Dem chair seeks seat in legislature
Democrats also name new minority leader
TROY, N.Y. » The chairwoman of the City of Troy Democratic Committee has announced that she’ll be running for a vacant seat in the county legislature.
Carole Claren-Weaver is running for the District 1 seat left vacant by Ed Manny, who passed away recently.
“I am so appreciative of the confidence and support of the Rensselaer County
Democratic Committee and the Working Families Party for their endorsements as we take on the challenges ahead. It is important to work together across party lines to best serve all of the citizens of Troy, always striving to build a more progressive community,” said Claren-Weaver in a news release announcing her bid for a special election in November.
Manny, 67, had repre- sented residents of Troy in District 1 of the legislature since 2010 and served as deputy minority leader until he passed away in his sleep on June 8.
“I would be thrilled if you would run for Ed’s seat; you have my full endorsement,” said Marty (Martha) Manny, Manny’s wife, when asked by Claren-Weaver for her support, according to a release.
“I am grateful to Carole Weaver for stepping forward to run to replace my former colleague Ed Manny. She will follow in Ed’s foot- steps of doing an outstanding job on behalf of the citizens of Troy on the Rensselaer County Legislature,” said Gary Pavlic, former Rensselaer County Legislator of District 1.
Other county officials are also pleased to hear that Claren-Weaver is running for the empty seat and believe that she is qualified to do the job.
“Carole Weaver’s strong work ethic, extensive background in government and authentic connection with Collar City voters from all walks of life make her the ideal candidate for Rensselaer County Legislator,” said Mike Monescalchi, Rensselaer County Democratic Chairman.
“I can think of no other candidate that is more qualified to run for this office. Carole has volunteered countless hours for the Democratic Party in Troy and I look forward to working with her on the County Legislature,” said Erin Sullivan-Teta, Rensselaer County Legislator of District 1.
Meanwhile, members of the legislature’s Democratic Minority group, which includes other District 1 legislators including Minority Leader Peter Grimm, Cindy Doran, Mark Fleming, Bobby Burns and Sullivan-Teta, recently all voted to appoint Doran to replace Manny as the group’s next deputy minority leader.
“I think Cindy will do a very good job as the deputy minority leader, I mean she comes to the table with several years of experience on the legislature, she understands the committee process and the budgets,” said Grimm. “I also believe that she will be committed, not just as a legislator representing the people, but also to do Ed Manny proud with filling his shoes.”
“Ed Manny took his role as deputy minority leader very seriously, so I have big shoes to fill and he certainly did his best to represent our caucus and to address issues facing Rensselaer County and I hope to do the same,” added Doran. “I want to be able to serve my caucus certainly and the constituents who elected me, as well as the residents of the entire county.”