The Troy City Council has selected Debra Garrett to fill the vacancy in District 2. Republican Councilor Mark McGrath resigned in February after he was heard using the “n-word” on an old voicemail published by the Times Union. Garrett is a community health project coordinator at the Commission on Economic Opportunity.
"I am honored to be chosen to serve as a member of the Troy City Council,” Garrett said in a press release sent by Democratic Councilman Anasha Cummings Monday. “My aim is to represent my community by promoting self-advocacy, homeownership, community awareness and developing a collective mission for what we need in District 2."
Republican City Council President Carmella Mantello welcomed Garrett to the council in a statement Monday, but took issue with how Garrett was appointed by the body’s Democratic majority.
"I will be abstaining from voting for any candidate for District 2, as I and Council Member [Jim] Gulli proposed an open, inclusive and non-partisan committee comprised of ALL Council Members and District 2 residents for vetting candidates. This was unfortunately shot down by the majority members of the council. The Majority Democrat Council promised the people of Troy and District 2 an open, transparent and inclusive process. But they excluded Council Member Gulli and me from all of the interviews. Also, three requests for all candidates' names and resumes who expressed interest (which is a public record) has also been denied to Council Member Gulli and me. This isn't the way the process or government should work. It would have taken little effort to do much better."
The email from Cummings, the council’s president pro-tem, included numerous messages of support for Garrett.
"The vacancy created with former Councilmember McGrath's resignation created a unique opportunity to support the growth of new leadership in the often forgotten North Central Neighborhood," Cummings stated. “We are incredibly pleased to have found someone as focused, driven, and well connected as Debra to serve with us on the City Council. After a rigorous search and many discussions with community leaders throughout the district, it is clear that she is well respected, and has the energy needed to make the most of her term on the council to help her neighborhood and larger community grow.”
"During the interview process, it was clear that Debra is an incredibly talented individual who cares deeply about our city," said David Bissember, City Council District 5 representative. “Debra’s deep knowledge of the needs of District 2 and her clear vision for pragmatic steps to improve city services, enhance parks, and build community cohesion made her an obvious choice and I look forward to working closely with her on these projects in the coming months.”
“Given the makeup of this district, and the harm caused by Councilman McGrath’s statements, I felt it incredibly important to have a woman of color represent this district for the unexpired term,” said Coleen Paratore, City Council District 3 representative. “Debra brings unique life experiences that will make our entire council stronger and more able to represent the diverse neighborhoods of our city”
“This was a tough decision, with many impressive candidates, all of whom we look forward to working with. However, Debra stood out with her passion, energy, and positivity,” stated T.J. Kennedy, District 6 Council member.
Democratic Mayor Patrick Madden welcomed Garrett to the council in a separate statement:
“The selection of Debra Garrett to serve on the Troy City Council is an important step to restore dignity and effective representation for District 2,” the mayor said. “Debra has been a strong advocate for residents and families in the North Central neighborhood through her work with the Commission on Economic Opportunity and the ‘One Troy’ poverty reduction initiative. We are confident this experience will inform her work on the council, and I look forward to working with her in the coming months.”
The District 2 seat is up for election in November. Democrats are backing Mary Sweeney, who works at the Rensselaer County Board of Elections. Republicans have endorsed former councilwoman Kim Ashe-McPherson. Garrett will officially join the council at Thursday night’s meeting.