Albany Village Board
There are six people running for three seats on the Albany village board: incumbents Eileen Althaus, Virginia Detra and Peggy Boeck are being challenged by Michelle Monson, Terry Gould and Emily Malin. Kim Blumer, the incumbent, is unopposed for village president.
Position Sought: Village Board Member, Albany
Age: 32
Town of residence: Albany
Family: Thomas Wright, Jaeden Malin (son), Tristan Malin (son), Ashlee Malin (son)
Education: Christian Liberty Academy
Occupation: Former Natural Horse Trainer/ Riding Instructor. Currently a full time mother.
Previous elected positions: None
What are the top issues facing this municipality and how would you work to resolve them?
There is currently a lack of transparency in this town, especially when it comes to the allocation of funds. Village people have the right to know where this town's money is being spent and in what amount. I would push for a regular public posting informing town residents of this information.
The wants and needs of the public are many times overlooked. I will take the time to listen to citizens and then present them to the board.
There is a desperate need to bring new residents into Albany. I would propose money to be set aside to revamp the downtown. I would work to change old ordinances which are kept in place "because that's how things have always been".
What are other key issues facing this municipality and how would you work to resolve them?
The issue of accountability is very important when it comes to people in positions of power. This is a very important issue when it comes to a town where this seems to have been absent. I would work to devise a plan for accountability, such as a publicly known system of checks and balances.
Garbage pickup is another important issue in Albany. I would push for garbage pickup to be available to those who want it, giving citizens an option to hire private companies of their choice. This way, those who do not wish to have garbage pickup would not have to pay additional fees in the form of tax increases.
Up until this point, there has not been a good system in place for complaints to be filed, let alone received by the proper authorities. There is now a large packet to be filled out when one needs to make a complaint, making it more difficult for people to do so. I would vote against ordinances which make changes like these, and instead present a way which would ensure that complaints are heard and responded to, as well as easy for citizens to file.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I do not have a "stagnant' frame of mind. I believe that new ideas, new choices, and new blood needs to be brought in to the Board in order for this town to grow and prosper. I am for the people, not personal gain. I love this town, and I love to see the good that new voices can bring to old places.
Age: 32
Town of residence: Albany
Family: Thomas Wright, Jaeden Malin (son), Tristan Malin (son), Ashlee Malin (son)
Education: Christian Liberty Academy
Occupation: Former Natural Horse Trainer/ Riding Instructor. Currently a full time mother.
Previous elected positions: None
What are the top issues facing this municipality and how would you work to resolve them?
There is currently a lack of transparency in this town, especially when it comes to the allocation of funds. Village people have the right to know where this town's money is being spent and in what amount. I would push for a regular public posting informing town residents of this information.
The wants and needs of the public are many times overlooked. I will take the time to listen to citizens and then present them to the board.
There is a desperate need to bring new residents into Albany. I would propose money to be set aside to revamp the downtown. I would work to change old ordinances which are kept in place "because that's how things have always been".
What are other key issues facing this municipality and how would you work to resolve them?
The issue of accountability is very important when it comes to people in positions of power. This is a very important issue when it comes to a town where this seems to have been absent. I would work to devise a plan for accountability, such as a publicly known system of checks and balances.
Garbage pickup is another important issue in Albany. I would push for garbage pickup to be available to those who want it, giving citizens an option to hire private companies of their choice. This way, those who do not wish to have garbage pickup would not have to pay additional fees in the form of tax increases.
Up until this point, there has not been a good system in place for complaints to be filed, let alone received by the proper authorities. There is now a large packet to be filled out when one needs to make a complaint, making it more difficult for people to do so. I would vote against ordinances which make changes like these, and instead present a way which would ensure that complaints are heard and responded to, as well as easy for citizens to file.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I do not have a "stagnant' frame of mind. I believe that new ideas, new choices, and new blood needs to be brought in to the Board in order for this town to grow and prosper. I am for the people, not personal gain. I love this town, and I love to see the good that new voices can bring to old places.