The Village of Colonie has its first new trustee in more than a decade as 1,242 votes were cast in the Tuesday, March 18, election. Three candidates ran for two seats on the board of trustees, with incumbent Tom Tobin and newcomer Patty Lockhart ultimately securing the seats.
Betty Film, who served on the village board since 1979, decided not to seek reelection this year, leaving one of the two seats up for grabs. Tobin, a member of Your Village Party, has held his position on the board since 1998.
“We’re very happy. I think there was a 19 percent turnout, which is very large. We felt the residents wanted an independent party and didn’t want an outside party. The vote showed that,” said Tobin. “We worked very hard, getting petitions in cold weather, and we have a lot of support in the community. We’re looking to go forward.”
Lockhart, an Albany County legislator, also ran as a member of Your Village Party.
“I think it’s outstanding. I’m very excited. I love the village and the turnout. I think they sent a message they want the village to stay the village and don’t want the big-time politics,” said Lockhart.
Lawrence Warner, a 20-year veteran of the Albany County Sheriff’s Department, ran on the Conservative and Village of Colonie Citizens Party line.
“I had good intentions coming in and valid points with Central Avenue and the issues we’re having with these hotels. For one person running against the village party, I thought I did well with just shy of 400 votes,” said Warner. “I’m excited Patty Lockhart is in. I wish Tobin luck. I hope someone will take an issue with what I put out there.”
Warner hinted that even though his first run at politics did not get him a seat, it may not be his last, and he feels passionately about the issues he thinks need to be fixed.
“Unless we get involved with Central Avenue, things are going to get worse. I didn’t win this time, but I am excited. … I learned a lot. We’ll see what happens down the road,” said Warner. “The people in office now have all good intentions, but times are changing. This election for me wasn’t about what someone did or didn’t do; it’s about what I wanted to do.”
After their wins, Tobin said he is ready to move on with his plans, and Lockhart said she is eager to get settled in on the village board.
“Were trying to maintain right now with the financial. We haven’t raised taxes in decades and don’t plan on it,” said Tobin.
Tobin added that the town is coming to the end of the new village firehouse project, which cost over $3 million without putting a financial burden on the town.
“Our big project is almost over, and the firehouse will be done in June or July. That was a $3.1 million project that we did not have to raise taxes or borrow money for. We used our reserves,” said Tobin.
Lockhart said she looks forward to her new role on the village board.
“I think I have a lot of skills to bring to the village. I want to continue what the mayor has done for all these years,” said Lockhart. “I’m really looking forward to it. I was born and raised in the village, and I’ll probably die in the village. It’s a great community. It’s about what’s important to family and community. I want to continue that and ensure it doesn’t come to Republicans against Democrats.”
The winners from Your Village Party were Tobin with 719 votes and Lockhart with 648 votes. Warner received 296 votes on the Conservative line and 79 votes on the Village of Colonie Citizens Party line.