, September 23, 2011

Rosamilia plans to appoint a Parking Commission

Democratic mayoral candidate Lou Rosamilia says he will appoint a Parking Commission to assess parking issues throughout the city and study creative solutions to parking problems identified by commission members and the public.

Potential areas to be explored are all current parking and towing regulations, the use and placement of metered parking, implementation of a residential parking permit program and the creation of a city-wide Parking Authority to address larger volume parking issues.

For example, Rosamilia would explore the possibility of using vacant lots for parking.

"One thing we need to do is hold landlords more accountable for making provisions for adequate off-street parking." Rosamilia said, "One idea shared with me was converting abandoned property into neighborhood parking lots. With proper, tasteful lighting and sufficient screening through greenery, these lots need not be eyesores."

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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Democrats join together to back Mantello

9/21/11 - PRESS RELEASE:

TROY, NY – A group of Democratic voters in the City of Troy have formed a coalition in support of Carmella Mantello for Mayor of Troy. The core group consists of more than a dozen registered democrats.

The early members of the grassroots coalition consist of the following Troy Democrats:

Matt Blaauboer

Donna Clement

Barry Considine

Damien Constantine

Fran Duffy

Leonard Duffy

Wayne Foy

Diana Malkonian

Craig Mantello

John Rehonis

Ronald St. Pierre

Joe Strain

Emilio Thornton

Bob Yasier

Patricia Yasier

Rosann Yaiser


Damian Constantine said, "I am a Democrat, but I always support the best person to represent me, regardless of political party. Carmella brings a fresh perspective and the energy needed to keep Troy moving forward."

Wayne Foy said, "This election is not about party labels. It is about who is best able to lead our City. Carmella has the vision and experience to make Troy an even better place to live.

Barry Considine said, "I have seen the work Carmella did when she was the head of the Canal Corporation. She helped to revitalize a number of communities and their waterfronts. She can do the same for Troy."

Emilio Thornton said, "For me there is only one choice in the race for Mayor. Carmella Mantello has a true passion for Troy, where she was born and raised. I like her ideas and I know that she will work hard to improve the quality of life in all of our neighborhoods."

“Since our campaign began I have worked hard to gain bipartisan support for my run for Mayor. Our message is resonating with all the people of Troy and much like my experience as Director of the Canal Corporation and the Hudson Valley River Greenway, I am building partnerships and working with people regardless of political party. I intend to do the same as Mayor,” Mantello said.

Anyone who wishes to join Democrats for Carmella can stop by the campaign headquarters located at 115 4th Street or call 238-3585.

Mantello, a lifelong resident of Troy, is former Director of the New York State Canal Corporation and Executive Director of the Hudson Valley River Greenway. She and her husband Paul Laviano are raising their two sons, Paul Jr. and James.



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Monday, September 12, 2011

Schodack Republican Committee endorsements

SCHODACK – Schodack Republican Committee chairman Richard Crist announced last week the party’s endorsements for town races, saying in a press release that the candidates will "continue with the fiscally conservative policies that produced an upgrade in the town’s bond rating and protected the town’s quality of life."
Town Supervisor Dennis Dowds, Councilman Frank Curtis, Councilman Mike Kenney, Town Clerk Donna Conlin, Receiver of Taxes Kathy Lubbers and Town Justice Paul Peter, all incumbents, have been endorsed for reelection. All six candidates have also received endorsements from the conservative and independence parties.
Crist said this current GOP group has ushered in the aforementioned Moody’s bond rating upgrade, from A1 to Aa3, as well as stabilized taxes, maintained town services and helped work to keep the Schodack Island State Park open after a planned state closure. If reelected, the leadership will work to expand the town’s tax base through marketing the Exit 12 area and participating with the governor’s Regional Economic Development Council, Crist said.
In addition to endorsements for town races, the Schodack Republicans also announced their support for the reelection of Surrogate Court Judge Chris Hummel and Rensselaer County Sheriff Jack Mahar, as well as the election of Joel Abelove for Rensselaer County District Attorney.

-- Katie Nowak Roberts

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Thursday, September 1, 2011

Rosamilia announces Healthy Neighborhoods Action Plan

Democratic mayoral candidate Lou Rosamilia today said when elected he will implement a comprehensive review of city services and analyze the method, timing and frequency of their delivery, as the next piece of his Healthy Neighborhoods Action Plan.

"It's become increasingly clear in conversations I'm having with residents, that many feel their neighborhood is the forgotten neighborhood in Troy." Rosamilia said. "When I asked why, one theme repeated itself - a lack of basic city services like street sweeping, snow plowing, response to complaints about troublesome or vacant properties and the clean-up of trash in the alleys."

Rosamilia also said he would work to rectify complaints about some areas of the city that see services like trash collection and street cleaning more frequently than others.

"Clearly, there is no reason some areas see the street sweeper daily while others see it once a year," he said. "We need to implement a more equitable and cost effective approach to these basic city services."

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