To the Editor:
To the residents of this beautiful town, Election Day is quickly approaching. Early voting has already begun. This is your chance to fill two seats on our town board. This election is vital and important.

I believe I am highly qualified to take on this position. I’m a longtime resident of Guilderland. We moved our family over 11 years ago and set up a local small business that my wife is extremely proud of. We have continuously given back to local fundraisers and charities. Both of my young daughters attend Guilderland schools. We are invested in our community.

I have 22 years of public service with the city of Albany, where I have gained an enormous amount of knowledge in municipal services, budgeting, and management. For 20 years, I have consistently been re-elected as a union leader — experience and proof that I can be relied upon to sit in a room with people of opposing views and find common ground.

I take pride in my ability to have preserved and protected the rights and well-being of my fellow union members. I would love to have the privilege to do the same for you.

Since joining the town board in 2020, current sitting Councilwoman Laurel Bohl has been a lone voice in the wilderness, advocating for responsible growth and serious consideration of traffic issues and quality of life. Even if she is joined by Christine Napierski, they will still be a minority on the five-member board.

Former town employee Amanda Beedle cannot be relied upon to do anything other than vote “yes” on all proposed projects, as she did while on the planning board. With me and Christine Napierski on the board, real change is possible.

The town board appoints the members of the planning and zoning boards, which is another reason why this election is vital.

I will work to find ways to engage residents, and not just at election time, and to make sure their voices can be heard. The past few years have been a time of unprecedented resident interest and involvement, with the rise of the Guilderland Coalition for Responsible Growth.

We need to encourage that change and find ways to help people become more involved. I will also be sure to let busy residents know when it is especially crucial for them to express their views.

Another major issue we must get to work on is how to improve our undeniable traffic issues. We cannot continue to allow people to be injured or killed on our roads. We must stop pointing the finger at the state’s Department of Transportation, and demand something be done now, particularly on the increasingly dangerous Route 20.

I have empathy for those who feel it’s intimidating to voice your concerns; I have been in your shoes. We have watched elected or appointed officials make remarks under their breath, roll their eyes, and at times convey complete disrespect to residents who want to be heard.

If these individuals are not listening to you, it’s time they move on. The decisions that boards make should reflect the residents’ wants and needs. Our town building and zoning codes are continuously being voided or reframed in favor of developers. Now every applicant that follows wants the new standard or even more.

There are far too many dilapidated and neglected properties throughout town. Why are these properties allowed to continue to decay before our eyes? The town has made some progress, but we must be more proactive in getting these properties cleaned up and finding creative ways to support those who are willing to take on these problem sites with responsible developments.

If we are to plan for our town’s future, we must be proactive in the arena of sustainability, improve our infrastructure, and undertake a new comprehensive plan. We must evaluate how we do business, increase efficiency, and make the necessary changes to correct what doesn’t work.

A registered Democrat, I have been fully endorsed by several local unions and the Working Families Party because of my advocacy for residents and their concerns. I have also been endorsed by current town board member Laurel Bohl because I have earned her trust and belief that I am the best qualified person to join her on the board.

If elected, I will work cooperatively, but I will always advocate to do the right thing.

I’m fully committed to restoring your faith, your voice, and your quality of life in Guilderland. If change is what you desire, you must vote. In order for your values to matter, we all must stand up.

To me, 37,000 residents united is far better than five who sit at a table. Vote Row D and visit my website for more information: Kevinforguilderland.org

Kevin McDonald

Candidate for

Guilderland Town Board