To the Editor:

For the past four months, I have been out meeting with the residents of our town and the one message I continually hear is: “Something has to change.” I am running for town board because I feel I can work with others to initiate positive change.

Our property taxes are skyrocketing while our home values are shrinking, and Western Avenue continues to become overrun with dilapidated buildings that sit vacant for years while our tax base becomes increasingly stagnant. These are some of the things that will be my priority if you choose to elect me to the town board.

I am currently the deputy minority leader in the Albany County Legislature and decided to run for town board because I believe we need fresh ideas and change in Town Hall. I am proud of my record at the county legislature and what I accomplished for our community and Albany County residents such as:  Anti-bullying legislation to protect our children; required defibrillators at sports clubs in case of emergency to save lives; and enactment of the Albany County Prescription Drug Discount Card, which has saved residents $3.5 million since 2010.

In 2012, as part of the minority conference, I requested the newly formed bipartisan Charter Commission consider the downsizing of the legislature in an effort to take politics out of this decision to save the taxpayers money and still provide bipartisan representation.

The usual political operatives have written letters against me in this paper that are misleading and the very reason why our government becomes dysfunctional.  I believe that by working together using cooperation, collaboration, and professionalism we can make Guilderland the model for a successful, modern upstate community.

Please consider voting for me, Lee Carman, for Guilderland Town Board in the upcoming Nov. 5 election. I believe in our community and promise to stand up for you the residents that make this community a great place to live.

Lee Carman
Candidate Guilderland Town Board