Bethlehem Supervisor Sam Messina announced today he will seek a second term.
It’s a significantly earlier declaration than when Messina announced his intent to run in late April of 2009, after the Democratic party didn’t endorse him for another term as a councilman.
Now, Messina said he’s comfortable announcing at this early date because he’s proud of what’s been accomplished in his first 13 months in office, and also because he’s cognizant of the need for more time to fulfill his agenda.
I’m in the job now, I think I have a good sense about what needs to be done, he said. `I like what we’re doing, I think we’re making good strides and headway on important issues.`
In a letter the supervisor said he would circulate this evening, he identifies development of the Vista Technology Park, improving the town’s infrastructure and advancing the town’s 20/20 plan as top priorities in a second term.
Messina said he would seek endorsements from all political parties, including the Republican and Democratic parties. A member of the Independence Party, Messina appeared on the Republican and Conservative lines in 2009. Parties generally announce their candidates in April or May.
Messina and then-Supervisor Jack Cunningham battled over the Working Families Party line in the last election, taking legal challenges over the primary nearly up to the general election date. The election was a close win for Messina, with the result coming only after a tally of absentee ballots.
Cunningham has since taken up the job of commissioner of the Colonie Department of Public Works.“
