Surdam Hangs Onto Supervisor’s Post In Hoosick
Noeding And Burdick Survive Absentee Ballot Counts
By Doug La Rocque
In one of the closest Hoosick Supervisor’s races in recent memory, the Democratic incumbent, Mark Surdam, outpolled Republican Bill Hanselman by just seven votes. The final vote count was 707 to 700, following the opening of absentee ballots and affidavits at the Board of Elections in Troy on Monday, November 18. On election night, Supervisor Surdam held a 20-vote lead, but that margin dwindled as the remaining votes were tallied. Speaking with The Eastwick Press, Mr. Surdam said “I am very grateful for everyone who did come out to vote. I truly appreciate Eric Sheffer’s support; we work very well together. I also welcome Jackie Houghton to the Town Board and look forward to her involvement.
Bill Hanselman and I have discussed the election and will continue to work together as community leaders to do the best we can for Hoosick.”
Mr. Hanselman also expressed his thanks to all the voters and said “I set out to give the people of our great town a choice at the polls, something they haven’t had for the past three supervisor’s elections.” Mr. Hanselman also said “I will return for my remaining two years as a councilperson, doing what I believe is the best for our town.”
In Petersburgh, the contest for the undecided Town Council seat was even closer, with Republican Heinz Noeding holding a three-vote lead over fellow Republican Tom Berry. After those absentee ballots were counted, his final margin of victory was just five votes, 173 to 168.
Mr. Noeding said, “I extend my many thanks to all of my neighbors and town residents who assisted my campaign, introduced me to the community and encouraged their friends to vote. I hope I can live up to their expectations on changing town government for a better future.”
Outgoing Supervisor, Democrat Alan Webster, won the other board seat outright on election night.
Grafton Town Clerk, Democrat Vicky Burdick, was up by 12 votes over Republican Challenger Nancy La Rocque when the polls closed on Tuesday, November 5. Ms. Burdick lost another three votes during the absentee ballot count, but hung on to the Clerk’s job by a nine-vote margin, 382 – 373, after Tuesday’s added tallies.