GUILDERLAND — Mark Livingston, a political newcomer, has lived in Guilderland for more than 50 years. He attended Guilderland High School, as did his two children, and two stepchildren.

He worked as a project manager for electrical contractors for two decades, and then worked as a facilities manager for St. Peter’s Hospital for another 20 years. He currently works as a project manager at Global Foundries.

Livingston is friends with Lee Carman, and said he thought this would be a good opportunity to be his friend’s running mate, and make a difference in the town he loves.

“Speaking out and voicing your opinion is the right of every citizen in America,” said Livingston, but, if he were elected to the town board, he wouldn’t use his political power to influence others’ votes.

“You can’t change your role, even if you have an opinion,” he said.

As a town board member, Livingston said he would sit down with the town judges to discuss any court security concerns they might have, and try to work together to ease any problems.

“I know the Guilderland Police Department does a fine job at Town Hall, so I’d include them in any discussions,” he said. “I’d also do a risk assessment and talk to other local courts to see what they might view as a security problem.”

“I’m not really keen on business incentive plans,” Livingston said. “I think a lot of people are attracted to Guilderland, and we just need to be more friendly to small businesses, and invite them in.”

People are afraid of Western Avenue becoming over-developed, he said, but he believes there are ways to develop and still maintain a suburban feel.

“You just have to be cautious with growth,” he said. “You have to plan carefully and not over-expand.”

“Anytime you are talking about something as important as water, which affects everyone, I think the town should get involved,” he said.

He said he thinks the town should have independent testing done.

“I myself would recommend that,” said Livingston. “The water might taste good, but it could still be harmful.”

“We really need to start changing,” Livingston concluded.