The Republican primaries are over in the town of Milton, so the time has come for the sole Democratic candidate for a town council seat to emerge.
On Saturday, the party that has been quietly gaining momentum since its resurgence after a decade of virtual inactivity, the Milton Democrats, held a garage sale to help raise money for candidate Meg Stevens.
There was a steady stream of shoppers, many dropping an extra few dollars into a donation jar. Stevens said she anticipated raising about $1,000 by day’s end.
It’s all going into the campaign fund so I can get my signs out next week, said Stevens.
Admitting much of the cost will come from her own pocket, Stevens said she plans to put up about 250 campaign signs along Milton roadways.
Signs are already out promoting incumbent Republicans Joe Miranda and Allison Saul, one of whom Stevens hopes to edge out in November for one of the two open seats.
Democratic Party chair Ellie Dillon worked the garage sale, offering shoppers deals on antique glassware, candles, pillows and books.
`This party is going strong, and we’re maintaining our goal of addressing environmental and social needs in town,` said Dillon. `Having just one Democrat on the board will crack the ceiling; it will let people know there’s a choice to the way things have been done for years.`
Dillon said the Democratic Party is about 40 people strong and growing.
Stevens is a longtime volunteer in the village of Ballston Spa. Among other positions, she is past president of the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association; past chairwoman of the Ballston Spa Education Foundation; current president of the Ballston Area Community Center board; and member of the Ballston Spa Bicentennial Committee.
On brochures passed out Saturday, Stevens lists her priorities as re-evaluating the town’s master plan, making meeting information more readily accessible, reviewing town taxes, and keeping a balance between business and residential growth.
`People have shown me a great deal of support,` said Stevens. `They realize I don’t stir up any scandals, and as I go door-to-door, there’s been no negative feedback. My community involvement is my strength.`
Stevens also plans to apply for grant funding from the Eleanor Roosevelt Foundation, a national foundation that supports women in leadership roles.“
