Eryn P. Foster, 38, a Republican Halfmoon resident, announced that he would challenge state Assemblyman Bob Reilly, D-Latham, for the 109th Assembly district seat in November.
In an official announcement, Monday, Jan. 21, outside Classico Barber Shop on Route 9, Foster said, I want to be the voice for the hard working upstate New Yorker.
He said that he got tired of complaining about New York state politics.
`It’s time for me to stand up and make a difference,` Foster said.
One issue of particular concern to him is ensuring that sexual predators do not have access to children.
He cited a recent example of Christopher Culver, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Tuesday, Jan. 22, after being convicted in November of molesting boys when he was a first grade teacher at Shenendehowa central schools.
Foster said, `He should have gotten 20,` which is the maximum sentence that could have been handed down.
Foster also plans to focus on property taxes in his campaign.
`I want to help the rich, poor and everyone in between,` he said.
Foster has been involved in the community, especially at PTA meetings and sporting events for his three children, ages 10, 8 and 6.
`I’m out there with everybody,` he said.
Foster said he has been talking with people about running since June, and has received nothing, but positive feedback. That positive feedback has kept him going he said.
Reilly was elected to the state Assembly in 2004, and re-elected in 2006.
The 109th Assembly district encompasses the towns of Clifton Park, Halfmoon and Colonie.“