Headed west
Syed won’t seek 3rd term in Niskayuna
Niskayuna Town Supervisor Yasmine Syed will not be seeking a third term.
Town Supervisor Yasmine Syed will not be seeking a third term.
Syed, viewed by many as a rising star in the Republican party locally, told the Times Union she plans to finish out her second two-year term at the end of this year, but will be moving in January to central New York to be with her husband, Matthew
Murray, an Air Force Medical Service Corps Officer with the 174th Attack Wing.
“My husband has been incredibly supportive and understanding of the sacrifice required of a public servant, supporting my stay in Niskayuna despite his service to our country requiring him to move to Central New York in 2020,” Syed wrote in a letter announcing her move. “My decision to not seek re-election was anything but an easy choice to make. However, after much prayer and reflection, it is one that I feel is best for my family.”
The couple, married in February 2020, will be living in the Syracuse area.
Syed, who comes from a prominent Niskayuna family, said it has been “one of the greatest honors” in her life to serve as supervisor in the place where she was born and raised.
“I remain humbled by the trust you first put in me in 2017, and again in 2019, to lead our wonderful town ... I remain committed to serving you for the remainder of my term, especially in light of ever-present budget consider
ations, and as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic collectively,” added Syed, 37.
She also expressed her profound gratitude to family and friends for their unwavering support.
As for her detractors, Syed said “it was still a great pleasure to be your supervisor.”
Schenectady County GOP Chairman Chris Koetzle described Syed as a “phenomenal supervisor” who will be sorely missed.
“It’s a big hit to the party, it’s a big hit to Niskayuna,” said Koetzle, adding Syed “had a bright future in the party ... It’s unfortunate for us, but I’m happy for her that she’s following what she wants to do with her life.”
He explained that Syed, who received the Republican nomination, is declining to accept it.
He said the committee on vacancies has a meeting scheduled for Monday night to discuss possible candidates to succeed Syed.
“I’m confident that you’re going to see equally as strong a candidate and appealing a candidate to the voters,” said Koetzle, who serves as Glenville supervisor, adding they need to make a decision by the end of the week.
The Democrats have endorsed Jaime Lynn Puccioni, a newcomer, as their candidate for supervisor. She’s running on a ticket with incumbent Town Board members Denise Murphy Mcgraw and John Della Ratta.
Syed listed among her accomplishments serving as a mentor to young women of color with an interest in government and public service, crafting the town’s first fund balance policy, reducing reliance on debt spending, and ensuring the safety of town residents during the COVID-19 pandemic by declaring several states of emergency among other safeguards.
She has also worked to retool town facilities and infrastructure, made town government more transparent by launching a dedicated Youtube channel, improved services to residents and spearheaded initiatives, including the Niskayuna Farmers Market, to enhance the quality of life for local residents.
“More than anything, I have sought to inspire the next generation of leaders, which has led me to begin work on an autobiography titled ‘Yes for Yas,’” which chronicles her journey to becoming an elected official and her experience as a young biracial, multiethnic Republican in Democratic New York state.
Syed said that she is not done with politics.
“My draw to public service is ever-present and I remain committed to the noble endeavor of serving my fellow citizens, whether it be the communities of central New York, or more broadly, the people of the state of New York,” she said.