Ingrid Gundrum To Seek Election To Rensselaer County Legislature In District 5
Will Focus on Economic Revitalization, Broadband and Road Improvement
Grafton Town Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum has announced her candidacy for Rensselaer County Legislature.[private] Gundrum says she wants to use her business and public service experience to improve the economic climate and strengthen needed services in eastern Rensselaer County.
Elected to the Town Council in 2014, Ingrid was elected Supervisor in 2015. Her work with the town extends public and community service that includes 12 years as Confidential Assistant to the late Sheriff Daniel V. Keating.
Today, she operates Gundrum Lumber, a family-owned business established in 1968. She took the reins of the business with her brother following the death of her mother Lois, who was a fixture in many community organizations in Grafton.
If elected as Legislator, Gundrum said she will focus on economic revitalization, stable taxes, improvement of needed infrastructure like roads, and expansion of broadband service in the area.
“I believe I can do even more for the people of Grafton and eastern Rensselaer County as a County Legislator. My public service and business experience will make me an effective voice for economic revitalization, lower taxes and improved services,” said Gundrum.
“This area is one of the most beautiful in the Northeast. I want to protect our quality of life and enhance the special characteristics in each of our rural communities in the legislative district. And when the situation demands it, such as when our drinking water, or health or safety are jeopardized, then I will be a loud and strong advocate for the people,” she added.
The Gundrum Family has owned and sustainably harvested approximately 1500 acres of woodlands in Grafton. Gundrum Logging achieved its Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification, which recognizes sustainable forestry initiatives and fair-labor standards practices on a global level in 2012. The Gundrums recently sold 927 acres of timberland as a working forest to the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, all of which will remain on the tax rolls.
“Ingrid Gundrum has a great understanding of the traditions, values and issues in eastern Rensselaer County. I think she would be an outstanding choice for Legislature, and look forward to her being considered during the nomination process,” said Chair of the Legislature Stan Brownell, who is retiring as legislator this year.
Born and raised in Grafton, Gundrum purchased the family farm on Stuffle Street in 2012 with partner Andy Crandall. They raise registered Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, chickens, rabbits and rescue dogs. She volunteers at the Grafton Town Library and Literacy Volunteers of America. Gundrum was educated at American College of Switzerland, Trinity University in Washington, D.C., and the Emma Willard School.
Gundrum plans on seeking the nomination and endorsement of the Republican, Conservative and Independence parties. Legislative District 5 includes the towns of Hoosick, Petersburgh, Grafton, Berlin and Petersburgh. [/private]