Craig Hayner, a councilman in the Town of Halfmoon since 2007, announced his candidacy for New York State Assembly 109th District on Tuesday, March 16, at his fifth generation family-owned country store. He is looking to fill the seat currently held by Bob Reilly D-Colonie. Hayner said he’s running because of what’s become of New York State government.
New York’s burden on our families and its dysfunctional governance has reached the point of fiscal and ethical crisis, said Hayner in a release. `As a father of four, lifelong local resident and small business operator, I can see the effects from New York’s out of control spending on jobs, families and people in our community every day. I am honored to have won the support of so many for this campaign and I look forward to bringing responsible solutions to the State Assembly that value our way of life over the irresponsible self-interested ways of Albany.`
Hayner was joined by his wife, parents and supporters as he announced his candidacy. Halfmoon Town Supervisor Mindy Wormuth and fellow council members Regina Parker and Walt Polak came out in support and the Halfmoon Republican Committee unanimously endorsed his nomination on Tuesday, March 9, according to information from Hayner’s campaign.
Hayner said various delays in state government will eventually discourage families and children to remain in the area, something he’d like to change.
`The ethical and financial decay in New York’s government are adding more burdens on families in these challenging times,` said Hayner. `We cannot expect future jobs to keep our children and grand children here if we continue to elect representatives who follow the destructive path of self-interested career politicians from New York City. It is time we had common sense solutions reflecting the views of Colonie, Clifton Park and Halfmoon challenging the corrupted system in Albany where a handful of downstate politicians are left to call all the shots.`
Hayner, 42, graduated from the Shenendehowa School District, Hudson Valley Community College and Hartwick College in Oneonta. He has owned a local small business for 12 years and worked in sales and marketing for some major food corporations, said information from his campaign. He also serves on Halfmoon’s Open Space and Ethics committees and volunteers his time to coach the Miss Shen Softball and Clifton Park Baseball Leagues.
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