A Big Night for the GOP Across the County
by Doug La Rocque
A tired but exuberant Steve McLaughlin took to the podium on election night at the Franklin Terrace Ballroom in Troy to thank his supporters for his re-election to the position of Rensselaer County Executive. Mr. McLaughlin defeated Democrat Gwen Wright and Working Families Party candidate Sara McDermott garnering 63 percent of the vote. While a boisterous crowd chanted “Steve, Steve,” the County Executive extolled the virtues of the Republican Party, pointing to the dominance of the GOP at the polls that evening. He told his supporters “The people are rising up and taking back their country, and Rensselaer County is leading the way.”
Mr. McLaughlin touted his 10 percent tax cut in the county’s 2022 budget and an 18 percent overall reduction during his first four years in office. He spoke highly of the county’s Highway Department, paving more than 65 miles of county roads this year, and of course about COVID-19. He praised the County Health Department for its handling of the pandemic, and again reiterated Rensselaer County’s stance of refusing to take COVID-19 patients at Van Rensselaer Manor (the County nursing home), in full defiance of the order from former Governor Andrew Cuomo, whom he labeled “the worst Governor in the country.” That comment sparked a robust response from the crowd, and in turn Mr. McLaughlin yelled out “Not here, not now, not ever.”
The Executive also highlighted the county’s “economic prosperity,” noting the increased sales tax revenues, the strength and durability of county businesses during the pandemic and that the Office of the State Comptroller declared the county finances to be stress free.
Photos by Doug La Rocque.
Merola is Re-elected
Rensselaer County Clerk Frank Merola garnered 66 percent of the votes cast, easily turning back the challenge from Democratic contender Justan Foster and Working Families Party candidate Jason Cloud. Mr. Merola, who has been County Clerk for as long as many people can remember, joked with some middle-aged supporters that he even signed their drivers’ permits. He also was gracious in victory and thanked his family and supporters.
A New Family Court Judge
Republican Jill Kehn easily out-distanced her Democratic opponent, Anne Coonrad, with more than 58 percent of the votes cast going in her direction. Judge Kehn has held the post of Troy City Court Judge since first being elected to that position in 2014. She too thanked those who supported her, particularly her husband and three grown sons, who she said that while not living in the county, all contributed heavily to her social media campaign.