The Albany County Independence Party is breaking with tradition and electing to endorse one of its own members rather than Democrat and incumbent Paula Mahan for the office of Colonie supervisor.
Colonie Independence Party Committee Chairman Ken Champagne has secured the party’s endorsement, and Independence voters will choose between him and Mahan in a September primary. Albany County Independence Party Chairman Paul Caputo said a Wilson Pakula has been granted to allow Mahan to primary on that line.
“This is an exciting thing for this primary with two people who are passionate about Colonie,” Caputo said.
Mahan is running for her fourth two-year term as supervisor, and was endorsed by the Independence Party in all her prior runs. This is the second time Champagne’s name will be on the ballot for this position. His first time, he ran against former supervisor Mary Brizzell.
“Ken’s a great guy,” Caputo said. “He’s been a member of my executive committee since 1996. (He’s) passionate about Colonie and his issues. I’ve known him for many years.”
Champagne, who works in real estate, said the chief plank in his platform will be a ward system for the Town Board, in which each member would be elected to represent a geographic district.
He added another idea that needs “strict attention” is a fourth justice in Colonie Town Court.
“Our court system is overwhelmed. We have the highest volume court system in the Capital District. The three judges are continuously overwhelmed,” Champagne said.
Champagne said the judges have “begged for years” to have an additional judge but Mahan “will not do anything about it.”
“We’re way beyond the time when we need an additional judge to handle the traffic. I’ll be getting into that more as we go along,” Champagne said.
Champagne argued he has more management experience than Mahan, too.
“I’ve worked in this town trying to bring about change since 1992. I’ve spoken up at many board meetings over years in support of employees. I’ve stood up to Mary Brizzell when they were doing unconstitutional things,” Champagne said. “I’ve been very active in the town over the years.”
Mahan said she has no concerns about the primary race and while campaigning, she said she’s received positive feedback from the public.
“I’m very confident that the people appreciate the jobs that I’m doing and my administration. We’ve had amazing accomplishments with paying off the deficit, stabilizing the town financially,” Mahan said.
Mahan said when it comes to Champagne, she’s not going to “focus on him,” but rather, her job.
“I know Ken Champagne, he’s done this in the past, threatening primaries. I’m focused on doing my job, that’s my first obligation,” Mahan said. “He has the right to put his name out there. But my focus is on my job and the people.”
Beside his previous run for office, Champagne has been involved in past supervisor races. In 2009, allegations were made by Republican supervisor candidate Mike Hoblock saying Champagne had offered the Independence Party’s support in exchange for a position within the town.
At the time, Champagne told The Spotlight, “What I told Hoblock was that I may be getting considered for a position with the town, and if that happens, of course it may affect my decision.”
At the time, Hoblock called it a “dirty deal” while Champagne said there had been no wrongdoing. He maintains that position today, and declined to comment further.
Mahan, Champagne or both candidates will face Republican Todd Drake in the November general election.