Nearly five months after his wife’s death, Joe Comella, 60, has decided to honor her legacy by seeking the seat she once held on the Albany County Legislature.
The Loudonville Republican announced his candidacy for the 25th Legislative District at Loudon Green Park on Wednesday, June 27.
To me, as it was with Ann, this part-time position demands commitment, interest, and the dedication associated with a full-time job, Comella said. `I believe that the public should be informed in what the Albany County Legislature mandates it does with our tax dollars, and how it ultimately affects us and should be reported fairly without prejudice.`
Ann Comella died at the age of 54 on Feb. 1, three days after crashing her car on Alternate Route 7. State police said at the time that she was legally intoxicated when she drove in the wrong direction on the highway.
Comella said that his wife was the motivation behind his decision to run.
`That’s the motivation,` Comella said. `I played a lot of golf last year; she was the one who was active, she was out there, and I was really known as Ann Comella’s husband. I feel compelled, or driven, by her commitment. This is not an easy job; this is a lot of time, a lot of effort.`
Comella served in the Army and the Army National Guard from 1968 to 1973. He has worked in financial planning in the Capital District since 1996.
He is a former president of the Latham Rotary, and is also a board member for the Challenge Youth Program.
`I appeal to the voters in my district who believe in independent thinking, those who seek fiscal responsibility in government and those who are concerned about the care of our seniors and the welfare of our children,` Comella said. `This election is not about national policy, this election is about how government is run in your own back yard.`
Karen Bronner, whose husband Kevin is on the Colonie town board, is a Comella campaign volunteer.
`We need representation in that Legislature that is going to fight for us and give us our due and I think Joe is the perfect candidate to get that message across,` Bronner said. `We need to work for the people. I think Joe will really represent the little guy out there. He’s going to do what’s best for his neighbors and community.`
Ryan Horstmyer, 24, was appointed by the Democrat-controlled Legislature to fill Ann Comella’s seat following her death, and was endorsed by the Democrats to run against Joe Comella in the election this fall.
`I had to go through a process for the appointment,` Horstmyer said. `I had to prove to people from different perspectives that I was up to this, to be able to represent not just the party, but the people in the district very well.`
`I’m sure he’s going to run a good campaign,` Horstmyer added. `He has his own unique perspective on how to participate, I have mine, and the decision here will be made by voters as to which perspective they want to choose.`
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