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In Niskayuna, the two candidates for town supervisor, Democratic incumbent Erin Cassady-Dorion and Republican challenger John Rickert, will participate in a debate tonight (September 18) at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. The debate is free and open to the public, and will also be live-streamed on YouTube by Open Stage Media. This event comes just 47 days before the November 4 election, where voters will decide who will serve a two-year term as town supervisor.
Erin Cassady-Dorion, who was appointed last September to fill the remaining term of former Supervisor Jamie Puccioni, brings experience as Puccioni’s former confidential secretary and a member of the town’s comprehensive plan committee. She emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and aims to improve internal communications within the town government. Cassady-Dorion has been endorsed by the town's Democratic committee and is focused on addressing the town's water utility price hikes, working with consulting company Raftelis to set sustainable rate fees.
John Rickert, the former principal of Niskayuna High School, is running on the Republican ticket. After retiring from his 24-year tenure at the school, Rickert aims to bring stability and address the town's financial concerns. He plans to evaluate the town's spending and tax rates to ensure sustainability and wants to engage residents more in town government decisions. Rickert has been endorsed by the town Republican committee.
The debate will feature opening and closing statements from each candidate, with questions posed by a panel of journalists. The event will provide voters with a chance to hear directly from the candidates about their visions for Niskayuna's future.