TROY – Rensselaer County Legislator Peter Grimm, a Democrat, released his tax relief plan earlier this month with the hope of easing the high county tax burden on city residents if re-elected.

“The county tax levy has skyrocketed over 100 percent in seven years,” said Grimm. “That’s unacceptable. Taxpayers need relief and my plan offers that.”

Grimm’s plan would use the Republican Legislative majority’s $800,000 “pork” fund to reduce property taxes, roll back the legislative pay raises that were past just after the 2005 election, institute a hiring freeze for the county work force, increase revenues and create jobs with a dedicated fund to boost tourism, and make government more efficient and save taxpayers money by ending “Dark Ages” technology practices.

He also noted that in 2002, the county tax levy was $26.7 million, compared to the current levy of $54.5 million.

“The ‘pork fund’ was originally a small fund established for improvements to the county legislature’s chamber,” said Grimm. “It has now grown into something else that circumvents the approval process and harms taxpayers.”

“The legislative pay raises were enacted just after the election and the electorate was kept in the dark about it prior to the election. That’s wrong and that raise should be rescinded,” he continued.

More information on Grimm can be found at www.petergrimm.org.

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.

TROY – A local businessman is looking to represent the city as a member of the Rensselaer County Legislature.

John Mainello announced Tuesday that he will seek a District 1 seat on the Republican ticket this fall and that he planned to put his decades of experience to work towards revitalizing the city and protecting quality of life.

Mainello filled the vacant ballot spot left by former city councilman Jack Mahoney, a Democrat who originally had planned to run on the Republican ticket but chose to drop out of the race Monday.

“I will use my experience as a businessman to continue revitalizing Troy, stabilizing taxes and encouraging smart, green development in our city. We have a great city and we can make it even better by working together,” said Mainello, who planned to focus on stable taxes, quality economic development, and affordable housing for seniors and veterans. “I love Troy and I always love it when I can help the people and the city. We need to create opportunity for Troy while protecting the special things that make our city great.”

Mainello was introduced to the business community by working with his father, Jerry, at the popular Mainello’s Tavern in Sycaway and later ran a livery service while a member of the Commercial and Industrial Real Estate Brokers, as well as the national and state Association of Realtors. He has since worked on the development of several commercial and residential projects in the county and is currently an associate with Heer Realty in the city.

“My dad taught me the value of hard work and service to the community. I have chosen to invest in Troy because I believe in the city and know we have a brighter future ahead of us,” said Mainello.

Legislative Chairman Neil Kelleher said he was excited to attract someone with Mainello’s experience to seek office in the Legislature.

“John Mainello has helped make Troy a better place and we are delighted to have someone of his experience and talent step forward and be ready to serve the people of Troy in the county Legislature,” said Kelleher. “I am confident John will be an outstanding legislator.”

TROY - City Democratic Chairman Frank LaPosta and fellow committee member Dan Doran, both former city councilmen, announced Friday that they would run for the legislature this fall on the Democratic line.

A press release stated that LaPosta and Doran wanted to roll back a four-year-old $5,000 pay raise for legislators, require public votes for any future pay raises, propose term limits for legislators, and request an in-depth study of county government by a not-for-profit organization such as the Siena Research Institute or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to offer suggestions on how to streamline operations.

However, the fact that the two were not invited to a recent Democratic meeting also seemed to be a motivating factor in their decision to run for election.

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