By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-992337.mp3
Troy, NY – With Election Day rapidly approaching, WAMC's Dave Lucas takes a look at three of the Mayoral Races in the Hudson Valley.
It's one of those "off-year" elections - save for the positioning for the US Presidential nominations, November 2011 is considered a "quiet" time on the political clock, where the vast majority of elections are held at the municipal level.
Three cities along the Hudson are looking to elect Mayors who will lead them to greater growth and prosperity. In Kingston, it's a 4-way contest for Mayor: Conservative Richard Cahill, Republican Ron Polacco, Democrat Shayne Gallo and Independent Steve Ladin have been actively campaigning and each man believes he is best-suited for the job.
Poughkeepsie's Incumbent Republican Mayor John Tkazyik faces a challenge from Democrat Ken Levinson - Levinson envisions Poughkeepsie becoming the economic engine of Dutchess County. Tkazyik did not return calls for comment - The Mayor has been running on his record of successes after 4 years in office, which include decreasing crime and making significant neighborhood improvements.
Farther upriver in Troy, Improving neighborhood life and ethics reform are on the minds of Democrat Lou Rosimilia and his Republican challenger Carmella Mantello. Rosamilia entered the race in July after nominee Clem Campana's campaign was derailed by an absentee ballot fraud case ... Mantello formerly directed the New York State Canal Corporation.
In all three races, the candidates are very much aware of the new era of public scrutiny and of the need to put community before poltics.
Candidates in the three cities agree the off-year election challenge is convincing the voters to get to the polls on November 8th.