GOP Endorses Fall Candidates
by Doug La Rocque
At a meeting in Troy on Saturday morning, February 27, the Rensselaer County Republican Committee handed out endorsements for the long list of county governments positions on the ballot for this November’s elections.
Top on the list were County Executive Steve McLaughlin and County Clerk Frank Merola, each seeking re-election. All 19 county Legislative seats are also on the ballot. Endorsed for re-election in District 5 (Hoosick, Petersburgh, Berlin, Stephentown and Grafton) were Bruce Patire and Jeff Wysocki.
District 2, which includes the towns of North Greenbush and Poestenkill, saw Kelly Hoffman, current Vice Chair, Leon Fiasco, Tom Grant and Rob Bayly all picked to run once again. In District 3 (Brunswick, Pittstown and Schaghticoke) Ken Herrington and Dan Casale are seeking re-election, along with Bill Maloney. Current legislator Todd Tesman is stepping down. In Schodack, Sand Lake and Nassau, Bob Loveridge, Scott Bendett and Tom Choquette will be on the Republican ballot.
During his acceptance speech, County Executive McLaughlin spoke of three straight years of property tax reductions, job creation, high bond ratings and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the county.