BALLSTON SPA — Slates for the March 19 Ballston Spa village elections have been set, with Larry Woolbright to be uncontested for mayor and contests for the two available village trustee seats.
Both Republicans and Democrats caucused Thursday evening, nominating candidates whose selection was anticipated since last week. There’s unusual interest this year due to the retirement of 24-year mayor John P. Romano.
Woolbright, a Republican, was endorsed by that party’s caucus, and also by the Democrats, who said he will be a “fusion candidate.”
Woolbright, a retired college biology professor, was nominated for mayor by the Republicans. Woolbright has been active in both the village and town of Milton in planning and open space protection efforts, and most recently chaired the citizen committee that looked at the village’s financial troubles. He is also a former Ballston Spa Board of Education member.
“The village will need strong leadership moving into the next year and I am confident that, as a team, we will be able to listen to the concerns of residents and deliver results,” Woolbright said in a prepared statement. “Working collaboratively and with a true vision has always served the people well. I know we can create that environment in the village.”
The Republicans also nominated Peter Martin and Rory O’Connor for village trustee seats.
Martin, along with his wife, Donna, owns and operates Village Photo, a downtown photography business. O’Connor is a real estate broker who owns Saratoga Real Property and 199 Professional Building. He has served on the village Planning Board and the Board of Assessment Review.
Democrats nominated Liz Kormos and Christine M. Fitzpatrick for trustee. Both women are also planning to run independently on the A Better BSpa ballot line.
Kormos owns a marketing and financial advisory services business, and said she has written grant applications for more than $100 million.
Fitzpatrick has 35 years’ experience in employee benefits, employee relations and long-term care and health policy.
“The village Democrats are committed to bringing the absolute best candidates to the voters. Liz Kormos and Christine M. Fitzpatrick along with fusion candidate Larry Woolbright represent the absolute best,” said Ellie Dillon, chairwoman of the village Democrats.
Woolbright, O’Connor, Martin and Kormos also served on the Citizen Budget Advisory Committee.
All terms are for four years. The winners will join Democrats Sean Raymond and Noah Shaw on the board.
Reach Gazette reporter Stephen Williams at 518-395-3086, [email protected] or @gazettesteve on Twitter.
Categories: -News-, Saratoga County
