After capturing two Town Board seats from an all-Democrat body in 2007, it turns out both of the Republican councilmen in Guilderland will be calling it quits after a single term.
Councilman Mark Grimm announced last week that he would not be seeking another term on the board, or for any other political office.
Grimm said he would like to focus on his PR business, Mark Grimm Communications, and other projects, including a radio talk show, as well as spend more time with his family.
People don’t understand what it takes to win as a Republican in Albany County, Grimm said. `It’s an enormous undertaking. … When you look at all the things on my plate, I just didn’t see how I could juggle it.`
There had been some speculation that Grimm would be looking at another office, perhaps vying to unseat Democrat Supervisor Ken Runion.
Also leaving the Town Board will be Warren Redlich, the only other Republican on the Town Board. He may leave before his term is out with plans to move south to Florida as soon as his house sells.
Redlich and Grimm have been at odds with Democratic members of the board during their nearly four years in office, especially with Runion.
`It’s a little frustrating because I worked awfully hard to win that seat,` Grimm said. `But I’m doing the right thing, and I think I made a positive difference.`
The Guilderland GOP did not endorse a candidate for supervisor, and endorsed Michele Coons and Peter Hubbard for Town Board. Howard M. Koff received the endorsement for town judge.
The Guilderland Democratic Committee was slated to meet Monday, June 6, to pick candidates.“
Incumbent Republican councilmen will not return to Guilderland board