The Times Union (Albany, New York), November 5, 2005, Saturday

Copyright 2005 The Hearst Corporation
The Times Union (Albany, New York)

November 5, 2005 Saturday
3 EDITION

SECTION: CAPITAL REGION; Pg. BB3

HEADLINE: Voters Guide 2005

BODY:
CITY OF ALBANY
COMMON COUNCIL,
4th WARD
CHERYL ANN MACKEY
(I)(No response)
BARBARA SMITH
(D,WF)
Age: 58
Education: Mount Holyoke College, B.A., 1969; University of Pittsburgh, M.A., 1971
Occupation: Instructor, College of Saint Rose
Community service: Chair, Arbor Hill Neighborhood Watch, Youth Task Force; Saint Joseph's Church Reuse Committee; Arbor Hill Implementation Team; PATH at Philip Livingston
What they'd do: I will continue to work closely with the police, district attorney, and neighborhood associations to improve public safety and quality of life in the 4th Ward. I will bring together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to create more resources for young people in our community.
COMMON COUNCIL,
5th WARD
SHIRLEY FOSKEY
(Roots)(No response)
WILLARD TIMMONS
(D)
Age: 54
Education: Albany High
Occupation: NYS Assembly full time, Albany County part time
Community service: Former board member, West Hill Improvement Corp.
What they'd do: Senior citizen housing, better quality housing for senior citizens. Youth programs, fight for funding of youth recreation programs and library in West Hill. Introduce resolutions for stiffer fine and possible jail time for absentee landlord code violators. Crackdown on drug dealers and buyers.
COMMON COUNCIL,
6TH WARD
(uncontested)
RICHARD CONTI
(D,WF)
COMMON COUNCIL,
7TH WARD
CATHERINE FAHEY
(D, WF)
Age: 49
Education: Kirkland College, B.A., 1978; College of Saint Rose, M.S., 1988
Occupation: Teacher
Community service: Immediate past co-president, Albany City PTA; founding member, People Advocating Small Schools; Helderberg and DANA neighborhood associations member
What they'd do: Enforce quality of life laws: noise, rundown buildings, graffiti, speeding cars; increase community policing; improve access to quality afterschool programs for children; increase public involvement in city government.
DANIEL MCGINN
(C,I)(No response)
FORD MCLAIN
(R)
Age: 37
Education: University at Albany, M.P.A., 2003; George Washington University, B.A., 1990
Occupation: Policy analyst, NYS Council on Children and Families
Community service: Vice president, board of directors, Kenwood Child Development Center; Barclay-Summit-Delaware Neighborhood Watch
What they'd do: My first action will be to engage the voters of the 7th Ward like they have not experienced in a long time: I will create a network of Ward 7 community advisors, schedule regular office hours; hold quarterly forums; and create a Youth Internship Program for the 7th Ward to promote government service to interested students.
Web site: http://voteprice.blogspot.com
BRIAN SCAVO
(Law & Order)
Age: 52
Education: High school
Occupation: Runs automotive business
Community service: Helped plant trees along Delaware Avenue
What they'd do: Crime is the major issue I am concerned with. There needs to be more policemen on the streets. Criminals and gangs need to be disarmed. I would return to K-8 neighborhood school district. I would vote against any city property tax increases.
Web site: http://journals.aol.com/ brisca5/BRIANSCAVO/
COMMON COUNCIL,
8TH, WARD
ANNETTE D. DELAVALLADE
(C, Citizens for Postive Action)
Age: 66
Education: Northwestern, B.A., 1969; University of Miami, executive management certificate
Occupation: Publisher, Classique magazine; President, Onyx Management International; Adjunct Professor, LaGuardia Community College
Community service: Board member, Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy
What they'd do: I would call for an energy efficiency assessment of all city buildings to include the benefits of installing sensors to regulate lighting in all city facilities.
JOHN H. ROSENZWEIG
(D)
Age: 35
Education: College of Saint Rose, B.A. mathematics, 1992; University at Albany, M.S. reading, 2002
Occupation: Teacher in the Albany City
School District
Community service: Soccer Coach, CBA and Albany High School; Albany Youth Soccer coach; Albany Mickey Mantle coach; current member, Board of Zoning Appeals; Reapportionment Commission, 2001
What they'd do: I'd like to work towards developing an active neighborhood association in the 8th Ward so that people have a forum to discuss their concerns, and I would work closely with the code enforcement office and other city departments to address quality of life issues for residents in our neighborhood.
Web site: http://www.electjohncommoncouncil.com
ROBERT SHEEHAN
(WF)(No response)
JOSEPH A. SORCE
(R)
Age: 36
Education: Utica College of Syracuse University, B.S., 1995; College of Saint Rose, M.S., 2001
Occupation: Research scientist
Community service: Founder and member of the Whitehall Neighbors Group
What they'd do: The most pressing issue facing the city of Albany is not about the delivery of services. It is about holding systems accountable for the actions they take and the people they affect. We, as community leaders, need to address the violence and failing school system as our utmost in importance.
Web site: http://www.votesorce.blogspot.com
CRAIG R. WALTZ JR.
(I)
Age: 39
Education: B.S. political science, B.S. theology, College of Saint Rose, 1989
Occupation: Tax Compliance Representative II, NYS
Community service: Helderberg NA co-founder/chair, got foot police (60% crime drop); coached property tax challenges; CANA Schools Committee chair; St. Catherine's Parish Council
What they'd do: Truly independent, votes residents' wishes, no interest group support, patronage or big contributions. 43-8WARD hot line and full-service Web site in place now. Free e-mail for residents. Regular community meetings. Council meeting notes next morning on Web or by phone on demand. Staffed office at own expense.
Web site: http://www.waltz2005.com
COMMON COUNCIL,
9TH WARD
JAMES P. SANO
(D,I,WF(Incumbent)
Age: 49
Education: University at Albany, M.S. education; State University College at Brockport, B.S.; associates degree-HVCC; Cardinal McCloskey, 1974
Occupation: Teacher in the Albany City Schools
Community service: Past President Italian-American Community Center; 3rd Degree, Knights of Columbus; 3rd Degree, Knights of Pythias; Albany County committeeman What they'd do: I have facilitated the delivery of city services for my constituents, by contacting the proper agency and then monitoring the action until the situation is resolved. I chair the Finance Committee; during my tenure we have made numerous recommendations and changes with administration to save the taxpayers money.
ERNEST SOHOTRA
(R)(No response)
COMMON COUNCIL,
10TH WARD
(uncontested)
JAMES SCALZO JR.
(D)
COMMON COUNCIL,
11TH WARD
ALFREDO BALARIN
(I)
Age: 24
Education: University at Albany
Occupation: Substitute teacher
Community service: Juventudes de la Uno Youth of the United Nations; Casa de La Cultura el Arte y La Ciencia; La Unidad Latina Lambda Upsilon Lambda; Neighborhood Association
What they'd do: Consolidate public services with other municipalities as long as it does not compromise public safety. In addition, use information technology to evaluate community needs and services thus to eliminate duplication while increasing the effectiveness of existing services.
Web site: http://AlfredoBalarin.com
GLEN CASEY
(D,C)(Incumbent)
Age: 33
Education: University at Albany, M.A., 2001
Occupation: Senior Policy Analyst, New York State Assembly
What they'd do: In order to improve the delivery of city services, I will be working to bring CitiStat to Albany. CitiStat is an accountability tool based on the ComStat program pioneered in the New York City Police Department.
Web site: http://www.caseyforcouncil.com
DAVID LUSSIER
(WF)(No response)
JASON WRIGHT
(R)
Age: 24
Education: University at Albany, B.A., political science, 2004
Occupation: Program director, Schenectady Boys & Girls Club
Community service: Active member of the Washington Square Neighborhood Association; co-chair, W.S. Security Committee
What they'd do: City services are a very important part of living and quality of life in any community. We should standardize our programs and ensure necessary services are distributed in a proficient manner.
Web site: http://www.wrightforalbany.com
COMMON COUNCIL,
12TH WARD
(uncontested)
MICHAEL O'BRIEN
(D,I)
COMMON COUNCIL,
13TH WARD
DANIEL F. HERRING
(D)(Incumbent)
Age: 58
Education: State University at Binghamton, B.S., social science, 1974
Occupation: Retired, budget analyst, NYS Office of Mental Health
Community service: Veteran U.S. Air Force; American Legion; Shaker Heritage Society; Melrose and New Albany Neighborhood associations; Holy Cross Parish What they'd do: I will look for more "regional" solutions and strategies in an effort to promote more effective and efficient local government. I will also continue to support strong oversight of government operations in an effort to reduce waste and encourage effiencies.
TIMOTHY LOOKER
(R)
Age: 56
Education: Niskayuna High School, 1967; University of Akron, Ohio; HVCC, respiratory therapy, 1982;
Occupation: Respiratory Therapist
Community service: Past secretary Arbor Hill Concerned Citizens; past member Melrose Neighborhood Association; Double H Hole in the Woods Camp helper
What they'd do: The first Republican elected to the council in over fifty years would send a strong message to our city government.
Web site: http://changealbany8 november.blogspot.com
COMMON COUNCIL,
14TH WARD
JOSEPH M. IGOE
(D)(Incumbent)
Age: 54
Education: Christian Brothers Academy; Marist College, B.A., 1973; St. Patrick's College Maynooth, Ireland; Cornell School of Labor Relations
Occupation: Managing editor, NYS Legislative Digest
Community service: Member Albany Co. Youth Board; Albany Truancy Abatement Board; Elks 49, AOH 5, K of C 173; Albany PSTA; Eucharistic Minister Holy Cross Church What they'd do: As Chairman of the Council's Public Safety Committee I am very proud of our police and fire departments and their professional service to our community. I am committed that they shall remain at their sworn staffing levels, efficiently equipped and trained to continue to provide a safequality of life.
DAVID PRICE
(R)
Age: 46
Education: Bentley College, B.S. accountancy, 1987; University at Albany, M.S. taxation, 1991; Michigan State University College of Law, J.D., 2004
Occupation: Self-employed business consultant
Community service: Executive Committee member, Buckingham Pond/Crestwood Neighborhood Association
What they'd do: 1) Restore Buckingham Pond Park to excellent condition; 2) Fight crime, disarm criminals & gangs that plague Albany; 3) Strict enforcement of speed limit on neighborhood streets; 4) Set aside 7.5 acres on Krum Kill Rd for nature preserve; 5) Keep out big commercial development on 7 acres at New Scotland & Krum Kill.
Web site: http://voteprice.blogspot.com
COMMON COUNCIL,
15TH WARD
(uncontested)
SANDRA FOX
(D)
CITY COURT JUDGE
HELENA HEATH-ROLAND
(D)(Incumbent/appointed)
Age: 42
Education: John Jay College of Criminal Justice, B.S. Criminal Justice, 1984; New York University School of Law, J.D., 1987
Occupation: City court judge
Community service: I helped establish the Albany County Family Court Children]s Center in 1994 and currently serve as its Advisory Committee Chair; I mentor area law students
Appointed
What they'd do: As City Court Judge, I afford parties the opportunity to mediate their cases in the Civil Part, and I would encourage greater use of alternative dispute resolutions in the Criminal Part where appropriate. I will continue to participate in community organizations to stay informed of residents' concerns and issues.
Web site: http://www.judgehelena2005.org
FERNANDE ROSSETTI
(WF,C)
Age: 49
Education: Marist College, B.A., 1976; Albany Law School, J.D., 1979
Occupation: Attorney
Community service: Founding member, Albany County Child Abuse Task Force; served on the Board of Directors of LaSalle School; Vietnam War Memorial Committee
What they'd do: I would attend meetings in the various neighborhoods throughout the city on a regular basis to remain in touch with the issues and concerns of importance to the residents of Albany. I would work to ensure the safety of the community by addressing the social concerns.
Web site: http://www.fernanderossetti.com
JOHN C. SCOTT
(R)
Age: 48
Education: University at Albany, 1978; Anti och Law School/University of District of Columbia, 1984
Occupation: Lawyer and driving school
owner-operator
Community service: Former member Capital District Association of Rental Property Owners (2000-2005); current member of Schenectady Rental Property Owners Association
What they'd do: I would seek to improve equal justice under the law plus uphold and be tough on laws regarding public safety, drugs, property crimes, and traffic offenses. In addition, I would promote more even-handed and quicker court results.
Web site: http://www.angelfire .com/blog2/johnscottforjudge
TREASURER
BETTY J. BARNETTE
(D,I,C)(Incumbent)
Age: 55
Education: College of Saint Rose, B.S. business administration, 1983
Occupation: Albany City Treasurer
Community service: Member Albany Charter Revision Commission, NYS Advisory Committee For Women, Capitalize Albany, Capital District Regional Planning Committee, NYS Democratic Committee What they'd do: Based upon 14 years of experience as the elected Treasurer for the city, I will continue to maximize resources and enhance taxpayer responsiveness. Keeping integrity and sound fiscal management at the forefront of my administration.
Web site: http://www.bettybarnette.com
WARD T. DEWITT
(WF)
Age: 58
Education: Wesleyan University, B.A., 1970
Occupation: Retired First Deputy Commissioner, NYS Department of Correctional Services
Community service: President Albany School Board.; co-chair board of trustees, New Covenant Charter School; vice-president, Capital District Pop Warner Football Federation; PAL board member
What they'd do: As Albany City Treasurer, I will utilize corporate approaches to professionally and responsibly manage the financial affairs of the city, to protect and further the city's financial reputation, to reduce the tax burden and to effectively and efficiently provide support services for citizens and city operations.
COMPTROLLER
(uncontested)
THOMAS P. NITIDO
(D,WF)
ALBANY CITY
SCHOOLS
SCHOOL BOARD
MORRIS COHEN
(no response)
JUDY L. DOESSCHATE
Age: 51
Education: Albany Law School, J.D., 1983, cum laude; State University College at New Paltz, B.A., 1976, cum laude
Occupation: Attorney, New York State Department of Health
Community service: Active PTA parent; PTA Distinguished Service Award; Former Sheridan Hollow NA President; Little League manager/board member; Albany Booster Club; PASS leadership
What they'd do: The Albany School District receives 20% less of its budget in state aid on average than surrounding districts, is required to pay over $10 million annually to charter schools, and unlike the City of Albany, receives no compensation for tax exempt property. One of my top priorities is changing these inequities.
BARBARA I. GAFFURI
(Incumbent)
Age: 51
Education: Elizabeth Seton College, A.A.S. Fine Arts, 1974; Westchester School of Nursing, R.N., 1977
Occupation: Registered nurse
Community service: Third term Albany School Board (audit, policy and athletic committees); five years St. Catherine of Siena Parish Council; 20 years PTA; five years Starfish U.S. Swim Team board. What they'd do: Provide safe and healthy learning environments for all children. Ensure all students meet and exceed state standards in order to graduate high school in four years. Keep the facilities plan on track. Improve communication between teachers and parents concerning student academic performance and behavior.
JACKIE JENKINS-COX
(No response)
LOLISA MCLAUGHLIN
Age: 33
Education: HVCC, A.A.S., 1995; University at Albany, B.A., 1998
Occupation: Correction counselor, NYS Department of Corrections
Community service: Board member, Arbor Park Day Care; volunteer, Boys & Girls Club; Little League coach
What they'd do: To improve the quality of education in the district I will propose and support policies that generate smaller classroom sizes and learning communities. I would extend the school day and year and encourage parental and community involvement.
WAYNE MORRIS
(n/a)(No response)