GOP leader Buhrmaster to retire after term
Veteran lawmaker cites need for more time with family
Minority Leader Jim Buhrmaster, one of only two Republicans on the Schenectady County legislature is retiring after five terms.
“I need to spend time with my wife and grandchildren and do stuff for myself instead of doing politics,” Buhrmaster said. “I’ve done enough and now I need to concentrate on my family and my health.”
He represents District 3, which covers Glenville, Niskayuna and Scotia.
Buhrmaster, 73, is recovering from a recent bacterial infection that put him in the hospital and required rehabilitation. There have been setbacks along the way, but he hopes to be completely recovered by summer. He previously served as the county GOP committee chairman.
Glenville Supervisor Chris Koetzle, the man who holds that job now, said Buhrmaster is a “legend in the party” who served his constituents well.
“Jim was a giant and a huge proponent for the town and village,” he said.
Legislator Brian Mcgarry, the other Republican on the 15-member legislature, said Buhrmaster was a trusted confidante.
“We tried to pick our battles because we wanted to be thoughtful with our agreement or disagreement with the majority,” he said.
Koetzle said he and others in the GOP leadership are talking to potential candidates and plan to soon announce candidates for the legislature district.
The Democratic slate in the district features incumbent Tom Constantine, a retired Niskayuna cop, who is seeking a third term and Michelle Ostrelich, fresh off a failed bid to defeat incumbent James Tedisco in the 49th Senate District.
Koetzle is taking over for Mike Cuevas, who recently stepped down as the chair of the county committee. Cuevas plans to run for state Supreme Court.