TROY – At-Large Republican candidate Keith Rogers had been endorsed by the Sheriff's Employees Association of Rensselaer County in bid for election to the City Council.

“Our union believes that Keith Rogers is the best candidate to enact real change in Troy and will fight to ensure public safety concerns in Troy are addressed,” said SEARCO president Mark Piche. “As a lifelong Troy resident, Keith Rogers’ experience and qualifications in Troy City government and the private sector sets him apart in this election. Our members are excited to support Keith Rogers in this election and we urge the people of Troy to do the same.”

Rogers said that public safety would be a top priority for him on the council just as it was when served the legislative body in 2000 and worked hard to bring the South Troy police substation and Nuisance Abatement Law to help improve city neighborhoods.

“I am honored to have the support of the Sheriff's Employees Association of Rensselaer County and thank them for their confidence in my abilities to help make Troy a cleaner and safer place to live,” said Rogers.

TROY – The city’s police and fire unions have released their endorsements for City Council candidates in the upcoming general election.

The Police Benevolent Association and the Troy Uniformed Firefighters Association have endorsed Democrats across the board with the exception of Republican Mark McGrath to represent District 2.

The remaining endorsements include Clement Campana, John Brown, and Michael LoPorto for the At-Large seats, Kevin McGrath in District 1, Richard Hoffmeister in District 3, Bill Dunne in District 4, Ken Zalewski in District 5, and Gary Galuski in District 6.

“We really looked at each candidate and each district individually and asked ‘who is committed to public safety and who is going to support smart policies that will help protect the people of the city,’” said PBA president Bob Fitzgerald. “Based on that, we made our choices accordingly.”

Dave Paul, president of the UFA, agreed with Fitzgerald.

“With limited resources in the city and a growing need for fire, ambulance, and police services, we are looking for council members who will work with us and come up with ways to provide the necessary public safety, but not continue to pass it on to the city taxpayer,” said Paul.

Fitzgerald noted that if the city doesn’t have clean, safe streets, it cannot have businesses open or people living downtown.

“We need a strong, working City Council to help the Police Department and the Fire Department do their jobs and we hope people are informed when they go into the voting booth,” said Fitzgerald.

TROY - Councilman Gary Galuski, D-District 6, has received the endorsement of the Police Benevolent Association in his bid for re-election.

Bob Fitzgerald, president of the PBA, said that the union supported Galuski's efforts in actively fighting for public safety through his involvement in all of the district's neighborhood groups.

"PBA members are on the streets in Troy neighborhoods fighting hard to protect the lives of families and to assure the security of their property," said Fitzerald. "We recognize those Councilmen who are out there working just as hard."

Galuski said he was proud to be supported by "Troy's finest."

“I truly appreciate the recognition of my efforts to promote public safety by those brave men and women who diligently patrol Troy’s neighborhoods," said Galuski. “Promoting and supporting community involvement in Neighborhood Groups and serving as their liason to Community Police recently paid immediate dividends in re-opening the South Troy Police Substation and keeping it adequately staffed and effectively deployed.”

Galuski said that ensuring the safety of local families and the security of their properties has been and will continue to be his top priority as the District 6 councilman.

“Those public safety goals can be better achieved by collaborative efforts between our citizens and their Community Police, with the involved assistance of effective legislative leadership like City Councilman Gary Galuski," said Fitzgerald.

TROY – A “Restore Troy” plan proposed by Councilman John Brown, D-At Large, is currently awaiting action by the state Legislature.

Brown, who is seeking re-election in November, first announced the plan two years ago with hopes to place a moratorium on increasing residential units in homes and to create incentives for converting multi-unit residential buildings into single-family or two-family owner occupied homes through tax abatement.

The council passed the moratorium in early 2008 and Brown is now hoping the Legislature will approve the state incentives.

“The goal is to make Troy an attractive place for families and to try to keep our neighborhoods clean and safe. This plan will help people make the investment in Troy and make for stronger neighborhoods,” said Brown.

The proposed bills before the Legislature would allow the city to adopt a local law to freeze the assess value of a home and allow the city assessor’s office to gradually increase the property assessment over eight years.

Similar legislation adopted by the council in 2005 limited eligibility to improved properties that were one or two family residences, eliminating the opportunity for owners interested in restoring homes that were broken into multiple units from taking advantage of the incentive.

“I think this legislation will be extremely helpful to homeowner’s as the council begins down-zoning in North Troy and across the rest of the city.” said Brown, who thanked Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari, D-Cohoes, and Sen. Roy McDonald, R-Saratoga, for introducing the bills at the state level.

“When I ran for office two years ago I pledged to work with state leaders to do what’s necessary to get things done for our city. I want to continue to do that.”

TROY – Incumbent At-Large City Councilman John Brown has been endorsed by one of the area’s largest unions in his bid for re-election.

Brown, a Democrat, was recently endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 294, which represents approximately 3,500 households across the region.

“The campaign is picking up a great deal of momentum and we are very happy to have broad, energized support,” said Brown. “Having such a large and influential union like the Teamsters is going to help the campaign to finish strong in November.”

John Bulgaro, president of the IBT, said that Brown was exactly the type of leader that is needed in government today.

“With John Brown working on their behalf the people of Troy should look forward to great things,” said Bulgaro.

“Working families in Troy are struggling in a difficult economy so I will continue to fight for keeping taxes low and push for the city to do more with less,” said Brown. “We need dedicated individuals who will put the interest of residents first and I hope to continue to do that for two more years.”

Brown has also received support from the Bricklayers and Allied Craft-workers Local 2, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1321, the Greater Capital Region Building Trades Council, and the Troy Area Labor Council.

TROY – A Democratic candidate for City Council was able to secure two minor party lines for the upcoming election during last week’s primary.

Kevin McGrath, who is looking to represent District 1 on the council this fall, will now appear on the Democratic, Conservative, and Working Families Party lines in the general election on Nov. 3.

McGrath secured significant voter support from the minor parties, winning the WFP’s primary race with 80-percent of the vote and the Conservative primary by 67-percent, according to a news release from members of his election campaign.

McGrath is currently tied with Republican candidate Jim Gordon for the Independence Party line after entering the primary with a write-in ballot on Sept. 15., according to the most recent counts by the Rensselaer County Board of Elections.

“I’m very excited by the outstanding support and enthusiasm my city council campaign received in Tuesday’s primary. The voters who came out for these races clearly share my concerns and hopes for the future of Lansingburgh,” said McGrath. “I’m very grateful for their confidence in me and my ability to ensure our community’s voice will be heard by city government. I look forward to their support in November’s election.”

McGrath’s campaign has also received the support of many community groups, local officials and professional organization, including the Troy Police Benevolent Association and the Troy Area Labor Council.

A lifetime Lansingburgh resident, McGrath, pledges to revitalize the community’s neighborhoods so that they are safe for families, the elderly and businesses. He is also calling for a stronger police presence to strengthen the city’s battle against crime, aggressive enforcement of the city’s housing code to crackdown on absentee landlords and greater public investment in north Troy businesses.

TROY – Former school board president Jason Schofield is seeking a seat on the City Council this fall.

Schofield, a Republican, hopes to represent District 6 in November and said he will use his experience working cooperatively in public service to keep Troy’s rebirth on track by focusing on quality of life issues.

Scofield was re-elected to the Enlarged City School District of Troy’s Board of Education in May after leading the body as president for the past two years.

"As a member of the Board of Education, I worked to create responsible budgets but also made tough decisions that addressed the financial realities," said Schofield. "Those experiences fighting for the school district’s taxpayers will serve the constituents of the sixth district well when I’m elected their City Councilperson."

Schofield, who is also endorsed by the Independence and Conservative parties, said that while serving as school board president he helped to structure five budgets in a row which were adopted by school district voters and had been a vocal opponent of a restructuring plan of the previous district administration which cost roughly $1 million. He also believed that plan led the district to make difficult choices and ultimately to the defeat of the most recently proposed budget.

"Schools are just one factor of what makes a great community. In the larger picture people move to an area because it’s safe, it has great schools, and the people care about their neighborhood," said Schofield. "Working with the council majority to address quality of life issues and others – like property tax relief – I believe we can move Troy forward together."

Schofield also serves as president of the Emerald Athletic Club, a member of the C.R.A.B. and Polish-American clubs, a parishioner of St. Anthony’s Shrine Catholic Church and has worked as the treasurer for the city’s Flag Day Parade Committee for the past 10 years.

TROY – An incumbent candidate for City Council has received the support of local builders.

Councilman John Brown, D-At Large, who is seeking re-election this fall, was recently endorsed by the Greater Capital Region Building Trades Council and the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union Local 2.

“I am truly honored to have the support of the men and women of organized labor as I seek re-election this year,” said Brown. “They are the backbone of our economy and our communities.”

Bob Mantello, president of the Bricklayers and Building Trades council, which represents more than 12,000 unionized construction families, said that Brown has shown he is willing to fight for working men and women and good government at the same time.

“His support of the Police and Fire Department staffing levels in Troy, as well as for additional code enforcement officers in the city, prove John Brown is a friend to organized labor and a hard worker for his constituents,” said Mantello.

Brown added that he has continued to work for open and responsive government that works for the taxpayers of the city.

“Since I took office, I have attended many, many neighborhood group meetings, I have issued a bi-annual newsletter to keep residents informed, and this (Democratic) council majority lengthened the public comment portion of council meetings,” said Brown. “I hope I am fortunate enough to continue to serve the people of Troy for two more years.”

TROY – A Sycaway resident is hoping to preserve the integrity of city neighborhoods as a member of the City Council.

Dean Bondar, who has served on the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals for the past two years, is looking to represent District 3 as a member of the legislative body this fall.

“Troy’s neighborhoods have seen much progress in recent years. As a longtime resident of the city, it’s great to be a part of its revitalization,” said Bodnar, who noted that was a strong proponent of a “down-zoning” initiative to preserve residential neighborhoods. “There is always more work to be done. As a member of the City Council, I promise to continue the advances our city is already experiencing.”

Bodnar said his extensive history of participation in community activities, including work with the Our Lady of Victory parish council, serving as president of the school board there, and working as a volunteer with the Rensselaer County STOP DWI program, was one of the reasons he was qualified for the job.

He also noted his excitement about the Republicans’ chance to recapture the City Council majority and said their platform of financial integrity and accountability combined with continued economic development would address the concerns of city residents.

However, Bodnar pointed out that as a member of the City Council, he would also be part of a team restoring the legislative body to a productive governing partner rather than a partisan sparring opponent.

“Trojans are tired of having petty political infighting keep this city from realizing its potential,” said Bodnar. “I look forward to making the case why I am the best person to end the gridlock and keep Troy on the right track.”

TROY – An At-Large city councilman will be seeking re-election this fall with hopes to continue working towards improving all areas of the city.

Hank Bauer, a two-term Republican incumbent, said he will seek the office again this year because he believes that being a member of the City Council is both an honor and a privilege.

“You are a member of a team and that team has nine members. It’s not about being a Democrat or being a Republican,” said Bauer. “The good people of Troy deserve high quality essential services and stable taxes.”

Bauer noted how many local neighborhoods had seen improvements over the past four years thanks to cooperation between the city and area residents.

“Residents, who have fought for years for a better place to live, are being joined by neighbors in achieving that goal for the first time,” said Bauer. “Together a difference is being made.”

He also explained that it was imperative for the law to work for the people and that, with their help in recent years, the city has improved its crime fighting and crime prevention.

“The council has worked hard with Mayor Tutunjian to reduce the size of city government, streamline expenses, balance budgets without tax increases, and make investments to city infrastructure, while providing quality services,” said Bauer.

Additionally, Bauer said that he was pleased to be joined on the Republican ticket this fall by fellow At-Large candidates Steve Miner and registered Democrat Keith Rogers.

“Being a member of the Troy City Council is not about being a member of the majority or minority,” said Bauer. “It is about working as a team, working with the mayor, and ultimately serving the residents of Troy.”

TROY – The city’s Democratic Committee formally announced their list of candidates for City Council Wednesday which included five incumbents and four political newcomers.

City Democratic Chairman Frank LaPosta said that candidates for the legislative body this November will include incumbents Clement Campana and John Brown along with local restaurant owner Michael LoPorto for the council’s At-Large seats.

Candidates for the city districts are as follows: District 1: Kevin McGrath, District 2: Robert Martiniano, District 3: Richard Hoffmeister, District 4: Bill Dunne, District 5: Ken Zalewski, District 6: Gary Gaulski.

Dunne, Zalewski and Galuski are incumbents.

“It’s a good slate of candidates that are extremely competent and interested in moving the city forward,” said LaPosta.

While Republicans have not yet announced their full slate of candidates for the council, Steve Miner, Keith Rogers, and incumbent Henry Bauer have been announced as At-Large candidates, along with Jim Gordon as a candidate to represent District 1 in Lansingburgh.

TROY — City Council President Clem Campana and At-Large Councilman John Brown announced their intentions to run for re-election Friday.

Campana will be seeking a third term and Brown will be seeking his second. The positions have two-year terms.

“It’s hard to believe that two years have gone by since the last election, but my family and friends are geared up to get our message out again” said Campana.

“Clem and I walked every street in Troy together two years ago, and that hard work paid off. The voters responded and we have carried their message as we have governed.” Brown said.

Read more about it on The Record's Web Site.

TROY - Lansingburgh resident and community advocate, Jim Gordon will be announcing his candidacy for the soon-to-be-vacant District 1 seat on the City Council Thursday morning. He is expected to face off against Democratic candidate Kevin McGrath for the seat in November.

From a press release on the announcement:
"An organizer of the North Lansingburgh Neighborhood Watch and chairman of the Uncle Sam Parade Committee, Jim’s primary interest in seeking this position is to help keep Lansingburgh a family‐friendly place to live, work, and play. He aims to achieve this by strengthening the
many positive aspects of the community, while identifying the root causes for quality of life issues and eradicating them. He expects to work collaboratively with people of diverse opinions and ideas to forge consensus on the difficult and debatable issues that will face the city. Jim looks upon this office as an opportunity to continue his commitment to community service.

Jim is a life‐long resident of Troy and with his wife, Melissa, owns a home in Lansingburgh. Jim received a degree in Business Management from Delhi College. Now 29 years old, Jim works for Schrader and Company,Inc., a residential remodeling and cabinetmaking firm, as Director of the Business and Public divisions. Just as Jim continues to contribute to his community, he does so for the industry in‐which he earns his living. Jim has served on several board‐of‐directors for local business and trade associations. Jim has over 10 years experience working for small‐businesses in the residential and commercial construction industry. As a proven leader, Jim’s experience and his unwavering approach will prove to be vital in the coming years in Lansingburgh.

Understanding how to successfully identify and leverage future investment in residential and commercial economical development, within today’s 'new' economy, will be vital to the continued stability of Lansingburgh and the city of Troy."

TROY — Former City Councilman Keith Rogers, who announced his candidacy for an At-Large position in February, said Wednesday that the number of council members should be reduced from nine to five.A similar proposal to reduce the council was proposed by Mayor Harry Tutunjian’s City Charter review commission last fall, however, the proposal at that time was to reduce the council to seven members by eliminating two At-Large positions and having individuals run directly for council president.Rogers suggested that the city’s six districts could be combined into three areas with two At-Large representatives to save nearly $80,000 per year between salaries and benefits.Council President Clement Campana, D-At Large, said that he believed city taxpayers needed as much representation as possible and that residents were satisfied with the current setup of the council considering the defeat of the mayor's charter proposal at the polls in November.Rogers also believed that the city’s spending per capita was larger than other comparable municipalities, which he felt was one of the biggest issues which needed to be addressed.“We need to take a hard look at where we are headed and streamlining city government and more specifically reducing the size of the City Council, would be a great start,” said Rogers. “Leadership needs to start at the top and I look forward to discussing these important issues directly with the people of Troy during this campaign and hearing what they feel about this approach.”The entire council is up for re-election this November.