First-time candidate Denise McGraw was among the 150 women across the state to receive an endorsement Monday, Sept. 28, from the Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee in her campaign for Niskayuna Town Board.
The endorsement comes with a financial stipend, but McGraw said she was unsure what that amount will be.
McGraw was endorsed by the ERLC as part of the committee’s goal to help build a new generation of women candidates in New York. Since the ERLC’s inception in 2001, by state Democratic Committee Chair Judith Hope, the committee has helped more than 400 women get elected to state and local offices and has helped over 600 women in their campaigns for public office.
I’m glad to have this support, said McGraw of the endorsement of the ERLC. Running as the candidate for the Democrat, Conservative, Independent and Working Family lines, McGraw said she plans on dealing with the issues of sensible and smart economic growth, recreation, and overall improvement of Niskayuna as a whole. The ERLC awarded 150 grants to women across the state, but received more than three times that amount in applicants according to McGraw.
In a statement released by the ERLC, McGraw stated that, `The Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee’s endorsement is very important support to my campaign and demonstrates confidence in my ability to win this seat.`
McGraw said she hopes to keep the hometown feel of Niskayuna while at the same time work to maintain recreation options for the community and work for smart economic development of the area.
`When we look at a property like St. James Square or the Niskayuna Industrial Park, Metroplex and other groups look at Niskayuna to relocate to the town and look at everything we need to offer. I want to keep the hometown charm of Niskayuna,` said McGraw.
Niskayuna Town Board Member Julie McDonnell said the endorsement was `a great honor` for McGraw.
`She is a community activist, and she has served on many boards and committees,` said McDonnell. `She’s a wonderful candidate for town board.`
McDonnell has two more years to her term and is looking to help McGraw in her campaign for office.
`I think that Supervisor Joe Landry has done a great job, and I’m confident the Democratic slate will win,` said McDonnell.
Landry is also seeking reelection this year, and will be sharing the ticket with McDonnell.
`We are very pleased for her being chosen as a recipient for this award. It is a reflection of everything she has done in the community, and she would be a great attribute for the Niskayuna Town Board,` said Landry. `We’re working as a team, and we hope that she is elected in November.`
The ERLC endorsement recipients were honored at the ERLC’s fall luncheon in New York City Monday, Oct. 5, with special guests that include Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.
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