Cohoes GOP favors nurse for vacant seat

Republican, Democratic recommendations to be voted on by legislature

Republicans in Cohoes are recommending a 33-year-old nurse from the city to fill the seat of Ralph Signoracci, who resigned as an Albany County legislator late last year to take a job with the county comptroller.

Cassandra Horn, who was raised in Cohoes and graduated in 2003 from Cohoes High School, was nominated by the city’s Republican Committee to be considered by the county legislature to fill the empty seat in District 17, according to a news release.

Signoracci, a Democrat, resigned as legislator to become director of municipal affairs for county Comptroller Michael Conners. He also resigned as Cohoes’ director of operations.

The move comes at a time when he and Cohoes Mayor Shawn

Morse are being investigated by the FBI for the handling of Morse’s campaign funds. Signoracci was Morse’s treasurer.

“There are dark clouds over Cohoes in the press right now, and I believe Cassandra is who the city needs representing it at the legislature during this tumultuous time,” said legislative Minority Leader Frank Mauriello in the release. “She has made a career out of compassion and caring for others as a nurse, and I truly believe she’ll bring those same skills to the county legislature.”

Late Monday, Cohoes Democrats announced they were recommending Van Schaick Island Neighborhood Watch Group leader Tom Mcgrath, who city committee Chairman Gil Ethier, a county legislator, said wouldn’t be looking to fill the seat permanently.

County legislators are up for reelection this year, and any appointment would be to fulfill the rest of Signoracci’s term that ends at the end of the year.

Horn said she’s interested in seeking election for the seat in November.

The County Legislature must fill vacancies within 40 days of a resignation, and typically have deferred to local political parties to make recommendations they then vote on to fill the seat. Signoracci resigned Dec. 27, which would suggest an appointment must be made by Feb. 5 (counting weekends).

Horn earned her bachelor of science in nursing from Russell Sage College, and worked at Albany Medical Center Hospital throughout college. She worked at the local hospital for 10 years, and currently works as a registered nurse case manager for Anthem Insurance in Albany.

“I appreciate the opportunity the Minority Conference is giving me to show the residents of Cohoes, my neighbors, that there are other people who care about our city and who are willing to step up into a position of leadership,” Horn said. “It’s time for a fresh perspective and voice that is accountable solely to the citizens, rather than wellconnected insiders.”

Leaders of both the city Republican committee and the Albany County Republican Committee said that they seek to change the dynamic of one-party rule, and provide a choice.

“She is a qualified professional invested in our community who recognizes the message we have tried to bring to our neighbor’s doors in the last two years, which is that for too long there has been a lack of choice,” said city committee Chairman Christopher Davis. “That ends in 2019.”

Ethier said Mcgrath was recommended because of the time crunch and ensured constituents in the district would have a voice while giving the opportunity for those interested in seeking election to be heard by committee members and the community.

Christine Benedict, chair of the county Republican committee, said Cohoes has been almost exclusively represented by male Democrats for some time.

“If the legislature is as committed to the future of Cohoes as Cassandra has proven she is, they will vote in her favor,” Benedict said.

Horn will be addressing the county Legislature on Monday,

Jan. 14 during its regular monthly meeting.