Election 2025: Councilperson-Elect
This journey of running for Glens Falls Councilperson has been filled with surprises, learning experiences, and creative endeavors. I began in March, gathering 43 signatures to secure a spot on the Democratic line of the ballot, meeting a small fraction of the folks that make up Glens Falls Ward 5. I learned the struggles of procuring Federal grants from Jeff Flagg, the decades of history among neighborhood feuds, the concern from folks surrounding unsafe drivers and dark side streets, the excitement from dog owners on the future of Haviland Cove Park, the guiding philosophy of holding office from Margaret Farrell, and so much more. Our neighborhood in Glens Falls is as vibrant as the country, and as Ward 5 Supervisor Ben Driscoll told me, has had an incredible growth of new streets and homes over the past twenty years. A local builder, Clute Enterprises, has been instrumental in constructing more than thirty homes on Overbrook Drive, Feeder Bend, and Parkview Lane, all situated along the Feeder Canal.
With close to 3,000 residents in Ward 5, only 458 voted in this election. There was a large number of people who didn’t vote. My goal for these four years is to make sure that their voice still matters, along with the incredible people who voted. In a time of national uncertainty, we have to keep making sure everyone’s voices are heard. The race result was very close, with the unofficial count showing a 27-vote lead. Robert Curtis, the Republican contender, had thirty-seven years of experience in the city. He had been the City Clerk, Mayor’s Assistant, and Chair of City Redistricting Committee, culminating in an impressive lifetime of public service. It was a pleasure to be on the ballot with him. After he sent me a message of congratulations, I responded with deep appreciation and possible monthly coffee-side chats to continue learning how to help the citizens of Glens Falls Ward 5 on the Common Council. While we may be a part of separate political parties, both of us care about the city and everyone who calls it home.
Not only did I walk around town knocking on my neighbor’s doors during this year, but I used creative methods to advertise my campaign sign. I flowed down the Feeder Canal with my sign in view on my kayak, adhered my sign onto a bike frame while riding with the Glens Falls Social Bike Club as well as got assistance adhering my sign to my back for the Glens Falls Run Club. Each trip around the city elicited fantastic reactions, and as John Reilly of the Glens Falls Democratic Committee told me to do, I had so much fun!
Kate Austin-Avon messaged me yesterday morning with a realization of the importance of this election. While Diana Palmer made history as the first woman elected as Mayor of Glens Falls, I will be the first openly gay man as a Councilperson in the city. Those two monumental achievements do not go unnoticed, and it will inspire future generations with inclusion and representation. I stand, as Councilperson-Elect, on the shoulders of the incredible LGBTQIA+ history. As Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in the 5th District, is quoted as saying, “You’ve got to give them hope!”
I am excited to continue the journey on helping the residents of Glens Falls live their lives to the fullest as a member of the Common Council. I will be a big advocate for everyone that lives in Ward 5 and throughout the city, making sure everyone knows the stories of some of the incredible people that make this place home. And I am super excited to sit across from Mary Gooden, who was my Ward 5 Councilperson the past four years. She has had an incredible impact on revitalizing the recreational parks and trails, like the new Pruyn’s Path, Water Street pedestrian bridge, and Murray Street Pavilion. She will be fantastic as Councilperson-At-Large!
And last but not least, I am truly honored to sit next to Ben Lapham, who, along with Deputy County Clerk Linda Morgan, inspired me to try running for city council. He won his re-election and will serve his second term representing Ward 4 residents. All of us on the Common Council will make sure Glens Falls remains a beacon of hope for all! Thanks for voting, and I will see you around town.
