By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-868876.mp3
Albany, NY – Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas takes a look at some of the races taking place in the Capital Region.<
The Albany Mayoral contest pits incumbent Jerry Jennings against Working Families Party candidate Corey Ellis and Republican Nathan LeBron. There are two write-in candidates : Valerie Foust and Marlon Anderson, Turnout has been light.
Colonie Town Supervisor incumbent Democrat Paula Mahan is challenged by Republican Mike Hoblock. Mahan is in her first term. Hoblock has served as Albany County executive and as a state lawmaker. The issues involve town finances and a massive budget deficit. Debt also a front-burner issue in the city Rensselaer where Mayor Dan Dwyer goes up against Republican Ed Kosinski.
In Saratoga Springs, another city facing a massive deficit, Republican Mayor Scott Johnson is hoping to win re-election, facing off against the city's public safety commissioner -- Democrat Ron Kim. Spa city voter concerns include a possible tax hike and the prospect of public safety layoffs.
Clifton Park's Republican Supervisor Phil Barrett is being challenged by longtime community activist Bill Casey... the town has a 10-Million dollar "rainy day" fund its built up over the years which serves as a cushion in this wobbly economy.
There are contests in Rensselaer and Schenectady county legislatures and for sheriffs in Saratoga and Schenectady counties. Out in Central New York, more than 300 elected positions are being determined today: key races include Utica's Republican Comptroller Michael Cerminaro, defending his seat against Democratic Councilman Frank Meola and Rocco Garro, running on the Conservative and Independence lines.
Oneida County Republican Election Commissioner Pamela Mandryck thought the variety of local races would attract voters to the polls, but turn out has been light there as well. All 29 seats on the Oneida County Board of Legislators are up for election, as are 9 seats on the Utica Common Council.
The Polls close in New York at 9pm.