R’dam supervisor race takes shape
John Purcell 03/10/11More articles
Former sheriff a top contender as endorsement for Del Gallo remains uncertain
Candidates for Rotterdam town supervisor are stepping into the spotlight as early interest has been expressed by many seeking to lead town government.
By the end of March, endorsements from the Democratic and Republican parties should be known, with former Schenectady County Sheriff Harry Buffardi being asked to run by the town’s Democratic committee, and current Supervisor Frank Del Gallo waiting to see who will back him in his bid for reelection. Del Gallo ran on the Conservative line but was cross-endorsed by the Democratic Party when he defeated Republican Steve Tommasone in 2009 by 250 votes. The majority of Del Gallo’s votes came from the Democratic ballot line.
“I’ve been here, and I didn’t finish the work I’ve got to do,” said Del Gallo. “I did a good job so far. Why wouldn’t they want me back? I actually did more in one year than the last three supervisors did in 10 years.”
Del Gallo had recently filed the forms to switch from a registered Conservative to Democrat, but the change would not go in effect until after the upcoming election. He said he plans to send out letters to all of the political parties for an endorsement in the upcoming election. Even if a party doesn’t endorse him, he said he will “run anyway, so it doesn’t matter.”
Buffardi has yet to confirm his bid for election, but he said he stepped up after being contacted for several months by party members and residents.
“Several people have contacted me over the past several months, some of them repeatedly, to ask me to step into the race,” said Buffardi. “It has been that interest that has kept me in the hunt.”
Buffardi said he was “heavily recruited” by the Rotterdam Democratic Committee.
“I think that it is going to unfold moving into the later part of March moving into April,” said Brian Quail, chairman for the county Democratic committee regarding the endorsements. “It is my understanding that a number of people have been talking about it.”
County Legislator and Rotterdam Democratic Chairman Tony Jasenski said many letters were received from interested candidates. He said the selection process is just beginning to unfold.
Jasenski said the committee has received a letter from Del Gallo seeking endorsement but hasn’t spoken to him personally about the election.
Buffardi said Jasenski had contacted him about running for the position.
“I do have an interest in Rotterdam, I am a Rotterdam boy, and I have been paying attention to local Rotterdam politics,” said Buffardi. “I think I can bring leadership and experience to that position if I was to run for it. As former sheriff, I had to deal with many difficult personnel matters. I have had experience making difficult decisions and acting on those difficult decisions.”
As a casual observer to the town’s government, he said he observed conflicts in economic development, and more time has been spent on disputes than more important matters.
“I don’t know if party politics is the most important issue here. … It is about collectively doing what is best,” said Buffardi.
Democratic board member Wayne Calder also agreed there is a lot of in-fighting on the Town Board.
Although Calder’s name has been mention in connection with a run for supervisor, he said he is only thinking about if he will run for his recently elected board seat.
“My view is I do care about the community, and I wanted to find the best fit for myself,” said Calder. “I don’t think there is going to be a lack of candidates for supervisor.”.....................>>>>.........................>>>>....................
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