COLONIE – Town Republicans nominated a full slate of candidates to run for eight open seats this year.

At the top of the tickets is Frank Mauriello, a former board member and minority leader on the Albany County Legislature, who will take on incumbent Supervisor Paula Mahan.
For the open clerks position, the GOP confirmed the nomination of Clerk of the Court Julie Gansle, who will take on Alison McLean Lane. After 20 years, Republican Elizabeth DelTorto opted to not seek re-election.
There are three seats up for the Town Board and the GOP is running one incumbent and two new comers. All council candidates run at large – or town wide – and the seat currently held by David Green, who the GOP endorsed, Linda Murphy, who the Democrats are expected to endorse, and David Rowley, who is not seeking re-election – are up for grabs.
Green is seeking his second term with Republican blessing, while Mark Mitchell and Christine Badger Mele also received the party’s endorsement.
For town justice, the GOP nominated incumbents Norman Massry and Andrew Sommers.
And for receiver of taxes, Michelle Zilgme received the nomination to run for another term.
Mauriello: “It’s a great honor to be nominated to run for Town Supervisor and represent the residents of the Town of Colonie. My wife and I love our town. Colonie is home and it’s where I grew up. Under the current leadership we have witnessed a record number of issues that typically occur in cities like Albany, not suburban towns. Most people choose to move to beautiful suburbs, like the Town of Colonie, to escape those issues. The current town supervisor has brought those unwanted issues to our doorstep, so I am running to restore the beauty and charm traditionally associated with suburban towns, back to Colonie.”
Gansle: “Liz DelTorto will be a very tough act to follow. She did an incredible job serving our town for such a long time. I hope to continue the legacy she is leaving behind. I look forward to bringing the skills I have developed in my time with the Town of Colonie Court, to the clerk’s seat and do the office proud as Liz has done.”
Massry: “I am grateful for the opportunity to run, for Town of Colonie Justice. It has been a privilege to serve the people of this town a in fair and unbiased manner. The law has long been a passion of mine and I hope to serve a third term with the Town of Colonie Justice Court.”
Sommers: “I look forward to running for Town Justice once again. As Town Justice it is my responsibility to be fair and uphold the law. I have built a professional career on that premise and I believe in treating everyone courteously and respectfully – especially those who appear in front of me. I am eager to bring those ideals, as well as my 33 years of trial experience, back to the bench in the Town of Colonie.”
Zilgme: “I have truly enjoyed my time working for the people of the Town of Colonie. It seems as though each week I meet a resident I haven’t met before or I meet a new homeowner while working in my professional capacity. I enjoy that aspect of my job as much as I do helping the town run as efficiently as possible. I hope to once again be serving our residents as Receiver of Taxes.”
Green: “My first three and a half years representing town residents on the board has certainly been a learning experience, but a positive one. My colleagues and I are currently working to address issues that have raised concerns from residents, townwide – issues that should not plague our suburban neighborhoods. I hope for the opportunity to continue serving our residents and I look forward to meeting more of you throughout the campaign.”
Mitchell: “I am very pleased to have been nominated to run for Colonie Town Board. I believe that my finance experience in both the public and private sectors is an asset that will be beneficial to the Town Board as we work to strengthen government oversight, strategy and overall governance. I look forward to serving our local community.”
Badger Mele: “I am truly grateful for the opportunity put before me. As a mother of six and a small business owner, I care about the future of this town. If elected to the Town Board, I will look after this town as I do my own family and my business. My family and my business thrive as the town thrives. I will bring with me the utmost professionalism to the Town Board and will do my best to address the concerns and needs of our residents.”
Candidates can start collecting petition signatures on June 6. This year’s election takes place on November 7.