Metroland Online - Elections 2005

It brings together my years of commitment to community activism, to helping others, resolving problems, my commitment to public service, and the dedication I have to the well-being of children and families. Theres a deep-rooted commitment Ive had to justice since a very early age. Being an advocate for what you think is right is very much a part of my whole upbringing.

In a highly political city like Albany, what measures do judges need to take to maintain the impartiality required for the office?

I think it comes down to the individual person. Having integrity to know that the role of a judge is to be an independent thinker, and be able to evaluate each case that comes before you on a case-by-case basis. I dont feel that theres anyone that would look for me to do anything otherwise. I feel strongly that this has been a city that allows and expects its judges to be independent thinkers and independent decision makers.

How well do you think sentencing to drug treatment for non violent drug offenders is currently being used? What would improve its effectiveness?

I can speak from knowledge of how the program operates in county court, not as being involved as a judge or even an attorney, but learning about it and witnessing recently a drug-court graduation. I could see from the outpouring of support by community leaders, elected officials, religious leaders and family members that were present for the graduates that it is extremely valuable to the criminal-justice system.

How familiar are you with restorative justice initiatives, including mediation, community accountability boards, and restorative justice conferencing? What role do you see for them in your courtroom?

I can answer from the perspective of the civil part; we have mediators available and they play an extremely valuable role. When people first come before you, for instance in a landlord-tenant matter or small-claims matter, people [often] just havent been able to talk with each other, or theres information that someone [doesnt] know about, and as soon as they find out, lo and behold the lawsuit can disappear. We encourage people to take that option, which has proven very successful. Theres ownership that the parties can take over the resolution.

Fernande Rossetti

Albany City Court Judge, Democrat

Why would you be good for this job?

I have been practicing as a trial attorney for 25 years. Ive handled a tremendous variety of cases, including all of the types of cases that come before [city] court. Ive had the opportunity to represent people on both sides of virtually every issue, because Ive been a prosecutor in the DAs office under Sol Greenberg, Ive been a defense attorney, and Ive served as a support magistrate, so I have that judicial experience.

In a highly political city like Albany, what measures do judges need to take to maintain the impartiality required for the office?

All judges arise out of a party, but once you become that judicial figure you need to set aside those party affiliations. It will help that I was not the candidate backed by the traditional forces of the Democratic Party. I do know from speaking with personal friends who have run for office that when you are the party candidate there are many demands that are placed on you as far as what they want you to say, what they dont want you to say. Im not good at taking orders, I never have been. I will not owe anything to anyone but the citizens of Albany.

How well do you think sentencing to drug treatment for non violent drug offenders is currently being used? What would improve its effectiveness?

I think its being underused, and I think thats in large part just because of resources. Its very viable and successful to treat nonviolent addicted offenders. I think we could do the same thing with a mental health court, which is something I would like to try to initiate. I would also like to be actively involved in the drug-court process. The statistics are phenomenal on how [much] greater the success rate is when you combine the treatment and the follow up and the multifaceted approach. Anything that focuses on the underlying issue as well as offense at hand is beneficial.

How familiar are you with restorative justice initiatives, including mediation, community accountability boards, and restorative justice conferencing? What role do you see for them in your courtroom?

Im familiar with most of them. I was in the DAs office when the concept of both restorative justice and drug court came into play in this area. I did some of those initial discussions and meetings with regard to both of those concepts. I think that the restorative justice concept is a very good, positive concept. Its very cathartic in many ways for people to be able to confront their perpetrator.

Whenever you have a situation where a person who was the victim of a crime wants to not prosecute a case, those cases need something more than either prosecuting or withdrawing charges . . . whether it be restorative justice or something else. There are certain crimes that are very heinous, so predatory . . . theyre just not appropriate for any type of community-based or alternative program.

www.fernanderossetti.com

photo:Alicia Solsman

John C. Scott

Albany City Court Judge, Republican

Why would you be good for this job?

I believe I will be the most impartial, most independent, most consistent judge on the bench in Albany City Court, who will also rule with fairness, which I think is the basic requirement for a judge. Albany, as opposed to the other courts that Ive worked in, has the most problems with respect for attorneys and some of the litigants. My practice is based on the city courts and the town courts, as opposed to the other candidates. I worked in Albany City Court, criminal part, in effect as an investigator. I worked in the DAs office in case preparation. In terms of traffic court, since 2000 Ive had my own driving school.

In a highly political city like Albany, what measures do judges need to take to maintain the impartiality required for the office?

When that person decides to run, they [need to] make that decision because they believe they are the best for the job, not because the party thinks they are. It is the judge who has to sit on the bench, alone, making decisions. Those decisions should be made by someone who truly wanted the job and was willing to go out and fight for it, and go to the voters, not just go to the party. Albany has a problem with city-court judges being appointedsuch as [successors to] Judge Coleman and Judge Duncan. The voter is the one that loses.

How well do you think sentencing to drug treatment for non violent drug offenders is currently being used? What would improve its effectiveness?

When I was at Albany Police Court, I found even back then that there were increasing problems of young people and drugs. They are unfamiliar with the dangers, with the addictive properties of barbiturates and stimulants. That is why drug education is so important. Sentencing needs to be consistent, it needs to be clear; it also needs to encompass very strongly the education element.

How familiar are you with restorative justice initiatives, including mediation, community accountability boards, and restorative justice conferencing? What role do you see for them in your courtroom?

I deal with mediation many times with evictions. Mediation has an important role, as do services such as the Legal Aid Society and United Tenants. As a lawyer I would hope that these different agencies would encourage quick resolution and not delay. Having a place for young people to talk things out is important. But it needs to be understood that the courts have to be impartial participants in decision making and it cant just be done through community service.

www.johnscott.com/blog, www.angelfire. com/blog2/johnscottforjudge.

Interviews by Miriam Axel-Lute

Saratoga Springs Mayor

Valerie Keehn (Primary Winner)

Saratoga Springs Mayor, Democrat

What has shaped you as a candidate?

Ive been involved in the Democratic Party in Saratoga since I moved here 14 years ago. I have been involved with candidates who have run locally, statewide and nationally. Im very informed on the issues in Saratoga Springs. Im not a political good old boy. Im not beholden to any political person or political faction.

How will you facilitate proper development for Saratoga Springs? Can there be too much development?

You need to continue to incorporate people who are willing to scrutinize development on our land acquisition, land-use boards, so that our boards will scrutinize developers. If it doesnt fit the citys Victorian character it shouldnt get through. I think people are saying there is a breaking point with development. I think people are asking When are we going to take a step back and take a look at whats happening in Saratoga Springs?

How will you ensure Saratoga Springs water supply?

The town board voted and indicated that they dont think there is enough water to support big development. So I think thats a little bit of a wake-up call to developers. I certainly support Saratoga Springs being in control of our own water supply. I support using Saratoga Lake as a resource. I think that there are a lot of questions with the county proposal.

How will you keep Saratoga Springs affordable for the working class?

I will work closely with not only the developers but the affordable housing/workforce housing task group to try and find creative ways to ensure that people who work in our city can live in our city. Right now its becoming more and more difficult for not just the workers but people who have lived here for many years, professional people, to think about staying in Saratoga Springs.

How important was the 2001 charter reform?

I think that the charter review had to happen. There are something like 78 mandated implementations and only 33 of them have been carried out. I think we need to work to follow the mandates of the charter. I will make it a priority.

How important is a community recreation center for Saratoga Springs?

Its something weve been talking about for years and years and years. I think its a shame that a city this size with this much money doesnt have proper recreational facilities indoors and outdoors for our needs. There have been many suggestions on how to get that done, but it seems like theres always a roadblock. Its not a money-making proposition.

Is there any instance where it would be appropriate to withhold information from the public?

I do think that information that has to do with personnel that doesnt directly impact the public would be one instance. Beyond that, I think that the public has the right to know whats happening in city government and in the issues that impact them. There may be individual cases that need to be looked at. I would think that you would want a mayor who can make those kinds of decisions.

What should the mayors responsibility be for the city departments?

In the revised charter, the mayor has been given the power to request at any time from any department a full report. I would expect that that would happen if the mayor had any concerns about a department.

Hank Kuczynski

Saratoga Springs Mayor, Democrat, endorsed by Saratoga Democrats and Working Families Party

What has shaped you as a candidate?

Ive been here for 30 years. I served as deputy mayor and that experience gave me the background and view of the complex issues facing the city.

How will you facilitate proper development in Saratoga Springs?

I think we have a comprehensive plan that was well thought out. Its always being assailed for development in the greenbelt area. I would see if I could codify the comprehensive plan into the city so we wouldnt be faced by periodic reviews. Thats where I think the incumbent has failed, by supporting the Anderson project that the majority of the community is against.

How will you ensure Saratoga Springs water supply?

There is no reason for the city not to apply [to the] state Department of Health to use Saratoga Lake for a supplemental water source.

How will you keep Saratoga Springs affordable for the working class?

I am past chairman of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority. We are involved in an initiative to create 37 apartments for workersnot public housing. I have recently appeared in front of the planning board to advocate for a zoning change in an East Side project: 36 condos, 24 will be sold at market rate, 12 for under $150,000. I think there are other opportunities to use the force of the city and the authority to speak to people who have existing available land to do some other projects.

How important was the 2001 charter reform?

That charter reform brought me in as deputy mayor. There were about 78 recommendations for changes in procedures and processes. Only about 25 have been implemented. Its a very difficult question to answer because there has been a failure to implement the charter as passed by the citizens.

How important is a community recreation center for Saratoga Springs?

I put together a committee; they made a series of recommendations. We spend a minimum of $30,000 renting gymnasiums for basketball soccer and other indoor activities. We have some spots that would be appropriate and we have the funding mechanisms.

Is there ever any instance where it would be appropriate to withhold information from the public?

Rules of open media laws are transparent. When you are negotiating contracts for purchasing and initiatives it may be inappropriate to release information. Other than that, open meetings laws are pretty specific on what should be released.

What should the mayors responsibility be for the city departments?

The mayor has overall responsibility for the city. The incumbent has refused to recognize the changes in the charter that allow him to take charge. From a legal perspective, the mayor does have responsibility in terms of general oversight and can call for information and make recommendations.

Michael Lenz

Saratoga Springs Mayor, Incumbent, Republican

What has shaped you as a candidate?

Ive served on the council and as finance commissioner. This is my eighth year in public life. I was born and raised in Saratoga Springs. Im a small businessman. We own a small independent pharmacy in town. My dad has instilled in us the value of getting involved in the community where you live.

How will you facilitate proper development for Saratoga Springs? Can there be too much development?

There is always a point where you ask, Are we done? There are about 2,000 buildable lots left in the city, which is a good amount. It wouldnt take that long for those parcels to be developed. The question is how do you control the growth? You do it obviously through zoning regulations, good review boards. We have the commission keep an eye on things. We want to maintain the character of the city. Our last comprehensive plan dealt with the commercial district; the next one is going to look closer at the residential areas.

How will you ensure Saratoga Springs water supply?

We are entering into a contract to secure water from the upper Hudson. To spend $20 million to take water out of Saratoga Lake makes no sense. We will have to pay off that debt ourselves. With the regional water plant we will pay for what we use. We always have the option to go to the lake if need be.

How will you keep Saratoga Springs affordable for the working class?

We tried to focus on an affordable-housing trust fund. The committee is working on how it will be utilized by community. I appointed an inclusionary zoning committee. It requires that there be a percentage of [all] development devoted to workforce housing. There is a stigma with some workforce housing. The way to combat that is to not segregate, to make them part of all subdivisions, not one high-rise.

How important was the 2001 charter reform?

The charter revision commission that was appointed in 2001 did a good job of identifying some of the shortfalls. Unfortunately it did not go far enough. Our current form of government is archaic and it leads to lots of difficulties, even with this new charter. Our system doesnt allow for true representation throughout the community; if you had a mayor and administrators with a clear delineation, people would be better represented.

How important is a community recreation center for Saratoga Springs?

We need to identify the site first; we have to determine how much acreage we have, to be able to determine what the best design is. We are very close with one landowner. Once we get it we can move forward hopefully in the 2006 budget. We desperately need one. Its something this community deserves and needs and Ive made it a priority.

Are there instances where it would be appropriate for officials to withhold information from the public?

No, there certainly isnt any reason public officials would withhold anything illegally. We have executive sessions about a number of issues about land. We dont want to jeopardize negotiations by having it a matter of public record. There are very specific categories you can hold executive sessions in. In those instances it is appropriate. Beyond that there is freedom of information.

What should the mayors responsibility be for city departments?

In our current charter the mayor has oversight for all departments. Executive power lies in the power of the appointments. You have the ability to make appointments that can have an impact on the future through the individuals you appoint. The mayor is still one member of the council and essentially is the figurehead representative in charge of all contracts. In terms of nuts and bolts the four commissioners and mayor operate as a unit.

Interviews by David King

Albany City Treasurer

Betty Barnette (Primary Winner)

Albany City Treasurer, Incumbent,Democrat

Betty Barnette declined to be interviewed for this series.

Ward DeWitt

Albany City Treasurer, Democrat, Working Families

Why would you be good for this job?

For me, getting involved in politics has been and continues to be grounded, not in gaining power, but instead based on the desire to improve the quality of life for people here in the city of Albany. I bring a degree of professionalism and managerial skills to the office that I think are sorely needed.

Are there any changes you would make to the operation of the treasurers office?

I would like to reform the operation of the office in three fundamental ways: First, establish full transparency.

The second is [dealing with] the annual loss of revenue because of inefficiencies and ineffectiveness in the collection of fees and other monies. The incumbent likes to talk about the fact that her [parking violation] collection rates are up. What she doesnt say loudly is each year shes had that amnesty program shes written off about a million dollars. Collections operations are unique, and if we dont have that expertise within the city, maybe thats something we could look to the private sector to help us with.

The third is to find a way to work in a cooperative atmosphere with the mayor, comptroller, and City Council.

What standards should the parking violations bureau use when determining which parking tickets to reduce or dismiss? Should those standards be published?

Certainly they should [be published]. Not having that means it is subject to arbitrary decision making on the part of whoever the contact person is or perhaps the treasurer themselves. It lends itself to abuse. If someone has a legitimate grievance, there should be a process to review it objectively.

Albany County reimburses the city for unpaid property taxes, and then takes ownership of tax-delinquent properties. Do you feel that this arrangement is good for the city?

What I am concerned about is the dilapidated condition of many of those properties. They seem to turn over several times at auction and develop these tax issues, so somehow we need to work together to keep those properties on line with people who are legitimately interested in bringing them back. Being made whole is a good thing, but the real issue is how do we solve the problem.

The treasurer currently sits on the city Industrial Development Authorityhow do you feel about the operation and accountability of the IDA?

I think theres an accountability issue, in terms of what is happening through the IDA, what the impact has truly been, and whos driving that agenda. Id like to see it more broadly exposed to the citizens of Albany. People who will have to carry the debt load should have something to say about whats going on. There are a lot of good projects there, but we cant afford to do great projects that are fine to look at but havent really given us value for the citizens of Albany.

In a letter to the Times Union, former comptroller Nancy Burton wrote that the treasurers office was not giving the comptroller access to computerized records, hampering the comptrollers auditing function. Do you agree with this assessment, and if so, what should be done about it?

If thats happening, it would certainly hamper the auditor. If its happening, one could make the argument that the treasurer is not upholding the law. Certainly the comptroller rightfully has access to those records; its written in the charter that he must have access to those records. What I understand happens now is that there are mounds and mounds of paper printouts that the comptroller is expected to go through and audit, which is very time consuming, and wasteful in terms of energy, paper, and everything else.

What should be the office standard for responding to FOIL requests and providing other information to the public or other branches of the government?

With very few exceptions, those requests should be responded to quickly and as thoroughly as is provided for under the law. There was a recent back and forth with one of the City Council members on a request for payroll records. It just boggled my mind that the request had been out there for a year, had to be resubmitted, and in the end what they got was gobbledygook that took some time to interpret and even then didnt have all the information actually requested. Why is that? The people working for the city are public employees. Their personal information is not available to the public, but you sure should know what their title is, what their salary level is, and how they are supposed to be working.

Interview by Miriam Axel-Lute

Albany Common Council President

Greg Burch

Albany Common Council President, Democrat

Why would you be good for this job?

I think I bring a unique background experience, different than my opponents. Ive come up on the business side, Ive worked for big corporations. I have my own company at this time. Ive also been involved with the political landscape over the past 20 years. I feel we should look at problems with solutions in mind. I feel we should build consensus to clear up some of our issues. Im a native Albanian. I know the people, I know the issues.

What is your top issue and what would you do about it?

My top issue would be taxes and crime. The taxpayer has been overburdened. I think we can find more efficient ways for government to operate. We need to put more beat policemen in hotspot areas. Id like to see more funding go toward the police drug-enforcement units.

Would you make any changes to the process by which the Common Council receives input from the public?

Im an open-government type person. I feel government should be very accessible to the public, it should be transparent. The dealings government has should be able to be scrutinized, and be able to stand up to the scrutiny.

One Republican candidate for the council has said that having an elected official from a different party would force more business to be done in the regular meeting rather than in the caucus. How would that affect the operation of the council?

I dont think party affiliation really means anything. We all belong to some party. What you want to avoid is any type of gridlock in government. We need to be a consensus builder, regardless of what party youre in.

What is the ideal balance of power between the Common Council and the mayor?

Ideally, the Common Council, Common Council president, and the mayor are all working together. Im open to discussing any type of revision to the charter, [but] the timing of [the current petition] appears to be politically motivated for this election. Yes, Im for it, but Im for it away from an election season. I support the charter commission that the mayor has put together. They should deliberate for as long as it takes, and then we put it before the voters.

Several times in the past couple years, longtime same-sex couples who are Albany residents were denied marriage licenses by the city. Should the Common Council have a rolethrough resolutions or otherwisein this matter?

Id be open to resolutions being put forward by any of the council members. But the law will not eventually be made at the Common Council. Given that, if a law comes into effect, one way or another, of course we would support that.

The Common Council president is charged with running Common Council meetings, and therefore must be familiar with the states Open Meetings Law. The following are factual questions about that law:

*What constitutes a meeting that is covered under the open meetings law?

The meeting is well governed by rules, Roberts rules, and state law, and we would follow that course in a continual fashion, so everybody can be heard, to discuss issues openly and in a professional manner.

*Please name the acceptable reasons for closing a meeting to the public.

I dont believe that many meetings should be closed to the public. Im not a closed-door-meeting type candidate. Id like to hear from everybody. I think that helps you make good decisions.

Sarah Curry-Cobb

Albany Common Council President, Democrat

Why would you be good for this job?

Ive had 12 years on the City Council. Prior to that I worked in the civil-rights movement. I understand the importance of voting. I understand the importance of all people being included in the process. Also, I think my record on the council speaks for itself, the collaboration. I think the proudest accomplishment that Ive had was the rebuilding of the Corning Homes, and being able to get School 20 restructured to k-8 and tying in a community center, and a library, and a whole complete community complex that is accessible to all the people in North Albany.

What is your top issue and what would you do about it?

One of the main issues that I have is opening up the process more to the community. I think we are limited by the system that we use now in terms of getting information out there. The other thing I would really push for is the kind of training I think the council members need in terms of oversight, finance and budgeting. I would push for more cooperation between the council members, the labor, and the executive branch.

Are there any changes you would make to the process by which the Common Council receives input from the public?

We have made changes all along in that process, and that has been to expand the comment period for the council. I think one of the weaknesses there is getting the issues out to the public in terms of what is on the councils agenda, so when they do come to take advantage of the comment period, they are not just reacting to an immediate concern of theirs, but they understand what the broader issues are.

I dont necessarily think it would change the operation of the council, and I dont think that they would push forward the issues anymore that its already being done.

What is the ideal balance of power between the Common Council and the mayor?

Even if we have a charter reform, we will still have some of the same issues if we are not of the mind to come together and try to cooperate and work with each other. Shifting power just for the sake of shifting power does not really serve a purpose.

I think we would have to discuss the issues and look at the state law to make sure that we are in sync with the state law. But I think all issues are appropriate until you analyze them, look at pros and cons, and what may be some factors prohibiting you from doing such things, such as state law.

The Common Council president is charged with running Common Council meetings, and therefore must be familiar with the states Open Meetings Law. The following are factual questions about that law:

*What constitutes a meeting that is covered under the open meetings law?

I think all of our meetings are governed by the Open Meetings Law, even when we go into an executive session.

*Please name the acceptable reasons for closing a meeting to the public.

I think when there is some misunderstandings on the floor in terms of how a vote is going to down, where there is an assumption [that] a certain faction may have the vote and they dont have a vote and theres some disagreement about the process, then we can go into executive meeting, or we can recess.

Nacer Hechehouche

Albany Common Council President, Republican

Why would you be good for this job?

I have a very strong educational background. I have a very strong understanding of different populations, due to my education, due to my originI am originally from Algeriaand due to traveling all over, and due to 20 years of living in Albany. Ive been teaching at university in the past, I have been for 20 years at the agency where I work, teaching, counseling, and coordinating.

What is your top issue and what would you do about it?

The top issue we have is security in our city; were not feeling safe. Cleanliness in the city; the city has become difficult. I also have an issue with the outcomes of the school system. The school system is taking money from taxpayers, but we are not getting the outcomes. We are getting a duplication of school systems, which is sucking a lot of money from our pockets. I want to look toward better ways to get those outcomes.

Would you make any changes to the process by which the Common Council receives input from the public?

We are the Common Council to represent the public. The council members, Id like to see them collecting data from people and bringing matters in. I would be one of those people. I will collect data, I will bring up the issues and I am going be a very active. We will work as a team. We will listen to the people, we will do our best, and our doors will be open to them.

I come from the fact that we are all American. A problem affects all of us, no matter what the party of the person is.

What is the ideal balance of power between the Common Council and the mayor?

The Common Council is very important. The mayor is very important. We need both of them, we need both of them to be very strong. At the same time we need both of them to be listening to the people.

I would put it in the hands of the courts, and I would go from that.

The Common Council president is charged with running Common Council meetings, and therefore must be familiar with the states Open Meetings Law. The following are factual questions about that law:

*What constitutes a meeting that is covered under the Open Meetings Law?

I would have to educate myself more in that aspect.

*Please name the acceptable reasons for closing a meeting to the public.

I would have to educate myself more in that aspect.

www.electnacer.blog.com

Shawn Morris

Albany Common Council

President, Democrat, Working Families Party

Why would you be good for this job?

Ive worked hard for the past three terms on the council to bring up a lot of issues, both representing neighborhoods and pushing for open government and making sure that the public has good access to the council. I know where a lot of the land mines are in that process, and have some good ideas for navigating around them. In terms of personality, I like lively discussions. I think disagreements are good, as long as they are facilitated well. I think I can do that very well. I understand what sort of pressures people face in making decisions.

What is your top issue and what would you do about it?

Neighborhoods, neighborhoods, neighborhoods. Were having a hard time keeping people in the city, and keeping people of all different ages in the city. As much as we talk about the high-tech and nanotech, we need to be part of that by offering places for people to live where they feel safe and comfortable, where theres a diversity of housing opportunities. Weve got the diversity of housing, but we need to make those areas welcoming for families. Its going to take a citywide focus. Its going to take a lot of cooperation between different levels of government, schools.

Would you make any changes you to the process by which the Common Council receives input from the public?

The first step is at the other end. City government and the council should make better information available to the public. People would participate in discussions a lot more if they had better information. As the 7th Ward councilmember Ive always done a lot of outreach. I worked to establish a couple neighborhood associations, sustain them, attend all of their meetings, make sure information is at those meetings as well as personally walking around with a flier. We need to figure out a more expedient way to do that. Its not even a matter of figuring it out. Its a matter of using various communication tools to do that.

Since our caucuses are completely open, as open as the meetings are, Im not sure the ultimate outcome would be that different. I think more business and more discussion could take place in the Common Council meetings. I dont know that thats driven by whether theres a member of a different party on the body. Its more driven by custom. Im not opposed to more of the discussion [happening in meetings], but the caucus is still important because it is a more informal and freewheeling exchange of information than can happen very easily then when youre governed strictly by rules that have to take place in the more official meeting process. Im committed to keeping the caucuses open to public, press, everybody.

What is the ideal balance of power between the Common Council and the mayor?

I view it much more as checks and balances than balance of power. I believe in a strong mayor. The day-to-day operations of the city need somebody at the helm. But there needs to be checks and balances in the process, and that is lacking in our current structure. The council needs to have more say over what happens in the finances in the city, because we are held responsible. So [I support] either putting council representation on the Board of Estimate and Adjustment, which can virtually undo anything in the budget, or doing away with it.

Common Council resolutions are nonbinding. We do them on variety of subjects; theres no reason not to do them. How effective they are ultimately, Im not sure. They certainly have a place. Legally, in terms of actually changing the law, I think weve gone as far as we can, though thats always open to discussion.

The Common Council president is charged with running Common Council meetings, and therefore must be familiar with the states Open Meetings Law. The following are factual questions about that law:

*What constitutes a meeting that is covered under the open meetings law?

Whenever eight or more are gathered in our name, or any meeting that contains a quorum of any subseta committee or subcommittee or taskforce. My own feeling is, everythings open.

*Please name the acceptable reasons for closing a meeting to the public.

Confidentiality on the part of an employee. Thats really about it. Too often, especially at the municipal level, people act like things are national security issues, and theyre just not. People who do business with the city have to understand that they cant deal with us in secret. If they want the citys business, theres an open and public process involved with that.

www.shawnmorris.net

Mary Ellen OConnor

Albany Common Council

President, Democrat, Independence Party

Why would you be good for this job?

I would be good for this job, because Im a good decision maker, nobody owns me. I dont want to insinuate that people are being owned, but my campaign is grassroots. Probably the number-one thing is Im a very brave person. Sometimes theres truth to things and you cant ignore the truth. Im not afraid to tell it like is. People know me for that. You have to stop with all the political posturing, and say hey-kay, this is the problem, lets get to a solution instead of going around and around until everybodys dizzy.

What is your top issue and what would you do about it?

I have a couple of really top issues. I dont want to say what Im going to do about [them] yet, because theres nothing worse than someone giving out big ideas but not being able to follow through with them. Property taxes is one, the increasing property taxes. The second is the increasing school tax too, but Im not sure what kind of a role the council president can play in that. We always have to address our young people and how we can help them grow, which then brings in the fact that theres been kids killing kids. What Id like to do on a real positive note is to keep the history of Albany moving forward, because we have such a wonderful history.

Would you make any changes to the process by which the Common Council receives input from the public?

Id like to have a newspaper column. Id like the citizens in Albany to be able to write to me like Dear Abby. They write letters to the editor all the time, but some of them dont even know who their council person is. Id want the councilpeople listed with the wards on the Web site, but my feeling is to have direct contact with the citizens in the Albany. I think there should be a council hotline. I would like the council to put out a newsletter.

Theres 15 council members. One person comes in as a Republican, I would really cast my doubts on how much impact this person could have. Now if he had six people of a different party, that would be an interesting challenge for Albany. Thinking one person could do it, that would be kind of pie in the sky. This person will have to carry the message for the constituents, and theyre going to carry for Democrats, because this is a city full of Democrats, and if that person is listening to the constituents, theyre listening to Democratic voters!

What is the ideal balance of power between the Common Council and the mayor?

I am for mayoral power, but Im also for empowering the council and the council president to work in conjunction with the mayor. Albany Civic Agenda did a wonderful jobI carried some of those petitionsand I have a great deal of respect for Judge Rosen. Im not so sure I can comment on the power of the mayor. I was born and raised under Corning; he was a very powerful mayor, he did a lot for a lot of people. I was away during Whalen, so actually Ive only lived under two mayors, Corning and Jennings, and theres a big difference between them.

I am pro same-sex marriage. I feel that two people who love and care for each other, they should have the right to have the state acknowledge that union. I think the council could debate it. The council would have to do a resolution, but I dont know if they could pass it into law in Albany. But it should certainly be debated.

The Common Council president is charged with running Common Council meetings, and therefore must be familiar with the states Open Meetings Law. The following are factual questions about that law:

*What constitutes a meeting that is covered under the Open Meetings Law?

I think the council would come under the open meetings law. Youre required to let the public in to the meetings, period.

*Please name the acceptable reasons for closing a meeting to the public.

Im a trustee of the Albany Public Library. The only time we go into executive session [is when] were discussing either employee contracts/union negotiations or were discussing real estate. I dont know what it is for the council, but I would think it would be the same thing. The key is when you come out of executive session to keep your mouth shut. I dont think in terms of excluding people.

Interviews by Miriam

Axel-Lute

*New York States Open Meetings Law:

1) applies any time a quorum of a public body (including committees and subcommittees thereof) gathers for the purpose of discussing public business.

2) states that the only subjects that may be discussed behind closed doors are:

medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation (Ed. note: Emphasis ours. Personnel matters is not specific enough.)

proposed acquisition, sale or lease of real property or the proposed acquisition of securities, or sale or exchange of securities held by such public body, but only when publicity would substantially affect the value thereof

matters that will imperil the public safety if disclosed

any matter that may disclose the identity of a law-enforcement agent or informer

information about an investigation or prosecution that would imperil effective law enforcement if disclosed

proposed, pending, or current litigation

collective bargaining

preparation, grading, or administration of examinations

For more information, see www.dos.state.ny.us/coog/coogwww.html.

Archie Goodbee

Albany Mayor, Democrat

What makes you a good candidate?

Im a native-born Albanian. Ive had several professions that allowed me to think like a city manager or mayor. As a captain in the Army and Air Force, I had to provide for the safety and welfare of my troops. At Channel 10, my job dealt with finding new sources of revenue where none existed. The budget [at Time Warner] was about the size of the city budget here.

Looking at the last four years of mayoral policies, is there anything you would have done differently?

The demolition of 42 N. Swan St. You just cant have a department head turning around and destroying one of the citys assets. If that happens in the business world, the business doesnt long survive. Then you have a high-ranking police official being dismissed from the force and the city is faced with a wrongful-dismissal lawsuit.

Does Albany currently have an open and participatory government?

There have been serious problems in public safety and you never get the answers. Its always Well look into that. Weve got a police review board that doesnt seem to have the power we want it to have, you have a group looking to revise the city charter and you have Alice Green throwing her hat into the ringall of these indicate a dissatisfaction with whats happening in this city and the way its run.

What type of mayoral decisions should require public input, and how much influence should the public have on policy decisions?

The first thing that comes to my mind is Park South. What the citys doing there has frightened residents and left them up in the air about whats going to happen to their homes. If youre going to make wholesale changes in peoples lives, you have to bring them in on the planning stages. Its a time-consuming way of getting things done, but its a better way. The days of top-down management have disappeared; if you want more effective government, it has to be from the bottom up.

How would you respond to residents concerns about supervision and accountability in Albanys police department?

I would simply say, My doors will be open and your suggestions are welcome. I would interact with neighborhood associations on a monthly basis, and if I couldnt be there, a representative of my staff would be. You have to go to where the decisions and the apprehension are felt.

How do you feel about the convention center, and what will happen if it doesnt draw the anticipated number of conventions?

At first glance, the convention center seems like a great idea, because youre providing jobs with meaningful, living wages. But that entire process might take three or four years. I like a broader concept of development. Id like to see an Albany revitalization project that runs two and a half decadesproviding safe streets, a better education and clean, healthy living. After the convention center, people still have to go home.

How important is preserving Albanys historic resources when presented with opportunities for economic development?

Obviously, Albany has a rich history. Its one of the reasons I enjoy living here. If youre going to have history, then you need to have an administration that responds favorably to preserving that history.

How important is loyalty when it comes to governing the city and appointing city officials?

If I have too many people working with me who think everything Im doing is fine and doesnt need to be questioned, then I think Im working with the wrong people.

Does Albany have a problem with gangs or guns?

Absolutely. There have been 254 gun incidents in Albany in the last three years, and it doesnt seem to be abating or decreasing. You cant just do an individual treatment program and think thats going to be the solution. You have to bring the family in, and you have to provide a network of services: clergy, community, the Albany police department, probation teams, nonprofits and other organizations that deal with this on an everyday basis.

What role should the mayors office play in the citys education system, and where do charter schools fit into that system?

The mayor cant be an obstruction, undermining the confidence of the school board and the school system itself. If every decision they make is going to be challenged by the mayor with a lawsuit, its a waste of taxpayer money and the system doesnt move forward. Extend the olive branch and share services. Weve asked state Comptroller Hevesi to audit the charter schools, because the public has to have confidence in the management and fiscal practices of these schools.

How do you feel about the balance of power between the mayors office and the Common Council?

Thats a ticklish question for me, as charter reform would erode some of the power Im hoping to assume. However, if the mayor is moving 4 percent of the budget around and the City Council has nothing to say about it, that doesnt seem very open or transparent. I like the charter reform for city government, because if the mayor is truly a team-builder, its not a looming problem, its just something you have to work through like you do in business.

Alice Green

Albany Mayor, Green Party

What makes you a good candidate?

Ive lived and worked in Albany for 40 years, and I not only know a lot of people, but have worked with many different organizations. Ive developed a great sense of what the issues and problems are that face the community here, having done everything from management to the nitty-gritty things. Ive been deputy commissioner at Probation and Correction Alternatives, and I founded the Center for Law and Justice.

Looking at the last four years of mayoral policies, is there anything you would have done differently?

Whatever weve done the last four years has not been connected to a larger picture. We dont know what the impact is on families when we develop certain policies. If its negative, how do we help the family deal with it and address it or do we change that policy? Also, there are all types of problems that weve looked at in the police department, and Ive been working with the Citizens Review Board to try and address some of those issues. Weve done a lot of things that have dealt with the infrastructure, but not the social structure.

Does Albany currently have an open and participatory government?

It certainly needs to be more open. Ive always complained that our police department has not been open enough. We have to make sure that more people in our community are involved in the political process and voting. There is a large segment of our population that doesnt know theyre allowed to votepeople with felony convictions, for instance. Id like to see a government that ensures that we have universal suffrage, and we dont have that now.

What type of mayoral decisions should require public input, and how much influence should the public have on policy decisions?

The public wants to know whos running the departments and what they bring to their offices. I certainly want to be able to get information from my government without them hiding things or having to find out how theyve hidden things.

How would you respond to residents concerns about supervision and accountability in Albanys police department?

Ive been working for a long time with the Citizens Review Board, and one of the most frustrating things has always been that when a police officer is disciplined, no one can find out what type of discipline was handed out. The public has a right to know that.

How do you feel about the convention center, and what will happen if it doesnt draw the anticipated number of conventions?

Everything has to be assessed in terms of its impact on those people who are suffering in our community. Will it bring jobs to our community so that everyone will have access to them? Are there are other priorities that should be addressed before putting money into this? There is a lot of information that I dont think our community has been privy to and I think we all just have to know more about it.

How important is preserving Albanys historic resources when presented with opportunities for economic development?

It always comes back to how the community can have input into how things are done. People certainly do make arguments about whether something should be preserved or not, but sometimes it happens so quickly that none of us get a chance to have any input into it.

How important is loyalty when it comes to governing the city and appointing city officials?

You have to watch out when it comes to the issue of control. Sometimes we might want to maintain control of a particular piece of government and put people in there just because we know they will be able to control it the way we want. I want people in positions that can really benefit the community, not just friends.

Does Albany have a problem with gangs or guns?

Anytime you have guns in the community, thats a problem. I dont think we know the true dimensions of the problem with gangs. Sometimes we jump the gun and think that if two or three people are hanging out on the street and if they happen to be a certain color or happen to have certain color hats, theyre a gang. Certainly there might be some people involved in gangs, but I dont know how much of a problem there really is. Instead of jumping to conclusions, we need to look deeper at our community and figure out what the problems really are.

What role should the mayors office play in the citys education system, and where do charter schools fit into that system?

Im deeply committed to public schools. Thats where most of the citys kids are going to be educated, and thats where we need to put our resources. I dont think the mayor should control the public-school system, but if the mayor can play a role in getting those resources that schools need.

How do you feel about the balance of power between the mayors office and the Common Council?

I hate to see the mayor making all the decisions about where the money is going. That needs to be a shared responsibility. The Common Council members are the ones that represent the people in the communities. I support the charter reform effort.

Benzie Johnson

Albany Mayor, Democrat

Metroland was not able to reach Johnson for an interview.

Jerry Jennings (Primary Winner)

Albany Mayor, Democrat, Incumbent, endorsed by the Independence Party

What makes you a good candidate?

When I first took over, there was a bad feeling about this city and I think Ive been able to turn around that attitude. Ive gotten people energized to get involved in making right decisions, but its not about me, its about the people of this city. Thats why Im running again. Weve had 12 years of hard work and dedication to making this a city we can all be very proud of.

Looking at the last four years of mayoral policies, is there anything you would have done differently?

This job is so involved, and I dont like to Monday-morning quarterback. As the mayor or any CEO, you make a decision and you go with it. And weve had a good success story in this city.

Does Albany currently have an open and participatory government?

Theres no one more accessible than I am. I want to hear from people. Just look at a lot of the neighborhood initiatives that weve put together, whether its Arbor Hill or the South End. There are grass-roots people there that want to be involved and dont just sit back and criticize. They want to be involved in the process and create a process to make change.

What type of mayoral decisions should require public input, and how much influence should the public have on policy decisions?

Certainly the policy decisions about quality-of-life issues in their neighborhoods.

How would you respond to residents concerns about supervision and accountability in Albanys police department?

Well, there are a lot of allegations. Are there issues in every organization? Yes, sometimes. But with the Civilian Police Review Board that weve set up, people have a forum to go to. Its about accountability, and the men and women in the department do an outstanding job as far as the day-to-day issues that come up. If there are issues, we want to know about it, and they should be handled.

How do you feel about the convention center, and what will happen if it doesnt draw the anticipated number of conventions?

It should be built. Its long overdue. Its a transformational project not just for the city of Albany but for the entire region. The jobs themselves are new opportunities that didnt exist before. Obviously, its all about marketing.

How important is preserving Albanys historic resources when presented with opportunities for economic development?

There has to be a good balance between maintaining our historical nature in this city and getting rid of some of the others that arent coming into play in the city. Developers can go to a suburban atmosphere and build a building for $100 a square foot, but when they come into this city and have to revitalize an older building it could be $200 or $300 a square foot. Thats not an excuse, but we have to find ways to get it done. You have to be creative in an atmosphere like ours to be competitive with a Clifton Parkthey dont have brownfields, they dont have issues like ours. We have historic structures. And those are things that we have to continue to keep as part of this community, and were not going to eliminate them. Were going to try and grow on them and rebuild them.

How important is loyalty when it comes to governing the city and appointing city officials?

Any leader should be able to manage his or her organization. As far as Im concerned, the buck stops with me, not with anyone else. If a department head isnt successful, Im going to hear about it and Im going to read about it. I want hardworking individuals that are loyal to the city.

Does Albany have a problem with gangs or guns?

Every urban area has a problem. Ive been saying for years that we have kids getting involved in gangs, whether theyre formal or informal. When I was an administrator in 1975, we had kids that called themselves a gang. Kids arent any different now. Because were close to New York City, we have a lot of influence that comes in here and tries to get our kids involved. What we have to do is educate them first. Tell them that we care about them. Thats why I created that truancy programto get our kids back in schools, to tell them that you can get out and you can be successful if you graduate from school.

What role should the mayors office play in the citys education system, and where do charter schools fit into that system?

The way its written, I dont have any formal role. But I can certainly be a partner with the school district. For years and years theyve operated independentlyit doesnt make sense. As far as Im concerned, there needs to be better communication between the decision makers. Charter schools are something that evolved because public schools were being criticized. We can do it right, but public education has to change.

How do you feel about the balance of power between the mayors office and the Common Council?

I dont have a problem with the Common Council. I was on the council, and I used to argue with the mayor back then. If you disagree, you should be heard. I have a good rapport with most of the council members.

Joseph Sullivan

Albany Mayor, Republican

What makes you a good candidate?

Ive been involved in local politics and neighborhood issues for more than 30 years. Ive been president of the Buckingham Pond/Crestwood neighborhood association for 20 years, one of the largest neighborhood associations in the city. Ive been deeply involved in land-use issues, especially trying to keep the quality of life in the residential neighborhoods good. I have very strong ideas, but that doesnt mean Im inflexible.

Looking at the last four years of mayoral policies, is there anything you would have done differently?

I would pay more attention to the uptown residential neighborhoods. I feel that the mayor has done a good job downtown, but the uptown neighborhoods havent received their share of the services. Uptown pays the lions share of the property taxes.

Does Albany currently have an open and participatory government?

Its there for people to participate in, but I dont believe the public pays close enough attention to the functioning of the government.

What type of mayoral decisions should require public input, and how much influence should the public have on policy decisions?

Anyone thats going to be a truly representative mayor has to really have an ear tuned to what the people are saying or thinking. The mayor already has a good vehicle in the form of his radio program.

How would you respond to residents concerns about supervision and accountability in Albanys police department?

The police have a difficult job because Albany has a terrible crime problem. The hands of the police are, in effect, tied, because theyre damned if they do and damned if they dont. Weve got to disarm the criminals and the gangs in this town, and we really need to have some policy direction from the office of the mayor, because the mayor is really the head of the police force. We have to establish some clear polices about what behavior is going to be tolerated on the part of the police and also on the part of the public. I dont think right now that theres a clear direction.

How do you feel about the convention center, and what will happen if it doesnt draw the anticipated number of conventions?

If I were mayor, we wouldnt have a convention center. Theres a lessening demand for conventions and so forth. The money earmarked for a convention center would be better put into redeveloping neighborhoods and building more housing, so people wouldnt have to live outside the city.

How important is preserving Albanys historic resources when presented with opportunities for economic development?

We are who we are now because of the people who went before us. Theres enough room in this city for alternate sites for development. When you run across a site that has some historic significance, the first thing I would do is look for an alternate site.

How important is loyalty when it comes to governing the city and appointing city officials?

Loyalty is important everywhere. Its an admirable trait, but if youre talking about government, people have to take off the blinders and take a look at whats going on. The enrollment of Albany is predominantly Democratic . . . but we have to look around at the conditions of the city today and ask, Is this acceptable? We have to have some competition.

Does Albany have a problem with gangs or guns?

Yes, by all means. Weve got to have a concerted effort to go through these neighborhoods and let the criminals know theyre not welcome here and theyre not going to have their guns. The real danger here is that these people are the natural allies of foreign terrorists. Its not only a public-safety issue, its a matter of national security to disarm these criminals and gangs.

What role should the mayors office play in the citys education system, and where do charter schools fit into that system?

Im in favor of disbanding the city school district and city school board and merging those entities with the city government, making the mayor and the Common Council responsible for public schools. Right now, there is no accountability. Who can we vote out of office when the schools arent functioning?

How do you feel about the balance of power between the mayors office and the Common Council?

A strong mayor is what we need, not one who pussyfoots around or appeases special interest groups. I dont think the Common Council has earned their right to more power. I dont see them working their districts.

journals.aol.com/lonerangeralbany/ lonerangeralbany/

interviews by Rick Marshall

WARD 2

The Candidates on the Record

Victor Cain (Not running in general election)

Albany Common Council Ward 2, Democrat

What is your top issue this campaign?

Common Council members have to be accountable. In the last 12 years they havent been accountable to the people.

Regarding policy decisions, what would you have done differently over the last four years?

When you get an agenda ahead of time, people have to have some kind of input in whats going on, instead of you just going to the meeting, making a decision and bringing it back to the peopleand thats if theyre bringing it back to the people at all. I dont believe theyre doing that. People need to know whats going on in City Hall.

The Park South and Arbor Hill regions of the city have been getting a lot of attention recently. How do you keep the South End on public officials minds?

We have to get with the policymakersthe mayor and the county and stuffand make sure they dont take homes from these people. We have to make sure the landlords are accountable, too.

With a history of voting irregularities in the district, how do you balance encouraging absentee voters to vote with protecting them from inappropriate pressure or ballot tampering?

Absentee ballots should be mailed in by the voter. It shouldnt be the Common Council member or the committee person going in and telling them which way to vote. Thats wrong. Im not going to even go and ask people to sign absentee ballots, because I dont want anyone to ever say that I misguided someone.

What should the role of the Common Council be with respect to the Citizens Police Review Board?

They should have some kind of subpoena rights. We need someone doing the checks and balance. We need a neutral party in there to see whats going on.

How do you feel about the balance of power between the mayor and the Common Council?

I believe the mayor should have power over whats going on in the city, but the Common Council must have some bite, too. It cant be all one-way. Just like the governor and the majority leaders all debate and fight and pass bills that way, I think ours should be about the same.

The Port of Albany occupies a significant portion of your ward. There were plans to expand an asphalt plant inside the ward two years ago. How do you balance economic development with protecting the environmental safety of neighborhoods?

Somebody in the community needs to be on the board or whatever theyve got for these type of plans, so they can be the spokesperson and know whats going on. I know we have to balance it all some way, but we really need to sit down and look at it hard.

photo:Alicia Solsman

Carolyn McLaughlin (Primary Winner)

Albany Common Council Ward 2, Incumbent, Democrat

What is your top issue this campaign?

Quality-of-life issues in the city, particularly violence among and towards our young people, and drugs in the communityjust being safe to walk the streets and feeling safe in your homes and neighborhoods. . . . Also, the city workforce does not reflect the city population. If were going to stabilize our community and the city, then you have to have equal opportunity for people to work.

Regarding policy decisions, what would you have done differently over the last four years?

Im a middle-class person and I live in the South Endthats not the typical image of someone who lives in the second ward. But theres a lot more of that than people realize. I would like to work harder to build up the image of the South End and the Second Ward in particular.

The Park South and Arbor Hill regions of the city have been getting a lot of attention recently. How do you keep the South End on public officials minds?

Weve had three unsuccessful applications for grants for broad-based development, but that hasnt taken us away from the table. We have to continue to make it a priority for our senators and our assemblymen and all of our legislators.

With a history of voting irregularities in the district, how do you balance encouraging absentee voters to vote with protecting them from inappropriate pressure or ballot tampering?

Its all about educating people. You do people a disadvantage when you dont tell them what their complete rights are as a voter. We have to encourage people to ask questions and not to take their vote for granted.

What should the role of the Common Council be with respect to the Citizens Police Review Board?

The people expect us to make sure it is a body that is functioning efficiently and effectively. That means we have to make sure they have the power to do the things we expect them to do and what the people are asking them to do. If they cant do that, the people have no reason to go to them with their grievances.

How do you feel about the balance of power between the mayor and the Common Council?

People elect us as council members to speak for them and be advocates for them, not to be rubber stamps for anyone else. They elected us to work cohesively with the executive branch of government, but they also expect us to have some reasonable portion of authority to make decisions and participate in decision making.

The safety of people comes first. It was in the best interests of the people to prevent that asphalt plant from expanding. If there are some other things they can do to expand their business Im all for it, but nothing should come at the expense of the people who live there.

Interviews by Rick Marshall

WARD 3

Michael Brown (Primary Winner)

Albany Common Council Ward 3, Democrat, Incumbent

Whats your proudest accomplishment as a Common Council member?

I would say passing the legislation requiring the city to install cameras in police cars. Also, the $7 million Arbor Hill community center, the boxing center on Quail Street, getting additional money from HUD, and pushing for the Arbor Hill Redevelopment Project.

Whats your top issue and what will you do about it?

The convention center. It comes down to getting jobs and opportunity for Albany city residents. It could be hundreds of jobsa shot in the arm of the inner city. I want to make sure that the residents of Arbor Hill and Sheridan Hollow benefit. I also want to protect the people living in the DeWitt Clinton. I also think that Central Avenue [is important]Ive spend a lot of time listening to the merchants on Central Avenue and people on the side streets. Parking is a top issuethe amount of time on the parking meters. There is a question whether the meters should go down those side streets. I think not.

Should we build a convention center? If it is built, where should it go?

Yes. I know there are two sites designated and well go from there.

What is your take on charter schools?

There are some good teachers in our public schools and I think they work hard. Some of those same schools have really big problems. Theres violence in the hallways every day. For years rich families have been able to pick their kids school, but inner-city families were ignored. We cant afford to lose another generation. Charter schools give inner-city families a chance to choose where their kids go to school. I think the way charter schools are funded now is appropriate.

What, in your mind, constitutes sufficient notice of a public hearing?

I think we should mail out notices to everyone in the community when theres a public hearing on an important issue. I used to do that a couple of times a year until the Common Council leadership decided they wanted to take that information away from my community. People like Richard Conti were afraid the truth was getting out. It was old-fashioned censorship from a modern-day political boss. [Editors note: The Common Council restricted members mailing privileges in January after Brown spent $1,500 on mailings that bad-mouthed other members of the council shortly after he was voted out of the president pro tempore position.]

What is the best way to ensure voting rights for everyone, including absentee voters?

Everybody has the right to vote, and thats something my people fought for in the civil-rights struggle. The lawsuit [against Brown from last years special election] is just a cheap political hustle by some bitter politicians who want to beat down the people in Arbor Hill. What happened last year was just raw political revenge by a little lawyer from DelmarPaul DerOhannesian lost the race for DA in 2000. He lost because inner-city families voted against him by a large margin. And now hes in court trying to restrict our rights [Primary, Primary Again, Newsfront, March 25, 2004]. If he really wants to protect the voting rights of inner-city families, he should be going after Wanda Willinghamthe state board [of elections] said she should be prosecuted for possible forged ballots [for a 1999 primary]. Theyre all just a bunch of low-grade hypocrites.

Do you think locally based nonprofit groups should be important partners in city-directed initiatives? Which ones come to mind?

I dont want to answer that one. I think not-for-profits should always play a role. They should always be consulted.

With local real-estate prices escalating, are you concerned about housing affordability for modest-income households? If so, how would you address this issue?

Weve already got the Swan Street plan in effect. We also got 75 pieces of property transferred to the Albany Housing Authority for low- and moderate-income housing and first-time homeownership.

What should the Common Councils role be in the Citizen Police Review Board?

There have been times when the board hasnt gotten all the information they need and when that happens we should step up to the plate.

photo:Chris Shields

Corey Ellis

Albany Common Council Ward 3, Democrat, Working Families Party, Ward 3 Committeeman

What makes you good for this job?

Growing up here and seeing the change in the community. Things we had as kids arent there: community centers, Little League fields, playgroundsthe kind where kids can go and use their imaginations. I am an organizer. I have proven that I can bring people together to change their lives. Theres lots of people out there [who care]; no ones bringing them together. Organizing is talking to folks, finding out issues, finding leaders, setting an agenda, and deciding how to make change. Its knocking on doors, holding meetings. In my profession [union organizing] it would have been to get the employer to do something they wouldnt have otherwise. In this case it will be to get the city to do things for the residents they wouldnt have.

Whats your top issue and what will you do about it ?

Youth activities, absentee landlords/abandoned buildings, and getting a library in the neighborhood, hopefully in St. Josephs church. For the youth, programs are there, but the access is limited. I will work to ensure wider access to programs like the community centers. I will work closely with neighborhood associations to go after negligent absentee landlords. We should have a labor-apprenticeship program to help rebuild abandoned buildings.

Should we build a convention center? If it is built, where should it go?

The plans are in motion. I am not sure its a good idea, but I need to study it further. My focus will be on jobs. Will the people who get the jobs be representative of the people who live here?

What is your take on charter schools?

I understand where parents in my ward are concerned and feel like they need more of a choice in the school system. But the jury is still out on the charter-school system, and I was in support of the moratorium passed by the Common Council [requesting that state not give any new charters until the existing charter schools have more of a track record]. It seems like according to last nights vote the way charter schools are funded is something the voters are not happy with.

What, in your mind, constitutes sufficient notice of a public hearing?

Flyers dont organize people. Starting three weeks before, you need a call and a knock to every resident. Thats when people feel a sense of urgency. You have committeepeoplethis is part of their job, calling people and knocking on their doors. You cant have people who will just go to the Democratic Party meetings and vote. You need organizers.

What is the best way to ensure voting rights for everyone, including absentee voters?

I would like the Board [of Elections] to take a more proactive role in ensuring that absentee ballots are distributed properly. We also might want to revisit having ward leaders allowed inside polling stations.

Do you think locally-based nonprofit groups should be important partners in city-directed initiatives? Which ones come to mind?

Yes, partnerships of all kinds are important, particularly in high-poverty neighborhoods. For

example, the Ten Broeck Triangle Association and the Albany Community Land Trust should work with the city to improve homeownership opportunities for local residents. Partnerships between the city and all sorts of groups are what is needed to solve problems we face not only in housing but education, after-school programs, and public-safety issues.

With local real estate prices escalating, are you concerned about housing affordability for modest-income households? If so, how would you address this issue?

Ive noticed in Albany that the housing stock seems to be divided between low-end and high-end with very little in between. One sure way to improve housing for everyone is to provide living wages so homeownership is actually affordable. It is also important to help people with education to enable them to get the skills they need to get better jobs. We also need to work together to create viable programs for home ownership for low- to middle-income families. Albany should be looking to other cities for models in this regard.

What should the common councils role be in the Citizen Police Review Board?

Right now, Im in favor of granting the review board subpoena power.

Interviews by Miriam Axel-Lute

WARD 4

The Candidates on the Record

Interviews by Miriam Axel-Lute
photocredit Barbara Smith:John Whipple

Barbara Smith (Primary Winner)

Albany Common Council Ward 4, Democrat, Working Families

Why would you be good for this job?

Ive lived in the ward 18 years. Im a homeowner there. Ive always been active in working on issues that result in improving the well-being and lives of people.

What is your top issue, and what would you do about it?

My top four issues are public safety and quality of life, jobs and economic development, youth/education issues, [and] housing quality and abandoned buildings. In some parts of the ward, quality of life is getting stop signs put up on a busy street. In other parts of the ward, public safety is about stopping gun violence, drugs, and other types of crime. I initiated the Arbor Hill neighborhood watch organization. Noise, litter, housing disrepair, abandoned housing: All of these things contribute to or take away from our quality of life, and have a direct correlation with public safety.

Recently the city knocked down a building at 42 N. Swan St., which had been slated for historic renovation. Were the citys actions justified, and if not, how can such demolitions be prevented in the future?

I do not think they should have knocked it down, particularly since there was a lot of information available about what the plans were for that building. I think communication is key. Im in communication with representatives of the Albany Housing Authority and Historic Albany Foundation and with people who work for the city office of development and planning. I think that other city agencies have an opportunity as well to keep informed. It would really be a good idea to have a basic plain sign that says, This building is slated for preservation and renovation by ______ and Please call ______ before initiating any action on this building.

Does the Fourth Ward/the city have a problem with gangs and/or youth violence, and if so, what should be done about it?

There is gang activity in Albany in various parts of the city, and even outside of the city limits. My focus isnt so much on youth violence as it is on building resources for young people so violence becomes much less of an appealing option. I see boredom and lack of activity, issues of self confidence and self-esteem, educational and academic success or lack thereof, emotional and physical isolation and perhaps abuse as all being factors in youth violence. Its an extremely complicated situation. I dont believe that zero tolerance by itself is going to get us the results that we want. I think we have to look inside of the lives of young people. No single institution or agency can do it by itself.

What is your vision for the Fourth Ward in four years?

Id like to see a lot more involvement by residents in determining what our quality of life might be. We need to have many neighborhood associations. We do have some, but we can have a lot more. I want us to have the same kind of relationship to the resources and decision making in the city as other parts of the city.

What is your vision for the city in four years?

For city government in general to address the needs of people as they live their daily lives. We would benefit from having more beat officers in some of our communities. Id like to see a more equitable distribution of resources throughout the city.

What is the best way to ensure voting rights, balancing between not making it hard for absentee voters to vote and protecting them from inappropriate pressure or tampering with their ballots?

The laws are already on the books. What we need is enforcement, clearly. We need to establish a political culture in which it is unacceptable that something a sacred as everyones vote is infringed upon. It shouldnt get to the level of the criminal justice system, but those who perpetuate something illegal in relation to our voting rights should be prosecuted.

Would you support prosecuting all alleged instances of voter fraud, including some that might be your political allies?

In order for it to work it would have to be across the board. It would be important for everyone to have their day in court and deal with the consequences of that.

What role can and should the Common Council play in improving the citys school system?

Im not sure that the City Council has any kind of power to affect the school system as the laws are written. But there are other ways that resources get deployed and that positive interventions happen. I would hope that we would be able see the Common Council as an ally in leveraging programs, resources, ideas, anything we can do to be helpful.

Cheryl Mackey (Not running in general election)

Albany Common Council Ward 4, Democrat

Why would you be good for this job?

I was born here, raised here, and have ties to the community and deep roots in the community, and I believe because of my ties I have a strong link to what the people need and are looking for in a Common Council person.

What is your top issue, and what would you do about it?

Dealing with the young people and trying to get them involved in the community and trying to get them in programs leading them to be productive in society. I want to work with the city entities and try to build up the programs that they already have in place, and try to get programs in there: nutritional programs, programs on sexual orientation, sexual well being, health matters. Right now I think a lot of our young people are lost in that area and theyre confused.

I believe there was a miscommunication between the offices in this particular instance and things got a little jumbled and thats why it ended up the way it did. We should have more effective communication when it comes down to demolitions to ensure, check, and double check that youre doing the right thing at that right moment.

Does the Fourth Ward/the city have a problem with gangs and/or youth violence, and if so, what should be done about it?

I think that there is a couple of gangs running around. I dont think theyre that rooted in the community. For the most part from what Ive been gathering from the neighbors, theyre loosely membered. I think theyre trying to gather momentum up. One of the things that I want to see is more police presence on the streets where this is happening, to start making arrests. This goes back to educating our children in regards to getting involved with the wrong crowd.

What is your vision for the Fourth Ward in four years?

My vision for the Fourth Ward is to take it back to where it once was in terms of homeownership. One of the things I would like to see is more businesses that will help vitalize the community. We have to rebuild and restructure things before we can entice businesses.

What is your vision for the city in four years?

I think as each ward develops itself, the city will be prosperous and move ahead in great strides. Its going to be ward by ward.

What is the best way to ensure voting rights, balancing between not making it hard for absentee voters to vote and protecting them from inappropriate pressure or tampering with their ballots?

When youre in a race like this, working or volunteering for someone, you should know all the rules and regulations, and you should know whats right and whats wrong. Putting pressure on someone, personally, myself, I dont do that when I go out petitioning, campaigning. I just want them to go vote. I dont like the idea that someones going to do something thats going to be illegal. It just makes me uncomfortable because Im not that kind of person.

Would you support prosecuting all alleged instances of voter fraud, including some that might be your political allies?

If its called for, certainly I do. If its called for. Just like anything else thats legal and in the law, you have to follow the rules and regulations.

What role can and should the Common Council play in improving the citys school system?

I think a lot of things can be done if we work as a team. The city is able to provide a lot of things that the school district may need. The district itself may be able to help the city in some way. One hand washes the other, and both hands wash the face.

WARD 6

photo:Craig T. Warga

Richard Conti

Albany Common Council, Ward 6, Democrat, Incumbent, endorsed by Working Families Party

What is your top issue this campaign?

The main issues Im concerned about are parking, general issues of quality of life and safety, and Park South. The real-estate market is another issue. Property values and sale prices are going up and its becoming harder for people who want to live here to find affordable housing.

Looking at the last four years, is there anything you would have done differently for Ward 6?

As Ive matured in public office, I probably do things differently nowadays than I did when I was first elected. I was rather green and an in-your-face person, and now my style is not necessarily to be confrontational, but to try to work with people and move issues forward, as opposed to being inflexible.

How would you address Park South residents concerns regarding potential use of eminent domain and declaring their community an urban renewal zone?

Throughout this entire process, we were very concerned about how the developer would interact with residents and what their approach would be. The ad-hoc committee recommended a developer, Winn Development, that has a record of never using eminent domain. The main thing I want to see in the revitalization project is rehabilitation, home ownership, affordable residences, affordable rental units, mixed-use, mixed-income, and working with residents to reinvest in their properties. The issue with eminent domain has been overplayed and hyped up. I dont think its been as significant a component as some people think its been.

What strategies for revitalization would you suggest?

In terms of selling the neighborhood, you shouldnt have to do a lot. It could be a great source of affordable housing for people looking to live downtown.

How would you respond to residents concerns about parking, and what changes are within the Common Councils power to effect?

Weve been pushing for a resident-parking permit system for a long time. We proposed a two-year pilot program that puts significant responsibility on the city and the council to do it the right way, otherwise when we go back to the Legislature were not going to get that renewal. We need to figure out ways to make more evening parking available for businesses that have patrons coming down. A few years ago I proposed a lease program where lots that werent used during off-hours or the evening might be available to residents through the parking authority. Theres not one solution, but a number of solutions that we have to label as creative thinking.

How do you balance the billing of Lark Street as an entertainment destination with the concerns of residents about noise and other street activity?

Ive tried to foster more dialogue between residents and businesses on those issues. The BID has tried to establish some standards regarding hours of operation that are more friendly to the neighborhood. I think you also have to look at concentrations of certain types of businesses in one area. Zoning is important, because its the real protection you have in maintaining a safe, balanced neighborhood.

How much input should the public have in city policy, and in which decisions should the public have the most input?

They should have input on everything. The public should have more involvement and a better understanding of the budget process, [because] were determining what your taxes are and how were spending that money. Id like to see the public more aware and involved in understanding the city finances.

What should the role of the Common Council be with respect to the Citizens Police Review Board?

We need to expect and assure that they are able to act in an independent manner. At the same time, the council has a responsibility to assure that things are operating efficiently. We should be there to help them in terms of any additional resources or change of law they might need to allow them to work more effectively.

photo:Alicia Solsman

Stephen Heath

Albany Common Council, Ward 6, Green Party

What is your top issue this campaign?

My key issue for this campaign is making sure that nobodys civil liberties are trampled on by the urban renewal area and the use of eminent domain in Park South.

Looking at the last four years, is there anything you would have done differently for Ward 6?

I dont think theres been nearly enough done to help save Park South. Its been deteriorating for years. Another thing Ive really disapproved of over the last four years is the lack of police accountability. The steps that have been taken have been cosmetic at best, like setting up the Police Review Boardreally all they did was set up a really big joke. It has no power, cant do anything and is ignored by the police. Give it some real power: the power to organize investigations, as well as the ability to suspend police officers.

How would you address Park South residents concerns regarding potential use of eminent domain and declaring their community an urban renewal zone?

Now more than ever its important that a candidate speak up and come out against the urban renewal area and what its possibilities are. A candidate needs to step forward and say that eminent domain will not be used on anyones home, except for abandoned properties. The urban renewal area is not renewalits replacement.

What strategies for revitalization would you suggest?

Just making sure that all the buildings are up to standard city code will be a really good first step. Putting cops on the beat and getting them out of their cars and into the neighborhoods learning peoples names is going to improve things. Theres one huge apartment building thats abandoned, the city could really step in there and show what environmental housing could dohow much money could be saved by going the environmentally friendly route.

How would you respond to residents concerns about parking, and what changes are within the Common Councils power to effect?

One thing the Common Council definitely has the power to do is to reduce the amount of traffic. Encourage bicycle travel throughout Albany and youll cut down on the number of cars. Permit parking is a really good system. It will give the community preferential parking.

How do you balance the billing of Lark Street as an entertainment destination with the concerns of residents about noise and other street activity?

We need to see a larger presence of local business on Lark Street. By bringing in more of the shopping district you can revitalize Lark Street [and] bring it back up to the level of economic prosperity it once had without bringing in a lot more noise in the middle of the night.

How much input should the public have in city policy, and in which decisions should the public have the most input?

There should be as much public input as possible. The urban renewal area is a good example. Most people have no idea whats going on. The public should have input on all decisions.

What should the role of the Common Council be with respect to the Citizens Police Review Board?

The role of the Common Council should be strengthening and moving it more into the peoples hands. If you want to rein in the police department you shouldnt have to come in after the fact. The Common Council needs to either give responsibilities to the Police Review Board or take them upon themselves.

Interviews by Rick Marshall

WARD 7

Cathy Fahey (Primary Winner)

Albany Common Council Ward 7, Democrat, WFP

What makes you good for this job?

Ive been a resident for over 25 years. Ive worked hard for schools, kids, and the community. Im an experienced leader who knows how to advocate to get things done. Its been gradual. I started out by getting involved in the PTAs, then the whole school district. I worked to elect good people to the school board. This is the next step for me, getting involved in citywide issues.

What is your top issue and what will you do about it?

Services for youth and a quality education. What are they doing after school? A lot of kids are being left unsupervised. I want to look at what the city provides and see how it can be improved, and ask where the money is being spent. Also important is responsible property ownership, encouraging people to buy homes in our neighborhood, and community-minded business development. Its important to rehabilitate buildings that need rehabilitation, like the Chocolate Gecko did. I want to encourage that kind of business development.

Should we build a convention center? If it is built, where should it go?

I do support the convention center, I think it will be great for jobs. Its important to have a community-benefits agreement to make certain that a certain percentage of jobs go to people who live locally, and a certain percentage to minorities, and there should be an apprentice training program. Its important to consider the effects on neighborhoodswhos going to pay the operating costs, and how will that affect taxpayers? Will it distract from the neighborhoods?

What is your take on charter schools?

Im very much against the way charter schools are funded. The public has no say. With public schools we elect school board members. The public schools are paying a huge amount$10 million, $30 million when the approved charters are fullthats a huge amount with no accountability.

What should the role of the Common Council be with respect to the Citizens Police Review Board?

I support the idea of a review board totally. Its important that when theres a serious complaint against the police an independent body listens to that complaint and investigates it. I dont know yet if they should have subpoena power. If they can use the Common Councils they may not need it.

What should be the standard for attendance at Common Council meetings?

There arent that many meetings. Absences should be rare.

What is your vision for Delaware Avenue?

Its important to preserve a way of life. Delaware and New Scotland Avenue still have locally owned pharmacies and grocery stores, and they still deliver to the homebound. We have very special businessesthe Spectrum, Cardonas. We can walk to them. Thats a very important aspect of life in both neighborhoods. We should build on and preserve what we have. We should also encourage homeownership by people who work in the city. There can be incentives with universities and colleges for their employees to own homes [in the city]. There should be more programs like that.

How would you deal with the perceived increase in crime and quality of life issues in the ward?

It comes down to how we care for our youth. If they receive a quality education and make connections with responsible adults and organizations they are a lot less likely to turn to crime. Also people have to earn a living wage.

How can we deal with the increase in outside investors in the ward, many of whom dont keep up their properties?

I could see developing a list of landlords who do keep their property up and supplying it to people interested in renting, as an incentive for other landlords. There are codes on the books, we need to look into getting those codes enforced. Its very difficult with landlords from out of state. In terms of encouraging homeownership, the city does a good job promoting tourismit could also promote its neighborhoods.

How can we get more people of color involved in neighborhood activities?

One of the greatest ways to make connections is through the churches. Also we can have stronger connections with schools and PTAs. People with kids care a lot about their community. We could offer activities that are family- friendly to attract a wider cross-section of people.

What can we offer the kids after school?

When someone comes to the city and says Id like to start a basketball league, Id like to think the city could embrace that, especially when its low-cost. There should be collaboration between city and school district on after-school and summer programs. Theres the summer jobs program, but we need more programs for the younger kids. We also need to do a better job getting the word out about programs that do exist. For the programs my kids participated in, it was word of mouth. Thats not enough.

Dan McGinn (Not running in general election)

Albany Common Council Ward 7, Democrat, Albany County Democratic Committee

What makes you good for this job?

What I bring is strong relationships with not just the community, but the elected officials serving us. Ive volunteered my time, worked on campaigns, often for people who are still around. In my 16 years of public service, I have often served as a trainer and facilitator, at meetings helping people to find common ground and guide brainstorming.

What is your top issue and what will you do about it?

Revitalizing the neighborhood, all neighborhoods. Thats why Im walking the ward, to see what people need. Im also concerned about security in the schools, and the quality of education. I also want to hold absentee landlords accountable.

Should we build a convention center? If it is built, where should it go?

It is a good idea, bringing in a lot of people to the region. Now, the Wellington, thats a strange location. Are they going to raze the whole area? I would look more toward the waterfront.

What is your take on charter schools?

I havent really jumped into that question yet.

What should the role of the Common Council be with respect to the Citizens Police Review Board?

The Common Council are a body independent from the mayor. The review board is important. They should still work together.

What should be the standard for attendance at Common Council meetings?

It should be 100 percent. I have three small childrensomething could come up. But it is a full time job in terms of time you have to put in.

What is your vision for Delaware Avenue?

Id like to see some road work, sidewalk work, like on Lark Street. Id like to get more community groups involved, more people involved.

How would you deal with the perceived increase in crime and quality of life issues in the ward?

With Kelton Court there will be a lot more kids. Not that kids are bad. Kids are kids. Id like to see more community patrols, more neighborhood watches, especially around Delaware, Whitehall, and Southern [Boulevard]. There should be a presence there, not just of police. The neighborhood associations do a great jobthey need more members. I want to get more of the community involved in community groups.

How can we deal with the increase in outside investors in the ward, many of whom dont keep up their properties?

The Spiegal law allows tenants and the county to hold back housing rent vouchers in an escrow account if there are code problems in an apartment, or in the common areas of a building. I would investigate using that. Neighborhood watches should also stay on top of code enforcement.

How can we get more people of color involved in neighborhood activities?

If it is disproportionate, it is up to the neighborhood associations and myself to get more people involved. I dont have the demographics in front of me. But the Common Council member should go out and recruit.

What can we offer the kids after school?

I think there are activities out there. There could always be more. John [DAntonio, commissioner of recreation] and the city put as much as possible out there. Parents need to take responsibility as well. Public school teachers need some help. I want to work with the school board. Im a facilitator, I bring people together and say Throw out ideas.

For more info: www.danmcginn.org

photo:Shannon DeCelle

Ford McLain (Primary Winner)

Albany Common Council Ward 7, Republican, Albany County Republican Committee, Capital Region Log Cabin Republicans

What makes you good for this job?

The first priority of a legislative leader is to identify key issues, analyze and evaluate the merits of various options and make an informed judgment based on the facts, the expressed needs of the citizens of Ward 7, and your own principles and judgment. I can do that. I can do it well, and I will engage more people in the process, by virtue of my not being a member of the majority party.

What is your top issue and what will you do about it?

My main campaign issues are improved infrastructure for business and commerce, enhanced quality of life for residents, holding and modeling high standards of behavior for our children, and increasing participation in the political process. My first priority is that attention be paid by the city government to the issues that impact residents most. My second priority is to ensure that the assets of the 7th Ward are promoted to the city at large and that we share in any plans for the citys economic development.

Should we build a convention center? If it is built, where should it go?

To be honest, I am not sure. Too many unknowns at this time. The Brookings Report gives me pause. The mayor has not explained why Albany is unique, compared to other capital cities with lackluster convention-center activity.

What is your position on charter schools?

I always support the concept of choice. How charter schools are developed, managed, funded, and how their outcomes are measured are what concern me. We need more data to analyze their efficacy. This also means that they need more time to perform. There is accountability, to the extent that schools can lose their charters for certain grades or for the whole program. New Covenant is an example. I do believe that the money should follow the child. I dont support unfunded mandates. Most important, however, is that I respect the judgment and appreciate the feelings of the parents who try charter schools.

What should the Common Councils role be in the Citizen Police Review Board?

A stronger Common Council would obviate the need for a Civilian Police Review Board. The Common Council should be the citys oversight mechanism to the Albany Police Department and all other executive departments. In a strong-mayor system, there needs to be a stronger Common Council.

What should be the standard for attendance at Common Council meetings?

The standard is you should attend every Common Council meeting you possibly can, barring death, dismemberment or any crisis you might have. [As a Republican,] I will be a caucus of my own, so decisions will need to be made and debated on the floor.

What is your vision for Delaware Avenue?

Delaware Avenue has a lot of neat specialty stores. I would like to see the infrastructure improve so people wouldnt have a problem shopping at night and we could attract more specialty storesmaybe a bookstore, a record store, an art gallery, coffee shops. We could look at how businesses are taxed, consider incentives.

How would you deal with the perceived increase in crime and quality of life issues in the ward?

I would lower the height of the lights on Delaware Avenue, at least in sections, so they are not obscured and its safe to walk. There should be a continued presence of beat cops, and maybe some way to use the outreach office for more communication. We should encourage neighborhood watches. If stores are going to market to a younger generation they have to hold high standards.

How can we deal with the increase in outside investors in the ward, many of whom dont keep up their properties?

I want to make sure buildings are up to snuff by staying on top of code enforcement. We need to articulate and hold our neighbors to high standards. In the worst case scenario (and Im loath to use this because I have a libertarian streak) we could consider eminent domain.

How can we get more people of color involved in neighborhood activities?

As a councilman I can do what I pledged to dohave regular office hours, serve as a resource. I can provide flyers to folknot just the usual suspects, but everyone. I would reach out to the PTAs.

What can we offer our kids after school?

The first thing we need to offer our children is security and the peace of mind to know that they will travel from school to home or work or any activities and get there safely. The second thing we can and do offer are various community activities, including mentoring, community service, work-related activities. But we need to ensure that we are coordinating our efforts between the various service agencies, the city and the schools. The last and most important thing we can offer kids is our faith in their capacity to succeed, high standards by which they can live, and personal and moral support to help them along the way. As an individual councilman, I have offered up the youth internship program for youth in my ward. That needs to be fleshed out, but its a start.

For more info: http://mclainforthe7th.blog spot.com

Richard Melinsky (Not running in general election)

Albany Common Council Ward 7, Republican, Albany City Republicans

What makes you good for this job?

Its basically the ability to speak to my neighbors in the 7th Ward. My ability to listen and see what their biggest concerns are, their hopes for the area and what they would like to see.

What is your top issue and what will you do about it?

First is going to be crime in the area. People have been mostly concerned with safety, crime. Traffic on Delaware Avenue is very congested, sometimes very fast. We need better enforcement of local traffic laws. We need the ability, empowerment to get out and enforce those laws to make sure kids arent out there at night, going through peoples property. We have to not make people feel like they have to always lock their doors. City crime is moving out toward these nice old neighborhoods, and people dont feel empowered. They feel trapped in their homes.

Should we build a convention center? If it is built, where should it go?

I do feel that downtown needs revitalization. We have to offer some sort of commerce downtown. Potentially a convention center could bring more people, more foot traffic. Potentially it could be a world-class venue for Albany, so Albany can be thought of as more than where state politics happen. At this current time Im not versed enough with the sites that have been proposed.

What is your take on charter schools?

We have to get to a point where we have local schools, so we dont have to send our kids to the other side of the city to get them educated. How do charter schools fit in that? Im not sureit could be supporting a charter school in an area where a public school closed or failed.

What should the role of the common council be with respect to the Citizens Police Review Board?

At this time Im not really well versed in that.

What should be the standard for attendance at common council meetings?

Since theyre only bimonthly meetings, there shouldnt be any problem. I think attendance should be 100 percent other than extenuating circumstances.

What is your vision for Delaware Avenue?

Id like to see smaller businesses move inId like to see smaller entrepreneurs feel this is an area where they can thrive. Id like to see small schools that cater to the children in the area. I see an area where children can play in the streets. An area where people like to buy homes because its clean, the schools are good, and its low-crime.

How would you deal with the perceived increase in crime and quality of life issues?

It has to be top down. Lets start enforcing local speed limits. Let the police go out and do the job theyre there for. It doesnt seem like theyre equipped enough whether its manpower or technology, to deal with the crime level weve got. I also support more neighborhood watches.

How can we deal with the increase in outside investors in the ward, many of whom dont keep up their properties?

We have to put a stop or a limitation on Section 8 housing that is moving farther and farther from the city into these neighborhoods and give young families a chance to start their own families here. There should also be legislation to make people keep up their properties.

How can we get more people of color involved in neighborhood activities?

Much of that has to do with knocking on the doors, letting people know this is not my neighborhood, not my neighbors neighborhood, its everyones neighborhood. Lets have points in time where we can go around and get to know each other and break down barriers of age, race, sex. We have common goals: Reduce crime, lowering taxes, our children having a world-class education.

What can we offer the kids after school?

Either on a national or state basis there are programs our neighborhoods can invest inBoys and Girls Clubs, basketball clinics. And there are other volunteer groups to give [the kids] an opportunity to get beyond their paradigms, as it were, and experience something beyond their own personal world: Volunteer with homeless, veterans. We should also find out what the churches are doing.

Brian Scavo

Albany Common Council Ward 7, Law and Order

What makes you good for the job?

Im the average man. Im just a working man. I bring the views of the average common taxpayers. Taxes need to come down; city services are low in the 7th Ward. The reason why things arent good in the 7th ward is that the mayor and Shawn Morris have been at war with each other for the past eight years. I would work with the present mayor. I would try to get the best deal for the 7th ward.

Whats your top issue and what will you do about it ?

Crime is the major issue. We need more cops on the beat. This whole ward is running down at the fastest rate Ive ever seen. Ive been walking door-to-door for 65 days. People are concerned about property taxes and school taxes. We need safe streets, safe schools. Im in favor of k-8 schools. No more busing. All the money from the school district, theyre wasting on gas and diesel. We need group homes for veterans, not group homes for convicted criminals.

Should we build a convention center? If it is built, where should it go?

If its going to bring the city revenue, Im for it. It should go downtown. I think they already have a spot in mind, and I dont remember where it is. It couldnt be uptown.

What is your take on charter schools?

I dont know enough about that issue. Most people are concerned about their school tax. Im not for the charter schools, they take away from our local schools.

What should the role of the Common Council be with respect to the Citizens Police Review Board?

I dont know enough about that to give an opinion. The police are doing a good job. They could be doing a better job.

What should be the standard for attendance at Common Council meetings?

I would be there every meeting.

What is your vision for Delaware Avenue?

It should be fixed up like Lark Streetmake it people-friendly. So you walk down the streets and feel safe.

How would you deal with the perceived increase in crime and quality of life issues in the ward?

More cops on the beat.

How can we deal with the increase in outside investors in the ward, many of whom dont keep up their properties?

I would try to persuade them to upkeep their property. If not, I would use the full force of the city law to make them. If not, they should be punished. When their properties run down it affects the people who live on the side streets off Delaware and Whitehall.

How can we involve more people of color in the neighborhood activities?

I think theyre already there. People of color are an active force in the 7th Ward. All Democrats are welcome in the 7th ward, in both neighborhood associations.

What can we offer the kids after school?

We dont have a recreation center in the 7th Ward for our kids. We could use that. Our kids need to be protected. Our senior citizens need to be protected.

Interviews by Miriam Axel-Lute

WARD 8

Annette De Lavallade (Not running in general election)

Albany Common Council, Ward 8, Republican, endorsed by Albany County Republican Committee

Why would you be good for this job?

I feel my experience, my platform would be of benefit to making our city a better city, and making my neighborhood much more enhanced, improved, and progressive. I was elected president of my graduating class at Northwestern; there were only five blacks in my class. I am known for putting in a lot of research, doing my homework. Im known for being able to get along with large numbers of people. Im known for being approachable. I have the intelligence to apply the knowledge that I have gained in terms of researching projects and looking for creative ways of doing things.

What is your top issue and what would you do about it?

I would like to see greater police visibility. Not because [the ward is] crime-ridden, but because it could be a preventive method. There have been spurts of crime, such as break-ins in certain neighborhoods. Id like to see greater emphasis placed on the beautification of the neighborhood. Im interested in having new businesses that complement the neighborhood, which helps to keep taxes lower [and] gives younger people and others an opportunity for employment in their neighborhood. I would like to see a citywide blight-removal program, replacing [blight] with first-time homeowners. We should increase school civility programs for neighborhood youth. Many young people today dont have enough respect for themselves, for their teachers and their community. Also, I would like to see how assisted living for seniors could be implemented in the ward.

What is your position on the charter-reform petition and commission?

I feel the City Council should have the opportunity to name at least two members to the Estimate and Apportion Committee. However, I do feel that whoever is the mayor should have the right to name his or her commissioners and department heads.

Do you support the convention center? If so, where should it go?

I would support a convention center because Ive been involved with organizations that couldnt hold a convention here because we didnt have adequate facilities. As far as where it should go, I would have to look at the logistics of traffic, look at the master plan of the city, look at the proximity of the convention center to other businesses, because we want to keep those business that are open flourishing. I would want to include a mix of people from various communities, especially the community in which the convention center would be located.

What is appropriate development for your ward?

First whats necessary is to develop a plan. People who live in the neighborhood would know if they need another restaurant as opposed to a Laundromat as opposed to a store that sells clothing. So I dont want to predict what that should be. One of the things people are concerned about is traffic. I wouldnt want, say a large Wal-Mart, or other large store which would disturb the ecosystem, which would disturb the sense of quiet.

What should be the standard for attendance for Common Council members?

Certainly one should not be as absent as others have been recently. I think you have a responsibility to attend as many meetings as possible. Given that, I know, because Im self-employed, there are going to be times when you cannot make it to a meeting. But the standard of participation should be to follow up to find out what happening. You can write a memo or letter and have it read into the record, [so] while you may not physically be able to be there, your presence will be counted.

The city budget shows the Capital Hills at Albany Golf Course to be losing money. Is this a good use of taxpayer money, and how might the course be handled differently?

Any time you take a look at a business you have to take a look at what contributes to those losses. Since I have not seen an analysis, I would not want to criticize what they are doing. Id like to see a golf course in Albany stay. We are working very hard at making the city more well-known from a high-tech point of view. If people are moving here from other points in the world, a golf course thats nearby is another attractive aspect. And of course, golf courses are great places for conducting business.

What should the Common Council and mayors role be with the school system?

It would be good to do an audit of how the schools function every other year, or every three years. Then the City Council could meet with the school board to discuss their feelings and their concerns. But since we have a school board that is elected by the community, they should have the ultimate responsibility for running the schools.

What should the Common Councils role be with respect to the Citizens Police Review Board?

I think the police review board should function as a review board and that they should report to the Common Council at least every two months, so that the Common Council has a good sense of the issues which are being presented, the issues they are able to resolve, the issues they are unable to resolve, and why.

John Rosenzweig (Primary Winner)

Albany Common Council, Ward 8, Democrat, endorsed by Ward 8 Democratic Committee

Why would you be good for this job?

I think my background as teacher, as a coach, as a member of the reapportionment commission for the city of Albany in 2001, and a current member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. I have experience in bringing groups of people together and forming a consensus. Any politician can take a concept and railroad it down his or her constituents throats, but the true art of any good politician is being able to bring the stakeholders in any given situation or issue to the table, understanding that everybody may not be able to be accommodated to their particular liking, but taking all the input from all the stakeholders and using that to come up with the best idea.

What is your top issue and what would you do about it?

I think that the major issue that we have in the 8th ward is quality-of-life issues. I know there were a lot of people opposed to [the new Kelton Court Middle School] for various legitimate reasons, and there were a lot of people who supported the school. The idea that we need to work with is the school is there now, and I would have to bridge the concerns of the residents with the promises that were made by the school district, and make sure that the new middle school is not just a neighbor to the residents of the 8th ward, but a good neighbor.

What is your position on the charter-reform petition and commission?

I am for open government. And the petition seems to speak to open government. From what I understand, the mayor has just appointed a commission thats going to come up with a more encompassing, deep review of the charter and deal with issues in addition to the one topic that is being looked at by this current petition. I think that we have to let the new commission run its course, and depending on if they come up with any recommendations or not, then well decide whether its time to follow through with the current charter [petition] thats circulating.

Do you support the convention center? If so, where should it go?

I most certainly support the building of a convention center. As a strong supporter of organized labor, I think that the construction of the convention center will prove to be a catalyst for job opportunities. I think it will increase tax revenue, which is desperately needed in the city. I also like to think about the convention center as a major piece for the economic-development puzzle that the residents of the city of Albany have experienced over the past 10-plus years. I think it will be welcomed and I think it will bring jobs to the community, not just for the short term but for the long term. Im sure that the [convention center authority] will do their due diligence to pick the most appropriate spot for this project.

What would you consider appropriate development in your ward?

There are very few parcels of land left in the 8th Ward to develop. Its primarily single-family residential neighborhoods. Anything that gets developed in future would have to be developed with that in mind. Any development that occurs should be of minimal impact because of the stress the roads are currently under because of the hospitals, the community centers, the senior housing, the schools.

What should be the standard for attendance for Common Council members?

I feel that attendance is critical. The constituents of the 8th Ward need a representative whos going to be responsive to the needs and concerns of the people. If theyre not in attendance regularly at Common Council meetings and other community meetings, theyre simply not going to be able to get that job done.

The city budget shows the Capital Hills at Albany Golf Course to be losing money. Is this a good use of taxpayer money, and how might the course be handled differently?

I think it would be prudent, if the citys losing money on the Capital Hills venture, to examine pricing for a round of golf and other activities that go on there to make sure they are appropriate and in line with other golf courses of a municipal nature. I dont currently know the statistics on the money being lost, and Im not sure on the fee rates being charged, but I do think it should be addressed, and it could be addressed by reassessing fees.

What should the Common Council and mayors role be with the school system?

Ive heard a lot of candidates say they want to work with the school district. Theres nobody on the Common Council, or the mayor, whos able to dictate where any part of the budget goes. Its important for the school district to reach out to the mayor and reach out to the Common Council, and I dont think it would be a bad idea for them to bring people on board form the city government to hear their concerns and hear how decisions made in the school district are affecting other parts of the city and how changes made in the city are affecting the school district.

What should the Common Councils role be with respect to the Citizens Police Review Board?

From what I understand, the Citizens Police Review Board is made up of dedicated, hard-working people who have an open line of communication with the Common Council. Keeping that open line of communication is going to be critical to its success.

For more information: rosenzweig8@nycap. rr.com.

Robert Sheehan

Albany Common Council, Ward 8, Democrat, Working Families, endorsed by Working Families Party.

Why would you be good for this job?

Number one, my ability to work with other people; in this case, the Common Council. I recognize the importance of being able to work with other alderpersons. Im the youngest of nine childrenit was difficult not to learn quickly to get along with others. Realistically, the role of the Common Council in my mind is to help not only generate legislation thats going to help the people you represent, but also respecting the needs of 14 other wards in the city and being able to come up with a consensus to get things done.

What is your top issue and what would you do about it?

One of them is meeting and addressing the needs of our aging population. There seems to be a growing number of people in Albany, in the 8th Ward, who are aging. What services can the city provide, like plowing sidewalks in the winter? It would benefit not only the elderly homeowners who didnt have to go out and shovel, but also allow kids to walk safely to school. Number two is maintaining the residential character of the neighborhoods in the 8th Ward. The 8th Ward is made up largely of single-family homes, and there seems to be a high percentage of owner-occupied homes. I think thats very important characteristics to maintain.

What is your position on the charter-reform petition and commission?

I was a founding member of the Albany Civic Agenda [which is sponsoring the petition]. I see [the petition] as a way to balance power and control between the legislative and executive branch. In my mind this is not going against the mayor. It is a true good-government initiative that provides a better level of accountability, checks, and balances. I would welcome the opportunity to address the commission. I think its premature to determine what they will come up with. They seem to be a pretty good group of people, although I would have liked to have seen somebody from Albany Law School or Rockefeller College of Government, somebody who would have an academic background, but not necessarily a vested interest in the outcome.

Do you support the convention center? If so, where should it go?

I read the Brookings report with great interest. When you look outside the borders of the city of Albany, I see too much capacity with too little demand on convention centers. Certainly the idea of jobs in the construction is appealing. Who wouldnt want that? But the reality is Albany is part of a local, regional world that all have to compete for convention-center business. I worry about the financial commitment without the payoffs.

What would be appropriate development for your ward?

Theres very little commercial in our district, and it really centers around Crestwood Plaza. That seems to be a convenient area, and it seems promising that there has been a new pharmacy that has opened up, within walking distance of many many people. I view a pharmacy as kind of a necessity in the a neighborhood. I know many people mourn the loss of Crestwood Market. A supermarket would be a great asset to the neighborhood if we could find a company who would have the commitment and could find enough space.

What should be the standard for attendance for Common Council members?

Thats a no-brainer. Barring some illness or extraordinary circumstances, the expectations should be that any member will attend all meetings.

The city budget shows the Capital Hills at Albany Golf Course to be losing money. Is this a good use of taxpayer money, and how might the course be handled differently?

I know there are a lot of people who enjoy that golf course. Im not in a position to state it should be run differently.

What should the Common Council and mayors role be with the school system?

Several years ago voters approved and decided that there should be a separation between City Hall and Academy Park. I agree with that continued separation. I think most of the voters would. As a member of the Common Council we have an opportunity to look for areas where the school district and the city can coordinate efforts not only to improve services, but in the end save taxpayers money.

What should the Common Councils role be with respect to the Citizens Police Review Board?

I think theres great demand from the public for this issue to be covered more. I would support taking a fresh look at the board to see if we could provide investigatory powers as well as some more resources to not only investigate issues, but also have the power to follow through.
For more info:

Joe Sorce (Primary Winner)

Albany Common Council, Ward 8, Republican, Independent

Why would you be good for this job?

Theres a lot of people missing the target. We get into these special interests and forget that the citys made of neighborhoods. I want to build communities. I like to lead by example. Im not out there for power.

What is your top issue and what would you do about it?

My top issue is quality-of-life issues: neighborhood crime, violence, especially gang-oriented. How important is charter reform compared to these issues?

What is your position on the charter-reform petition and commission?

Its special-interest democracy. [The petition] is being promoted by the same individual who put the neighborhoods down when they tried to get a ballot question on Kelton Court. If you have a Common Council that is ineffective, why give them more power? Im all for open democracylet the voters decide. I do think it would be good for the Common Council to have confirmation power. But on the Board of Estimate, why switch it from three-to-one to one-to-three? If you must, make it two-to-two.

Do you support the convention center? If so, where should it go?

Im against bad growth. I just cant see how it could be a good idea. I dont think we have the infrastructure to deal with convention-center traffic. I think its just a way to get VLTs. I would like to see a plan that said this-and-this are coming. My son is involved in karate, and weve tried to get the Karate Nationals herethey wont come here.

What constitutes appropriate development for your ward?

Whitehall is one of the largest residential areas standing in the city. We should encourage mom-and-pop shopsthat builds community. We should keep out box stores. The acreage at the end of Whitehall and New Scotland [avenues] should be a four-to-six acre park. And a senior centerI would name it the Dan OConnell Senior Service Center.

What should be the standard for attendance for Common Council members?

You cant make a decision if youre not there.

The city budget shows the Capital Hills at Albany Golf Course to be losing money. Is this a good use of taxpayer money, and how might the course be handled differently?

It goes back to marketing and advertising. It doesnt get enough publicity. We should market it as a proactive force, get kids involved.

What should the Common Council and the mayors role be with the school system?

The city has to work [together with] the school administration to bring safety and security. We need to involve the district attorney. The Common Council should work with the mayor.

What should the Common Councils role be with respect to the Citizens Police Review Board?

I believe in three branches of government. Lets give the judicial branch what it needs. They should have full subpoena power. If youre going to do it, if youre really using them as a watchdog for bad behavior, let them do it.

For more information: votesorce.blogspot.com.

Craig Waltz (Not running in general election)

Albany Common Council, Ward 8, Democrat, Independent

Why would you be good for this job?

There are a lot of reasons. Ive been involved with a lot of neighborhood issues. I walked my first picket line at age 5. Ive been president of the Helderberg Neighborhood Association. Im a trained facilitator, with the ability to bring together groups that start out screaming at each other, and get them to calm down and agree to a rational solution. Im currently a member of CSEA. Im chair of the CANA [Council of Albany Neighborhood Associations] schools committee. I worked on charter reform the last time the charter was revised.

What is your top issue and what would you do about it?

There are a few. Neighborhood planning. Ive worked on the plan for the midtown colleges. I would like to see new life breathed into the upper New Scotland plan, which has been dead on the vine for a couple years. We need a new cable contract. It should have not just one public-access channel, but a package. Im interested in charter reform, and living wage. You cant expect people to live in the city if they dont earn a living wage. In Ward 8, Im concerned about zoning. Theres been the same boarded-up building at the corner of Whitehall and New Scotland for years, showing that demolition by neglect is not limited to any one neighborhood.

What is your position on the charter-reform petition and commission?

I think the mayors response [to the petition] is the one I would have given in his place. True reform is not a matter of political convenience. I spoke out at the time of the last reform commission calling to abolish the Board of Estimate and Adjustment or make it have more people. The people leading the petition and the mayor should sit down and address all the outstanding issues. It will take more than 80 days. I know theres a lack of trust on both sidesIve been on both. But we need people committed to the goals.

Do you support the convention center? If so, where should it go?

I support the construction. The school facilities plan has taught me not to rush into locations. There should be community input on where it should go. There should be a community-benefits agreement. The people hired should be from the community itself, and paid a prevailing wage. There should be a project labor agreement.

What would be appropriate development for your ward?

The problem with the 8th Ward is there really isnt [a business district]. Theres Stewarts and a few buildings around that, and theres Crestwood Market, where [Jagat] Patel just opened a pharmacy that has been very well received. We need a comprehensive plan so big-box stores cant come in and build stuff that is completely out of touch with the neighborhood. I adamantly oppose spot zoning. At every stage the public should get to weigh in.

What should be the standard for attendance for Common Council members?

One-hundred percent. While I was president I didnt miss a meeting of the neighborhood association. I fail to see why our elected officials should do any less. Granted, things happen.

The city budget shows the Capital Hills at Albany Golf Course to be losing money. Is this a good use of taxpayer money, and how might the course be handled differently?

Its an investment. There should be an ongoing performance audit of all city recreation facilities. They are for recreation, not a means of profit. But still we dont want to be pouring money into something only a small percentage of people use. Could things be done differently? Probably. But without an audit we wont know whats wrong. I would encourage the comptroller to get involved.

What should the Common Council and mayors role should be with the school system?

There is room at the table. The school board must be an independent body, but there are places where there are shared costs and concerns. I see joint grant applications, work on a solid cable contract that would get free broadband for the schools, and an institutional network to link schools with local colleges.

What should the Common Councils role be with respect to the Citizens Police Review Board?

Its the councils responsibility to make sure the board is doing its job and recommend change if necessary. The police have a legitimate concern when they say they are being judged by people who dont know their job. The council has a responsibility to provide training to the board so they do know. That hasnt been the focus. Right now the board is pretty toothless.

For more information: www.waltz2005.com.

Interviews by Miriam Axel-Lute

WARD 11

Alfredo D. Balarin

Albany Common Council Ward 11, Independent

What has shaped you as a candidate?

I believe the community is our greatest resource, and I dont think thats been taken advantage of. Ive been involved in community organizations since I was very young; Ive seen a lot of good things get done. Ive lived in Albany for seven years and in the ward for four. A lot of concerns have not been addressed. People are tired of that, and so am I.

Why are you running?

I got a flyer under my door from [incumbent] Glen [Casey], and it said, I walk the community once a year and send out an annual newsletter. People jog and run this district every day. My top goal is to raise what is expected of our council membersits not just attending meetings, but getting out into the community and taking a leadership role in the communityand to increase accountability.

Do you support the convention center?

I would have to see a detailed plan on 1) how many long-term, short-term jobs would it create, 2) what the economic benefit is and 3) how will it affect the quality of life of the community where its located. If they have all passed, then they have my yea vote. If not, then we need to find a new location or new ways to get it up and running.

What is your position on charter schools?

I work in the district as a substitute teacher, so I see firsthand how it works. I support charter schools because I support public schools. They have the flexibility to attempt new initiatives. The successful ones can be integrated into public schools. The issue is funding. We should shift the burden to the state and federal government. It comes down to making sure kids get a good education no matter what school they go to.

How important is attendance for a council member?

If you are given the privilege and obligation to represent the community, you should make every effort to make every meeting. I understand there are health and family issues. However, if that gets in the way of performing your job then you need to think of whats best for the community and step down. [Some] council members have missed 25 percent of their meetings in the last three years. I think thats appalling. Youre not representing your community, and its not right.

What in your mind constitutes sufficient notice of public hearing?

Its not just about the time issue but the medium being used to get information out. I have two strategies that can be implemented very easily: Get a Web page that is constantly updated and a Listserv full of information, and a quarterly newsletter. If you dont let the people know whats going on, youre just someone with a title, and thats not what I want to be.

What is your understanding of the Common Councils relationship with the Civilian Police Review Board?

They appoint members to the board. They should allow the board to have their own say. You are entrusting them with this political position, so you should trust their decisions and trust they will make the right ones.

How much responsibility do you feel for Central Avenue?

It is a small part of the district, but its on the border of a large part of the district. So I do feel a responsibility for it, but I feel most responsibility for the small businesses there. Im a big supporter of small businesses. I also think more attention needs to be paid to the side streets, because thats where the business owners live and we need to deal with their issues.

What is your take on the Working Families Party?

They are part of the process. All parties have the right and obligation to push the issues they think are important. I would like to work with them.

Interview by David King

Glen Casey (Primary Winner)

Albany Common Council, Ward 11, Democrat, Incumbent

What has shaped you as a candidate?

Ive learned a lot since when I first came in. Before sitting on the council I spent time working on the Hillary Clinton campaign, for Chuck Schumer in Brooklyn, spent time as a White House intern and worked in a New York City oversight committee. I had also been involved in neighborhood organizations, and it all prepares you to some degree. But it takes 10 to 20 hours a week spending time with neighborhood organizations and walking the district once a year and putting out a yearly newsletter.

Do you support the convention center?

I support the convention center. It will create a lot of jobs in construction and in the hotel. Under the apprentice program, any construction that costs over $250,000 has to use certified apprentices. Were trying to push to make sure at least 85 percent of the construction workers will be local. This needs to be developed with outreach for the community. People assume its going to be built on the corner of State and Eagle, but there are three proposed locations including the one at the bus stop. It is not a done deal by any means.

What is your position on charter schools?

Currently, I dont have a problem with them. They provide an opportunity for people who want to get out of the public-school system but dont have a lot of money. My problem with them is they are taking the money out of public schools and it plays havoc with the public schools budgets. I supported the moratorium on charter schools. They were supposed to find alternative funding rather than hurting public schools and possibly raising taxes.

How important is attendance for a council member?

Its important to introduce laws and legislation and you cant do that if youre not there. [Editors note: From 2002 to 2004, Glen Casey has missed 20 Common Council meetings, the 4th highest number of absences among the 15 members of the council.]

What is your understanding of the Common Councils relationship with the Civilian Police Review Board?

The councils role is to facilitate as much as they can to make sure [the board has] the tools necessary to conduct investigations. If there is an officer not doing his job, being rude to citizens or causing problems, we have to take care of that as quickly as possible. I believe in checks and balances. They should bring their concerns to the council. Im not opposed to subpoenas at all. . . . Some of these documents take too long to get, and in certain instances where it was brought up, the effort for the subpoena wasnt worth the time.

What, in your mind, constitutes sufficient notice of a public hearing?

Two weeks is sufficient time. The council needs to put together a list of interested parties, including neighborhood groups, to make sure they are aware.

How much of a responsibility do you feel for Central Avenue?

I feel a certain amount of responsibility. I sit on the Central Avenue Business Improvement District. Im always being kept updated. The portion that I have in my ward is not that big, but any time there is a problem it is brought to my attention.

What is your take on the Working Families Party?

It fills a role the Democrats are not currently filling. Certain individuals are not happy with the ways the Democrats are operating. These are people are who are technically otherwise Democrats. We have lots of work to do to bring them back.

Peter Caravappa
photo:Alicia Solsman

Peter Caracappa (Not running in general election)

Albany Common Council, Ward 11, Democrat

What has shaped you as a candidate?

I got involved in the Dean campaign, never having been involved in the political process. I started my own mailing list in January 2003, before I knew people all over the country were doing the same thing. I was a meet-up leader for this area. I cared about what [Dean] said. What resonated most is the idea that someone has to do this and if youve got something to give you have to give it. Progressive candidates are needed at all levels of government, from mayor to dog catcher, although Im not sure about the divide between Republican and Democrat at the dog-catcher level.

Why are you running?

I think the form of government that can have the greatest effect on day-to-day life is county and city government. Those levels of government should be most engaged with the people. People tend to pay less attention to local politics unless there is a focusing issue. My opponents issues were never entirely clear to me. Im not an anti-Glen candidate, but if I was entirely satisfied with what he has done I wouldnt be running. My biggest beef with him is his lack of engagement in the community.

Do you support the convention center?

Its not an unqualified yes or no. Its not a bad idea as an idea. It has the potential to be implemented poorly. We need an understanding of how it will benefit the surrounding communities. Im not crazy about the proposed State Street location. If the process is going to take place, we need to have a community benefit agreement to ensure investment in the local community.

What is your position on charter schools?

I do not support charter schools. There has been absolutely no evidence that they have benefited anyone since their creation in Minnesota in the early 90s. They drain money from public education. The money follows the student and that ignores the fixed costs of the public-education system that arent accounted for in the formula. I support reintegration. Id like them to go away, but I dont want them to fail. I would like the children in them to have a chance to succeed.

How important is attendance for a council member?

They say decisions are made by those who show up. Occasional absences due to sickness or job pressures are understandable, but recurring absences are not.

What is your understanding of the Common Councils relationship with the Civilian Police Review Board?

In the ideal case, its the Civilian Police Review board. I would prefer to see the review board given the power to do what it wants to do, as opposed to the council stepping in on their behalf, because that is far too subject to the whims of politics.

What, in your mind, constitutes sufficient notice of a public hearing?

In the age we live in today we should have easy public access in a single place. We should provide all applicable info, including what the meeting is in regards to, who is supplying it, what is the proposal. The same goes for proposed ordinances and laws. Resolutions are all typed up and given to members of the council. Instead of just posting the charter code, why cant you get the full information available? There is a digital divide in sections of the city. They dont have Internet access, and we need to see what resources we have to bridge that. Im originally from Philadelphia, and they are looking at creating a municipal, city-wide Internet service that gives e-mail and basic Web interaction. It doesnt require a lot of computing power. We should be able to provide very basic, no-frills access to the Web without unreasonable cost.

How much of a responsibility do you feel for Central Avenue?

Central and what happens on Central is at most a block away from my ward. It should be the best place to be. I have a high interest in Central Avenue.

What is your take on the Working Families Party?

The party is a strong advocate for issues that are important to working people. New York is one of two states where cross-endorsement is permitted. They support the candidates who are in tune with their issues. They are an advocacy group for a set of issues that they will advocate for regardless of electoral issues, due to the dominant parties not addressing the issues they want to see addressed.

For more information:

Photo:Alicia Solsman

David Lussier

Albany Common Council Ward 11. Green Party, Working Families Party.

What has shaped you as a candidate?

Im not a policy wonk. Ive read books about urban planningit was a minor of minebut Ive lived in this neighborhood for seven years. Ive done fire and water restoration. I know what it takes to bring a building back. Ive seen it happen. Ive done it myself. I graduated from SUNY Albany in 2001 after studying sociology and urban planning. I interned at the Department of Planning. I was vice president of the Washington Square Neighborhood Association.

Why are you running?

Abandoned buildings are the issue. For me personally the boarding up is the biggest problem. If the building is vacant, its vacant, but you put those boards up and that is it. It all starts with one building getting boarded up and then it spreads like a disease. Everyone knows the broken windows theory. I would raise the penalties for abandoned buildings and make owners give a reason for them being boarded up. Ive spoken to contractors who say it costs more for a permit to do restoration and make repairs than to pay the $200 abandoned buildings fee and I would change that.

What should the role of the Common Council be with respect to the Civilian Police Review Board?

We need to give them teeth. The review board needs to be effective. We need to make it so citizens dont see the police as the enemy. In fact I would like to see an independent, city-wide audit of the police department. After 60 years, things tend to fall through the cracks. I dont like to use the word corruption. I will leave it at that.

Do you support the convention center? If so, where should it go?

Im generally against it. Convention centers are almost always boondoggles. They dont return the kind of jobs and money that they should. Its more than just a community benefit agreement. They would have to show me exactly how the community and city would benefit.

What is your stance on charter schools?

Education is phenomenally important. I would like to see more money put into education in general. I would like to see more public schools built. I am generally opposed to charter schools. I would like to see more vocational education put into public schools and money invested for after-school programs. If you give kids something to do and a trade, they will stay off the streets. If they dont have a trade they will find other ways to make money, including drugs.

How important is attendance for a council member?

I mean, honestly, there are only two a month. There is no reason to miss a meeting short of family disaster.

What, in your mind, constitutes sufficient notice of a public hearing?

There are so many places people get information. A couple weeks is sufficient time but the issue is where people are going to get it. The council needs to reach out to media resources from Metroland to the Times Union, and radio like WRPI.

How much of a responsibility do you feel for Central Avenue?

I feel like downtown is the best possible of investments. If you have a lively and active downtown you can bring in lively and active residential, business.

What is your take on the Working Families Party?

The WFP is similar to the Greens in a lot of ways. I took their survey and I didnt find one issue I disagree with them on. They are just more willing to endorse Democrats than the Greens are. If I am elected they would have my ear. I am in favor of third parties. The system needs to be more accessible.

Justin Teff

Common Council, Ward 11. Democrat.

What has shaped you as a candidate?

I have great admiration for Albany history. Learning that history, you realize politics and government are not just about making laws, but instead about helping people with any problems they might have on a day-to-day basis. Ive lived in Albany a little over 10 years. I currently practice worker compensation law. I graduated SUNY Albany and Albany Law School. At that point I realized I loved the city and I wasnt leaving.

Why are you running?

Public safety is the real issue I am concerned with. Secondary, but as important, is education. I think that Albanys future is going to be constrained as long as people dont feel comfortable raising their family in our city. Having a good public-school system people can really feel safe about is another key component. I think we need more community-policing efforts and permanent foot-patrol officers. I dont want to blanket Albany with police, but everyone Ive talked to are worried there is not enough of a presence. I would like to see Albany with a separate community court, where we can give more attention to more quality-of-life offensives like loitering for malicious activity, dog leashes, and noise. Those issues tend to clog up the courts. Its the broken windows theory: If you begin to address the smaller quality-of-life issue the neighborhood will see a reverse in decay and a lessening in the FBI index crimes.

Do support the convention center? If so, where should it go?

I dont have a strong opinion on where it should go. I generally support any project that can increase commerce and economic development to Albany. To be comfortable with it I would need to see most of the labor is local and living-wage. Ive been to a lot of gatherings in the Pepsi Arena and sometimes it seems we have a problem filling that center, so Im not sure of the efficacy of having another convention center in Albany. But if people are going to use it and its going to bring more business into Albany, increase the tax base in Albany, and bring in more business, then it is probably a very good idea.

What is your position on charter schools?

As Ive talked to the residents in my ward Ive come to understand more the importance to many people to have an immediate alternative to the current situation. Still, the charter system is like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. We may be masking the underlying problems. I would like to see them integrated back into the school system and see the real problems addressed.

How important is attendance for a council member?

I think it has a direct correlation to the degree of care one has to a particular endeavor or goal. I dont think an elected official can begin to listen to understand or deal with their constituents concerns if the official cant even bother to show up to the public meetings to which the citizens are invited to speak and express their opinions.

What should the role of the Common Council be with respect to the Civilian Police Review Board?

Any review board without its own investigatory and adjudicatory powers is pretty much engaging in an academic exercise. I think if anyone in the community wants the review board to have a real effect then the delegation of power between the council and the board is going to need to be reconsidered.

What, in your mind, constitutes sufficient notice of a public hearing?

In my mind, several weeks to a month should be sufficient. Its more about the form and content of the notice. People have a responsibility to participate in government, but the government has a responsibility to keep the citizens informed.

What responsibility do you feel for Central Avenue?

Central is exceptionally important to me. Ive lived on the corner at the intersection of Washington, Lark and Central for 10 years now. There are over 100 residents living in the Townsend tower alone. As Ive been speaking to business owners they seem to share the same concerns our residents do. In short, the small part of Central that is in my district will reserve the same attention it deserves along with the rest of my ward.

What is your take on the Working Families Party?

They arent endorsing me.

WARD 14

Joseph Igoe (Primary Winner)

Albany Common Council, Ward 14, incumbent, Democrat, endorsed by Albany City Democratic Committee

Why are you running?

I was born in this community and this is where I raised my family. I have learned to work for my constituents with my compromise and persuasive skill. I listen to my constituents; they are my boss. I walk my district every weekend, [even] in December, January, and February, and let me tell you it was a lot easier to walk it then than now in this heat. I have 32 years of legislative experience.

Public safety, jobs, education, taxes: All the main issues overlap and are connected. Sexual offenders are certainly an issue. I would like to see an extension of Megans Law. Im not sure we can do constitutionally what we would like to do, like restricting where they live. The recidivism rates just arent acceptable. Look at what is going on down at Hackett. We dont know if this guy is an offender, but the kids are scared. Taxes are a problem. Weve got housing prices going up, but we need to make sure people can afford to live in them.

Do you support the convention center, and if so, where should it go?

I think Albany has a lot to offer. Id like to see a hotel go with the center. There arent enough hotel rooms in Albany even during the sporting events we have now. Id like to see more jobs created with it, and not just construction. About where it goes, well the board is not in place yet, but Im sure there will be intelligent people appointed. I know there were three proposed locations, but I think the board could be wiped clean. I would personally like to see it added as an extension to the South Mall.

What is your take on charter schools?

I was a cosponsor of the moratorium against charter schools. When the law was passed it was done in haste. It should have started out with one or two. I dont think there is accountability. It is currently an unfunded mandate. Its taking away money from public schools. They are allowed to cherry-pick students. Its undermining the education system in general.

Do you think the council needs term limits?

Limits have always been in reach. If people think we need them, people could put them in place.

How important is attendance for a council member?

It is disturbing when I see some of the records. Sure, there are some excuses. I have only missed three. I am on record as having missed four. I attended a meeting for two and a half hours after having spinal fusion surgery. I sat there through the public hearing about the police in a brace after I wasnt supposed to even sit in a car. I didnt stay for the vote so they marked me absent.

Do you think the council spends too much time on downtown?

About three years ago we did a neighborhood restoration and it worked out well. I have no complaints about it right now.

What kind of development is appropriate for your district?

There really isnt much open space left for development in our district. They were going to install a high-rise on Krumkill. I was up for compromise, but my constituents, the neighborhood, was against it, and I changed my mind. I would have voted against it.

What should the councils role be regarding the Citizens Police Review Board?

I think what the council and the public came up with is working fine now. We had a meeting with the board to see what we could do to help them and they never brought up subpoena powers. I think subpoena powers are currently restricted by union contracts and civil-service law as it is. It is still a work-in-progress.

Michael Whalen (Not running in general election)

Albany Common Council Ward 14, Democrat

Why are you running?

I think the 14th ward is the backbone of the city. We pay the most taxeswe have been reassessed twice. [In the] most recent reassessment, there was a 4-percent added tax that was blamed on a consultants error. As a result of that we want to feel confident in our public safety, confident in our management, confident in our school districts. People want to feel safe, and I dont get the sense that we are getting the neighborhood attention that we should have. There are a lot of good things happening in Albany, but neighborhoods have been seemingly left out of that, and I think that we need an independent council. The council has for many years been a part of an archaic party system. I believe that Albany hasnt reached the heights it should reach to become to the celebrated city we should be, we can be.

Do you think the council spends too much time on downtown?

Spend too much time? Im not sure thats the word I would use. But I think we need to look at Albany in a global waynot just how we can reach out to the rest of the world but how each neighborhood can reach out to each other. What goes on in the South End does have ramifications on the psyche of the people in the 14th ward. What goes on in the 14th ward has ramifications on what goes on in Arbor Hill.

What kind of development is appropriate for your district?

We had a Krumkill road issue that was significant. You need to be smart in development; this is a neighborhood, you know. The proposal wasnt a good proposal for the ward. So many people stood up and said it was a bad idea and a bad location. I dont think it necessarily mattered what it was. It was just where it was and how it stood against what is very important, which is the neighborhood, the preservation of neighborhoods.

How important is attendance for a council member?

To me its not an issue, because I think Joes attendance has been fine. Obviously you have got to be there. Just being there isnt really the answer: Youve got to be a voice while youre there. People are going to miss. 100-percent attendance is almost sort of . . .

Do you think the council needs term limits?

I think I believe in the concept of a citizens legislature: You step forward, you lead, you put forth an agenda, you have a strong voice, and either you move up the political spectrum or you move out and make way for the next voice, because if youre going to be innovative youve got to have fresh ideas. It takes new people to do that. Term limits? No, I dont believe in them. I think the citizenry will take care of that. But I also think its incumbent on the officeholder to recognize their own limitations. Its not a lifetime commitment; it should not be a reward.

Do you support the convention center, and if so, where should it go?

Obviously I think the idea of a center is a good one, but it has to be done smartly in the right place. It has to be done with consideration to historic preservation it has to be done in consideration of long-term debt issues. Is this for many generations or just for the people who are living here now? I hope it is here for many, many generations. I know downtown would be a preference. Ive heard the most recent discussions about how centers dont do the development that they should, but Im not sure how appropriate that is here because we have the sitting legislative body and there would seem to be a significant correlation between having the state government housed in Albany and all the potential business that could be driven into a convention center.

What is your take on charter schools?

I dont like them. We seem to be the Petri dish and thats inappropriate. The results arent in. You know its an experiment and I dont think in any experiment we should saturate one market. Having said that, maybe there is a long-term benefit that we dont know, but lets wait to see. I think a moratorium in Albany is important cause we have so many right now.

What should the councils role be regarding the Citizens Police Review Board?

From my knowledge of it, its an independent board and it was structured because there was a lack of confidence in public safety. Not a lack of confidence in certain police officers, or necessarily in policing, because I think there is a good number of quality officers, but again there is a perception issue.

Interviews by David King

Joseph Photo Credit:Alicia Solsman

Interviews by David King


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