Keeler announces run for new term
COHOES — Mayor Bill Keeler will seek election to a second four-year term leading his hometown city in its top elected post.
Keeler said he plans to run on a platform based on the accomplishments of his administration.
“Four years ago, when I announced my candidacy for mayor, I promised to improve the city’s economic development. Despite some historically difficult circumstances, businesses in Cohoes have generally thrived over the past three years,” Keeler said in a statement.
The city has repaired sewer and stormwater lines, paved more streets and secured $2.4 million in grants to restore the historic City Hall building, said the mayor, a retired Troop G State Police commander.
“We’re proud of our accomplishments but our work isn’t done yet. The first term saw decent growth in our business community, which was as much as we could have hoped for during the COVID lockdown and ensuing recession.
“Downtown revitalization, including redevelopment of the (2017) Remsen Street fire site, is a next-term goal. Our efforts will be focused citywide, not just downtown,” Keeler said.
Keeler has the endorsement of the city’s Democratic ward leaders and officers, city Democratic Chairman and Albany County Legislator Gil Ethier said. On Monday, the entire city Democratic Committee will be asked to endorse Keeler for reelection, Ethier said.
The committee interviewed Ed Kinner, who has announced he is running for mayor. Ethier said Keeler’s record is what has won him support among city Democrats.
“The mayor has a record of accomplishments and is committed to improving the city,”
Ethier said.
Keeler officially launched his reelection bid in the overwhelmingly Democratic city just before petitioning is to begin. Kinner posted pictures on Facebook of his visit to the Albany County Board of Elections to prepare for the petitioning process.
Enrolled Democratic voters outnumber enrolled Republican voters by a nearly 4-1 margin.
Keeler said his administration has also dealt with environmental issues in the neighborhoods bordering the Norlite plant in the south end of the city.
He pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic the city partnered with nonprofits to run more than 20 emergency food distributions and handed out at-home test kits, masks and sanitizer.
The city also secured $25 million in grants to save taxpayers money and to repair
City Hall, the Cohoes Music Hall and the Cohoes Public Library as well as launching a floating solar array project that has become a national model