As campaign season inches closers, those seeking spots in Town of Colonie elected offices are beginning to announce their plans to run.
While neither the Democratic nor the Republican committees have made their endorsements, many incumbent officials plan to try to keep their seats. Three positions on the Town Board will be decided in the November election.
Democrat Linda Murphy, who will finish up her first four-year term this year, plans to run again.
“I think we’ve done some really good things in the four years (I’ve been here) and hopefully we can continue to that. I’d just like to see us stay on the path that we’re on right now,” Murphy said.
This past year was the first time the Town of Colonie has seen a positive fund balance since 2005. Murphy said she’s pleased that the town is starting to “have a little leftover money at the end of the year.”
“Hopefully we can keep on the road that we’re on,” she said.
David Rowley, a Democratic attorney who won last year’s special election to finish the one year left in former Republican board member Dan Dustin’s term, will now be seeking a full four-year term. Rowley said the board has been very busy this year and he wants to continue to help keep the town “fiscally on the right path.”
“I think we’re still looking to cut costs where we can … consolidation of services,” Rowley said.
After his door-to-door campaigning strategy paid off, Rowley said he would most likely do something similar.
“It seemed to work well last year,” Rowley said.
Republican Party Chairman Brian Hogan said the party would get its nominating process underway this coming week.
“We’ve got several candidates who have expressed interest,” Hogan said.
Republican David Green has already announced his candidacy and said he’s learned from his defeat in last year’s special election. Green faced Democrat Brian Haak to fill the three years left in Democrat Nancy Hernandez’s term. Hernandez retired from the board to work in the state Comptroller’s Office.
This year, Green said he wants to discuss issues that include redevelopment of various neglected areas, including the Route 5 corridor along Schenectady, and the aging infrastructure within the town. Having a one-party Town Board, Green said, should concern residents.
“We need to diversify that board to make sure everyone’s represented,” Green said.
Meanwhile, Democrat Daniel Hornick, a teacher in Ballston Spa, said he would not be running for a second term. He said he would officially announce his reasons later this week after he discusses his decision with the Democratic Committee.
Colonie Democratic Committee Chairman Richard Jacobson said while the party is still reviewing candidates, attorney Susan Milstein is hoping to be nominated to fill Hornick’s seat. Milstein currently serves on the Colonie Planning Board.
Democratic Supervisor Paula Mahan will also run for her fourth two-year term. She said during her time as supervisor, there has been significant process made on a 10-year financial plan.
“I am looking forward to new challenges and to serving the people of the Town of Colonie for another term,” Mahan said.
Town Clerk Liz DelTorto said she, too, will be running. DelTorto, a Republican, has secured the two-year position for eight terms and begin her ninth campaign this season.
“I have the best job in America. I love my job,” DelTorto said.
DelTorto said she’d like to see some changes when it comes to the town’s online presence by getting more services on the website.
“We’re moving in that direction and it’s silly that we don’t have that available,” she said.
As of now, DelTorto does not have a Democratic opponent.
“No one has surfaced to run for that,” Jacobson said in regard to the office of town clerk.