Army vet launches bid for county Legislature
CASTLETON, N.Y. >> Jacob Ashby, a former Army captain who served two tours of combat duty, announced his candidacy Tuesday for a District 4 seat in the Rensselaer County Legislature. Ashby said he views service in the County Legislature as an extension of his service to his country and community. Ashby will run as a Republican to take over for Alex Shannon, a GOP legislator who decided not to run for re-election and is endorsing Ashby as his replacement.
“These are challenging times for our country and county, and I believe I can contribute in county government and help lead Rensselaer County to a more prosperous and productive future,” said Ashby. “It would be an honor to be chosen to serve District 4 as a Rensselaer County legislator and use my leadership and experience to benefit our residents.”
Ashby has worked as an occupational therapist and rehabilitation director for the last 15 year, starting his own community-based practice in 2014. He served eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve and rose to the rank of captain, completing combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and a humanitarian mission in Malawi, Africa. Ashby and his wife, Kristy, live in Castleton with their two children. Ashby is a catechist at Sacred Heart Church, past commander of VFW Post 7337 in Castleton and a member of the Nassau Sportsman’s Club.