Many voters in New York State have election days in May and June. On May 20, there will be the Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election in most geographies. The polling places may or may not be at the location of the general election.
In the city of Albany, there is also the Albany Public Library budget and selection of two library trustees. You’ll find a lot of information here. “The proposed 2025-2026 tax levy of $8,257,997 reflects a 5% increase over last year’s operating budget tax levy. The increase is under this year’s New York State tax cap for APL.” Yes, I’m supporting the budget. There were a few years in the past decade when no increase was requested, and I thought it was shortsighted at the time.
- The five candidates, listed in ballot order, are:
(1) Aidan Hennessey of Grand St., 12202
(2) Christina Wiggins of State St., 12203
(3) Shaniqua Jackson of Patroon Creek Blvd., 12206
(4) Michele Greenblatt of South Main Ave., 12208
(5) Rachael Vonada of Mountainview Ave., 12208
The trustee forum can be watched using the above link. I attended the May 6 event and have my preferences.
I’ve seen the earlier printed material for Christina Wiggins when she was running for both the Common Council (the city council) and the library trustee. Even though she didn’t make it on the Common Council ballot, I thought the move showed incredible hubris. Moreover, her “No to the property tax increase” – does she mean the school district, the library, or both? – I disagree with.
Michele Greenblatt’s recent Facebook posts display a mixed bag on freedom of expression.
This leaves three. Rachael Vonada had the most support in the room. A library insider is a fan, so YES. Aiden Hennessey’s responses were fine, but Shaniqua Jackson’s seemed more thoughtful, so I’ll likely vote for her.
Albany mayor
Someone asked me in October 2024 about my assessment of candidates for Albany’s next mayor. At the time, Corey Ellis had not entered the race, but he has since.
I wrote that by March, I’d know who I supported in the Democratic primary, tantamount to an election. One person I know well is strong on the “outsider.” I have read that he is “in the pocket of out-of-state, right-wing capital.” But I’ve also heard that this characterization was a smear campaign by one of his opponents, the one I don’t particularly like, so I don’t know what to think.
To date, none of them have filled out a Ballotpedia survey.
Here’s a WRGB debate from April 30. One of my acquaintances rightly complained about the mayoral candidates’ answers about parking downtown. “One chided about getting parking tickets while they live within a mile, another said we can’t grow the city without more parking.” But studies find that, compared to other cities, real estate eaten up by parking vehicles in Albany is not out of the ordinary. I still haven’t decided.
I know even less about other races, such as the city auditor contest. So, I’m open to persuasion. That primary election is Tuesday, June 24.
From the