Candidate fills vacant county seat
Ex-sheehan aide was running unopposed to represent 5th District
The Democratic candidate for the County Legislature’s 5th District has been appointed to fill the vacant seat left by outgoing Legislator Chris Higgins.
Matthew Peter, who is running unopposed for the seat in November, was chosen Monday to fill a seat after the incumbent resigned in August. Higgins was not seeking re-election.
Peter, the Albany Parking Authority’s executive director, is expected to be sworn in for a four-year term in January. He said he was honored to represent the district.
“He is enthusiastic and energetic about representing his district and the rest of Albany County,” Legislative Chairman Andrew Joyce said. “I know he will bring some new, fresh ideas to the legislature and I look forward to working with him.”
Peter was appointed to the parking authority position in 2016 after initially serving as Mayor Kathy Sheehan’s chief of staff — an appointment that came with some controversy.
Peter also served as Sheehan’s campaign manager during her first successful campaign in 2013. He continued to do campaign work for Sheehan while serving as chief of staff, a move that was criticized by some. Peter was paid more than $7,000 for the political work in 2015 while also earning $75,000 as Sheehan’s top aide.
The 15-year Albany County resident serves as a board member for the city’s development arm, Capitalize Albany. He was also a board member with Park Playhouse and the Albany County Visitors Bureau.
Peter graduated from the University at Albany with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in international relations and comparative politics.