After 204 interviews spread over the course of three days last week, Albany County Conservative Chairman Richard Stack announced the Conservative Party’s endorsements Thursday, May 14.
In Colonie, the party chose to endorse Republican Michael Hoblock for supervisor. Stack said the party chose Hoblock, ased on his leadership and his distinct ability to reach accross the aisle, said Stack, who also said they chose Hoblock based on his previous experiences as Albany County Executive.
For the three Town Board seats open for election, the party endorsed Republicans Susan deVoe, Peter Crouse and Daniel Dustin.
In Bethlehem, the party endorsed town councilman Sam Messina for supervisor. `We felt his independence and his ability to speak out for the common person far exceeded the incumbent, Jack Cunningham,` said Stack, who described Messina as `a diamond in the rough.`
The party also endorsed Bethlehem Independence Party Chairman Mark Jordan for Bethlehem Town Board.
In Guilderland, the party endorsed incumbent Democrat Ken Runion for supervisor and Democrats Pat Slavick and Paul Pastore for Town Board.
Stack said the party did interview Matt Nelligan, a former Guilderland High School teacher, for the position, and that while they, `found him to be a nice gentleman,` the party chose the incumbents based on their previous experience.
In New Scotland, Stack said the party endorsed incumbent Democrat Tom Dolin as supervisor and Republicans Chuck Voss and Doug LaGrange for Town Board.
For the Albany County Sheriff’s position, the party endorsed incumbent Democrat James Cambell and for Albany County Clerk the party endorsed incumbent Thomas Clingan. As for the Albany County Coroner’s position, the party endorsed Deb Bush, a Knox resident who currently works at Albany Medical Center.
Stack said Bush’s qualifications were `outstanding` and, if elected, she would be the first female Albany County Coroner in the history of the county.
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