100 years ago in The Record
Thursday, Aug. 16, 1917
Cornelius F. Burns effectively receives the Democratic nomination for a fourth term as mayor of Troy from the party’s city committee tonight, The Record reports. The Democrats renominate their entire slate of citywide officials elected two years ago, including common council president Albert J. Watson, comptroller William H. Dennin, treasurer Joseph T. Foxell and police magistrate James F. Byron. Tonight’s announcements are technically only recommendations, but since none of the citywide candidates is expected to face a primary challenge, all are certain to appear on the general election ballot in November. First elected in 1911, Burns has enjoyed bipartisan support since taking office. He enjoys considerable prestige as the two-term president of the New York State Conference of Mayors. He will face Republican alderman George T. Morris, a vocal fiscal- conservative critic, in the general election. The resolution endorsing Burns claims that the mayor “has steadfastly adhered to pledges he made to the people and has caused the municipal government to be conducted in a successful and satisfactory manner in all its departments.” Unlike Morris, who accepted his endorsement in person with a fiery antiBurns speech, the mayor is absent from tonight’s meeting. He will be notified formally of his selection by a committee of dignitaries appointed tonight. Burns thus maintains the traditional pretense of disinterest, while his supporters emphasize both his reluctance to keep power and his sense of duty in time of war.
“While for some months we have been aware of the mayor’s reluctancy [sic?] to again be a candidate for the office, we are equally appreciative of his enthusiastic interest in and the sincere loyalty he has continually manifested for his native city,” the resolution reads.
“As the extraordinary conditions existing everywhere in the world to- day require the services of experienced executives in administrative offices, and as these conditions will be felt in this city as elsewhere we are confident that the mayor will recognize the opportunity to place at the disposal of his party and fellow citizens the benefits accruing from his expert knowledge of city affairs.”
Democratic county chairman John P. Judge praises the mayor. “If we renominate him the people will re- elect him,” he says, “and the Democratic party will have discharged to the best of its ability its obligation to give the citizens of Troy the most efficient and careful administration possible.
“Mayor Burns to-day stands head and shoulders in prestige and ability over any municipal executive in the state.”
At the county level, former undersheriff William Cottrell will run for sheriff against the winner of a Republican primary between Buddington Sharpe and Alexander Diver.