NEW SCOTLAND — The councilmembers govern a town with a population of about 8,500 and an annual budget of about $5 million.

New Scotland is one of the few local municipalities with a viable two-party system.

The current board is made up of two Republicans—Supervisor Ed Clark and Councilwoman Andrea Gleason, both running for re-election—and three Democrats—councilmembers Scott Houghtaling, Deborah Baron, and Richard Reilly. While Reilly and Baron each have two years left in their terms, Houghtaling is retiring after 12 years on the board.

Democrats Margaret Neri and Wayne LaChappelle are making their first runs for town board, although LaChappelle ran unsuccessfully for supervisor two years ago.

Republican Douglas LaGrange is making his second consecutive run for the board, having lost narrowly two years ago.

The councilmembers each earn about $7,000 annually in the part-time job.

With the possibility of Tech Valley looming, and continued suburban sprawl in neighboring towns, planning has become a central issue in New Scotland and, and with it discussion of water and taxes.

Located in the center of Albany County, New Scotland is less developed than its suburban neighbors Guilderland and Bethlehem and less rural than its Hilltown neighbors of Berne, Knox, and Westerlo.