Following a close race, the results of this month’s primary were made known after a count of the absentee ballot at the Albany County Board of Elections.
Although an official count will be released this week, David VanLuven and Joyce Becker each won the Democratic primary race for Bethlehem Town Board, narrowly beating incumbent Joann Dawson. VanLuven received 1,270 votes, Becker 1,263 votes and Dawson 1,232 votes.
“Obviously, I’m disappointed in the result. It was very close race,” said Dawson. “It shows how important turning out to vote in a primary is.”
Dawson thanked those who voted for her and congratulated her colleges on a successful campaign. She has served on the board for eight years, and said she was proud to serve the town during that time.
“I would say I hope we can maintain the integrity and professionalism of the primary campaign in the coming election,” said Dawson. “We have another six weeks, and it’s going to be grueling. I know we will be successful in the end result. I hope the candidates and voters can hang in there. I know everyone is tired. I plan to work for those on the ticket and am looking forward to November.”
Becker and VanLuven said they now plan to get to know each other better, so they can campaign together during the general election. VanLuven is running on the Democratic and Working Families lines, while Becker is on the Democratic and Independence lines. They face Republicans David Harrington and Bridget Zigrosser in the general election.
“This is my first run for office, and as an unknown newcomer I was the big underdog in the primary,” said VanLuven. “The race so far has taught me that campaigns are family and community affairs, and I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reactions and great support I’ve been getting from families throughout Bethlehem.”
VanLuven continued his platform is focused on managing residential growth, protecting open space, delivering great town services in a fiscally responsible way, keeping government transparent and improving the water infrastructure.
The former head of the town’s Senior Services Department, this is also Becker’s first time running for office.
“I was not the choice of the committee, but many times candidates who were not the choice move on to serve on town government,” said Becker. She said she needed time to think about any new approaches she would take going into the general election.
County Legislature
In Legislative District 35, Charles Dawson won his race against newcomer Sean Raleigh, 315 votes to 307.
Dawson said he was relieved by the outcome and was thankful for the opportunity to continue into the general election. He faces Republican Kate Pope in November.
“I definitely think we have some work to do in the county legislature with changing our leadership,” said Dawson. “I hope voters in November vote down the sham charter reform that’s being proposed, so voters have the chance to decide what the size of our legislature should be.”
In a statement, Raleigh thanked those that supported him, including the Democratic primary candidate for Albany County Executive Dan Egan. However, he said following the vote he would now be supporting current Executive Dan McCoy. He also congratulated Dawson on the win.
“Bethlehem has had its share of tight elections. An eight-vote margin brings new meaning to the saying, ‘Your vote matters,’” he said.
Following the absentee count, Richard Mendick of the 36th Legislative district also won the Independence line for the general election through a write-in campaign. He beat Democrat Matthew Miller.
