Ingrid Gundrum Pulls Out Of County Legislative Race Hoosick Fall’s Bruce Patire  To Replace Her On Ballot

Grafton Town Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum officially announced Tuesday, July 24, that she has decided against a run for the District 5 Rensselaer County Legislative seat, in favor of remaining Town Supervisor.  She had the backing of the Republican Party, along with current legislator Jeff Wysocki.  Speaking to The Eastwick Press Gundrum said she had to re-evaluate the timing of such a political campaign, given her responsibilities to the Town, her family and the family business, Gundrum Lumber.  “My heart is first and foremost with Grafton, and there is still so much left to accomplish,” said Gundrum.  She added that she did not feel it was a good time to “take the rudder off the boat.”  If Gundrum had won election to the County Legislature, she would have, by law, had to resign as Supervisor.

Since she already had the official party backing, the Committee to Fill Vacancies had to pick her replacement.  Rensselaer County Republican Board of Election Commissioner Larry Bugbee confirmed to The Eastwick Press that Bruce Patire of Hoosick Falls has been named as her replacement.  Patire formerly owned a local car dealership with family members, and served four years on the Hoosick Town Board.

He said he has a lot of ideas on how to help the residents and businesses of District 5.  “We have to help the businesses that are already here.  People tend to focus on acquiring new business, but we also have to help the existing businesses grow.”  He said he is also focused on the recent flooding in the Village of Hoosick Falls, and the PFOA crisis in other communities as well.

Michael Hickey of Hoosick Falls is one of the two candidates on the Democratic side of the ballot.  He said he was surprised by her announcement but completely understands her reasoning.  “Family comes first,” he said.  Petersburgh Councilman Dennis Smith is the other Democratic candidate.

Incumbent Stan Brownell, who is also the current Legislative Chairman, has chosen not to run for another term.  Long time lawmaker Lester Goodermote resigned in March for health reasons and was replaced by Jeff Wysocki of Hoosick. Goodermote passed away last month.