John Wasielewski announced today his candidacy for the 109th District seat currently held by Assemblyman Bob Reilly, D-Colonie.
Speaking in a borrowed storefront in a strip mall under construction at routes 9 and 146, Wasielewski said the need to control local property taxes, state spending and mandates would be his main issues. He also backs more aggressive measures to combat Medicaid fraud.
Wasielewski has an extensive background in the U.S. military, serving as an Army lieutenant in the first Gulf War and later as a major in the Air National Guard. He works as a security consultant for Schenectady International, but said he would resign from that job if elected to the Assembly.
The district has almost 10,000 more Republicans than Democrats, but Reilly was easily re-elected in 2006 after defeating GOP incumbent Bob Prentiss in 2004. He has said he will seek re-election this year.
Wasielewski is seeking the Republican nomination, while two other potential candidates, Dan Bazile and Eryn Foster, have also expressed interest.
Wasielewski said he has raised about $15,000 for the campaign over the past three weeks. He is a registered Conservative, while Bazile is a member of the Independence Party.
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