There is still work to be done — I have time to do the job
To the Editor:
According to Jacob Crawford, leader of the Guilderland Democratic Committee, there will be a caucus held on July 25 at 6 p.m. at the Fort Hunter firehouse on Carman Road. This caucus will be held to nominate a person to fill a vacancy on the Guilderland Town Board.
I would like to be considered for this position. I have had considerable community involvement in the town of Guilderland. For the past eight years, I have refurbished and painted the Guilderland historic markers. There are 42 of these markers in our township.
I have continually advocated for the cleanup and/or removal of eyesores and derelict buildings in the township. Starting with the removal of a deteriorated manufactured home at Lone Pine and Prestige, I have had input into the removal of the Governor’s Motor Inn and sign, Nedco pharmacy, Marine Midland Bank, and the card reader deteriorated building across from the Western Avenue entrance to the University at Albany. Fortunately, circumstances as well as new property-owner interest has allowed these buildings to be removed.
There is still work to be done. The most noticeable are the gas station at 1611 Western Ave., the Bohl property at the corner of Western Avenue and Foundry Road, and the Rustic Barn on Route 20 west of Fuller Station Road. These will be high priorities.
Affordable housing will be a key to attracting young people to stay in Guilderland. Young people are critical to the continued growth and development of our community. Green space is critical to any community. Affordable housing and green space provisions are not opposites of each other.
As our infrastructure ages, we will be fixing things more and more. Water, sewer, roads, and sidewalks will need more attention with repair and scheduled planned maintenance.
We need to continue to seek out grants and other financial support opportunities. Mr. Donald Csaposs, our grant writer, has done an excellent job. Recognition of the men and women who work for us should be a priority. We are lucky to have these people. A special shout-out should be given to the Guilderland Public Library and the Altamont Free Library.
I have time to do the job. I am retired and do have an opportunity to continue to serve our community. My wife, Sherry, and I really enjoy living in this well-run township.
John B. Haluska
Guilderland
Editor’s note: The Democrats’ meeting on July 25 is not a caucus, in which any enrolled Guilderland Democrat could participate; rather, it is a meeting of the Guilderland Democratic Committee members who will choose the party’s candidate for the November election, to fill the rest of Laurel Bohl’s term.