Democrats
Town of Bethlehem
Town Supervisor — John Clarkson
Town Board — Joann Dawson
Town Board — David VanLuven
Highway Super. – Brent Meredith
Town Clerk — Nanci Moquin
Receiver of Taxes — Alicia Roney
Albany County Legislature
District 33 — William Reinhardt
District 34 — Joanne Cunningham
District 35 — Charles Dawson
District 36 — Matt Miller
District 38 — no endorsement
Republicans
Town of Bethlehem
Town Supervisor — Jim Foster
Town Board — Bridget Zigrosser
Town Board — Davie Harrington
Highway Super. – John Anastasi
Town Clerk — Melanie Dumers
Receiver of Taxes — No endorsement
Albany County Legislature
District 33 — Andy Holland
District 34 — Douglas Schultz
District 35 — Kate Pope
District 36 — Rich Mendick
District 38 — no endorsement
Independents
Town of Bethlehem
Town Supervisor — Jim Foster
Town Board — Joyce Becker
Town Board — Bridget Zigrosser
Town Clerk — Nanci Moquin
Highway Super. – Dan Morin
Albany County Legislature
District 33 — Herb Reilly
District 34 — Tom Cotrofeld
District 35 — Kate Pope
District 36 — Matt Miller
District 38 — Mike Mackey
The town’s political parties have finalized their endorsements for 2015, after making initial announcements earlier in the season.
For the coming elections, every race will be contested except for receiver of taxes. Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans have put forward anyone for the 38th legislative district, which is only partially in Bethlehem.
“I’m incredibly enthusiastic about our slate of candidates,” said Bethlehem Democratic Chairman Jeffrey Kuhn. “They represent both some elected officials that have been effectively managing the town over the last several years, and the town is in the best financially position it’s been in in some time — along with new candidates who have not been in elected office, but who are extremely knowledgeable and community minded. They will bring a fresh preservative to town government and the county legislature.”
The final Democratic slate was announced on Monday, June 8.
Kuhn had formerly announced he would not be seeking re-election to the town board to run for the county legislature in the 34th election district, but the new maps accepted in federal court drew Kuhn out of his district. Kuhn said he would not primary against incumbent Charlie Dawson, who would now be drawn into that district. Democrat endorsements for county legislative districts were then postponed, after new maps were accepted as a result of ongoing litigation concerning the Voting Rights Act.
Instead, Bethlehem Board of Education member Joanne Cunningham was recently endorsed. Kuhn said Cunningham, who is the wife of town Highway Superintendent Brent Meredith, was given the nomination because she has a fresh perspective and want to see many of the recommendations for the County Review Commission come to fruition. She was also the only one to interview with the committee for the position.
Incumbent Tom Cotrofeld did not interview with the committee, and many had heard he would not be seeking reelection. He did not return calls or emails for comment.
Bill Reinhardt also previously announced his intention to run for the county legislature for the 33rd district, but would not be stepping down from his town board seat until after the election. He has not been drawn out of his district, and if he is successful in his bid, he would leave an open town board seat. It would then be possible for other town board members to appoint Kuhn to the seat if they wish.
However, Kuhn said that is not the plan. He may step back from politics for a while after his time as chairman has finished.
“I’ll continue to advocate out of office for the same things I have in office,” said Kuhn. “I plan to do everything I can to help transform and maintain Bethlehem as a model municipal government, and try to bring about effectual good government reforms consistent with principals of (the) Democratic party in the county and community at large. There are many ways to do that. I don’t need to hold elected office to advocate for those positions.”
The town’s GOP has also finalized its list of candidates, after making an initial endorsement announcement in April. At the time, the Republican committee was still seeking candidates for highway superintendent and one Town Board seat.
“We have a wonderful group of candidates, and I feel they will bring solutions to the many problems facing Bethlehem,” said Republican Chairwoman Melissa Kermani.
Retired Bethlehem police officer Dave Harrington has been nominated for the Town Board. John “Tiger” Anastasi, a building contractor and developer, has been given the nod for highway superintendent.
With a full slate of candidates for the coming election, Republicans have taken up issues like high taxes, public safety and maintaining the quality of town services as talking points.
The Albany County Independence party has also announced their endorsements. County Chairman Paul Caputo said they found their slate to have a good grasp on the issues.
“I think it’s a good mix of people, from Democrats and Republicans to incumbents and challengers,” said Caputo. “One thing I was most impressed with was the passion everyone of these individuals have for their community.”
