by Bea Peterson
Four candidates are running unopposed for Village Trustees in the Hoosick Falls election on Wednesday, March 18. Though running unopposed, they deserve the support of everyone in the Village. It doesn’t take long to show that support. Stop into the Municipal Building and cast a vote. The polls are open from noon to 9 pm.
[private]Ric DiDonato, Kevin O’Malley and Bob Ryan are running for re-election for two year terms. Karen Sprague is running for one year to complete the term of former Trustee Jeremy Driscoll, who moved from the Village.
Ric DiDonato has served on the Village Board since 2008 when he was appointed to complete the term of Mary Bradley. He has been Deputy Mayor for the last two years. He has overseen the development of the Village website. He is particularly pleased with the Hoosick Rising project. “We have tried similar projects in the past, but this one has been the most successful,” he said.
“We hired good facilitators (Camoin Associates), and they keep us on track.” He is hoping to see the Hoosick Rising efforts bear fruit. Another important project facing the Village “is taking care of the water issue,” he said.
Kevin O’Malley was also appointed to fill an unexpired term. He is running for his second full term. He previously served on the Hoosick Town Board for 12 years. O’Malley doesn’t see the Village Board’s accomplishments as the result of any one person. “It’s a real group effort,” he said. “The Mayor has been great.” One of his projects was the new signs entering the Village.
What he would like to see accomplished during his next term is a wrap up of work on the Greenway and cleared access to the levy. “Water and sewer issues definitely need our support,” he said.
Bob Ryan is running for his second term as Village Trustee. He served on the Hoosick Town Board for 20 years. And more than 25 years ago he served a two year term on the Village Board. Getting the Emergency Snow Removal plan back on track has been a big accomplishment and has made a difference, particularly for rescue workers. He feels the key accomplishment of this administration has been the cooperation between the Town and the Village. “It’s very important what’s happening,” he said, “in many areas, but particularly with the Highway Departments.”
In the coming years he hopes to see that Town and Village cooperation continue. HAYC3 has been very supportive as well, he pointed out. Recently HAYC3 arranged to have the Sheriff’s Department bring incarcerated people to the Village, and they dug out over 30 snow covered fire hydrants.
Karen Sprague was appointed to the Board this year to replace Trustee Jeremy Driscoll, who moved from the Village. Sprague is the first woman to serve on the Board since 2008. Last summer she retired from Trustco Bank after 38 years. “It was important for me to be available for my family,” she said. With her financial background she feels her role on the Board will be with the budget. “I like to see the Town and the Village working together to cut costs,” she said. “I would love to find more tax breaks for residents, to cut costs and to see us get more for our dollar.”
Sprague grew up on Main Street and, interestingly, all of her jobs have been on Main Street. She and her husband Richard are HFCS graduates. They have three children and four grandchildren.[/private]