There’s a new leader for New York's capital city. Kathy Sheehan ushers in a new era as Albany's first woman executive.
Shortly after 10 p.m., 20-year incumbent and outgoing Mayor Jerry Jennings took the podium at the Polish Community Center to thank fellow Democrats. Not considered a close ally of the new mayor-elect, Jennings sent out a call for unity.
City Treasurer Kathy Sheehan, an emphatic victor over three opponents on the ballot in highly Democratic Albany, showed up minutes later, exchanged words and a hug with Jennings before addressing the gathering. Sheehan later told reporters the democratic process worked well this election cycle.
The mayor-elect noted that she is ready to take on the tough issues facing the city when she is seated in January. Sheehan says before deciding to run for mayor, she ran the idea by friends.
Former New York State Assemblyman Jack McEneny threw his support behind Sheehan early in the game, explaining he thought it was time Albany got "a fresh start."
Sheehan and the new wave of young Democrats have made their mark: even write-in mayoral candidate and community activist Marlon Anderson has picked up on the new air and says he's open to collaborating with the new mayor.
Observers say the biggest challenges facing New York mayors in 2014 will involve their budgets and keeping their cities fiscally healthy. Sheehan becomes the city’s fourth mayor since 1941.
