Republican Town Councilman Mark Grimm said he is considering making a bid for the office of supervisor, although he has not made a final decision.
The Guilderland Republican Committee issued a statement calling for applicants to run for open positions in the town, although no representatives have been officially selected.
There’s a desire for change in this town, Grimm said. `There are people urging me to run.`
Town Supervisor Ken Runion said he has not decided yet if he will run for re-election and said he is concentrating on budget items and town business at the moment.
The supervisor did say he has received harassing phone calls, where the callers have made claims that if he runs again he will lose the seat by a landslide. He said he does not intend to let that affect his decision, and he won’t be intimidated.
`I’m going to make my decisions based on what I can do for the town,` Runion said.
He said he expects to make a final decision regarding his candidacy some time in April or May.
Runion and Grimm have been on opposite sides of a number of issues in the past year.
Grimm has accused the Democratic majority of fostering secrecy in town government. Runion said the Republican minority is only interested in attacking people and has not provided useful suggestions to help the town run more smoothly.
Grimm, elected as one of two Republican minority members on the five-member Town Board in November 2007, said he and the rest of the Republican Party are urging anyone interested in a position to contact Chairman Ted Danz.
Danz said, so far, everything the party has done has been through word of mouth. He said with the issuing of the release calling for candidates, he is hoping to create a transparent government.
`We’re committed to open and honest government, and make sure everyone has the opportunity to participate,` said Danz.
He said the Republican Committee is planning to have a full slate of candidates by March.
Open offices include town supervisor, town board member, clerk, receiver of taxes and town justice.
Attempts to contact Democratic Committee Chairman David Bosworth were unsuccessful as of press time.
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