To the Editor:

Guilderland residents have an important election Nov. 3. Kenneth Runion, town supervisor for 16 years, is retiring.

During this period, he and his administration have successfully dealt with the needs of a growing town: water treatment upgrades; water extensions; additional roads, sidewalks, parks and recreational opportunities, as well as increased senior, judicial, police, and emergency services.

In addition, the town’s financial stability has increased immensely during this period.  

Three candidates for election have been involved during this administration.  Their professional experiences and years of involvement in town government make them well equipped to understand and meet the challenges of a growing suburban town.

Candidate for supervisor, Peter Barber, an attorney, has served as the chairman of the Guilderland Zoning Board of Appeals for a number of years.  He was involved in the development of the town’s comprehensive plan. 

He helped to develop a new zoning and building code, bringing it in compliance with the provisions of the comprehensive plan. He has proposed a new code to be adopted that will simplify the process for approval of low-intensity business proposals. One of his goals, if elected, is to work collaboratively with the schools and the library. 

Rosemary Centi, town board candidate, was the town clerk for 13 years. As a clerk, she attended all board meetings; received all the same information as the board members; and wrote detailed complete minutes, legal notices for meetings, and bids for projects.

Through her position, she came in contact with residents, developers, and businesses, and developed a working relationship and understanding of their concerns. Among her goals is a commitment to the quality of life of the residents of Guilderland.

Al Maikels, a certified public accountant in private practice, is serving his first term on the town board. He has prior government and business-related experience as a member of the Guilderland Zoning Board of Appeals; Albany County Legislature representing Westmere; County Industrial Development Agency; Airport Authority; and county Business Development Corporation.

Future challenges include quality of life, dependable infrastructure, local economy, and fiscal responsibility.  It is evident that these three candidates possess the extensive and varied experience to engage our Guilderland community to meet these challenges and move our town forward, into the future.

Carolyn J Williams

Guilderland