BERNE — Joseph Golden, 71, said he is running for continuity on the board, “to finish up and keep moving things forward,” he said. “It’s kind of an enjoyable job.” Golden spent four years in the United States Marines Corps and is a retired teacher of economics and government at Schoharie Central.

BERNE — Having spent nearly his entire life in Berne, Philip Stevens says the town hasn’t been tough enough on its untidy properties.

BERNE — Two years after he began as an alternate member of the Berne Zoning Board, Richard Otto has identified what he sees as overly restrictive regulations for the town’s land. It wasn’t until the outpouring of people against the state’s gun-control legislation that Otto was encouraged to run for a board seat for the first time.

BERNE — Wayne Emory grew up in rural Fort Plain and wanted to live in the similar environment of Berne, holding a job for more than 30 years as a graphic artist with the state lottery.

RENSSELAERVILLE — This is the second consecutive unopposed election for Valerie Lounsbury. She wants to finish what she’s started, two years into the job.

RENSSELAERVILLE — After retiring from a career in the state’s Department of Transportation, Randall Bates sought an elective office in Rensselaerville to remain productive, in the thick of ice and snow coming down on the town’s long, rural roads.

RENSSELAERVILLE — Now in her first term as a town board member, Marion Cooke wants to continue for another four years.

“I’m running because I think the town is running on an even keel and I’d like to see it stay that way,” said Cooke, who is also deputy supervisor.

RENSSELAERVILLE — To be and remain a rural community requires pro-active work, according to Jeannette Rice. The Democratic candidate for town council sees a board role for supporting farms and small businesses.

RENSSELAERVILLE — Having spent all of his life in Preston Hollow, Gerald Wood, 67, is running for the town board for the first time.

Wood said contentious town board meetings in the past few years caused him concern.

WESTERLO — Theodore Lounsbury grew up in town, in Dormansville, and Westerlo is where he chose to stay.

“I’ve always loved it,” he said. “Everyone knows everyone else. It’s where my wife and I are raising our two kids.”