COUNTY OFFICIALS LAUNCH RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGNS
Local Republicans gathered with Zurlo, Hayner and Hayes-Masa on Tuesday
MALTA, N.Y. >> Dozens of Saratoga County Republicans gathered Tuesday to help launch the re-election campaigns of Sheriff Michael Zurlo, county Clerk Craig Hayner and Coronor Susan Hayes-Masa.
All three candidates are seeking their second, four-year term in office. Salaries for the sheriff, clerk and coroner are $122,645, $107,800 and $27,847, respectively.
The kick-off was attended by state Senators Kathleen Marchione, R-Halfmoon, and James Tedisco, R-Glenville, along with Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, R-Ballston, Board of Supervisors Chairman Ed Kinowski, R-Stillwater, and several other town supervisors.
“These candidates have improved the already successful departments they inherited and made them even better,” said Steve Bulger, county GOP chairman. Zurlo, Hayner and HayesMasa were unanimously endorsed by the Republican committees in each town and city in
the county, he said.
In addition, they’ve also picked up the Independence Party’s endorsement, he said. Zurlo, 63, cited improved coordination with other police, fire and EMS agencies, and placing deputies in schools for security purposes as two significant initiatives during his first term in office.
“My primary goal as sheriff is to keep your community safe,” he said.
Marchione credited Zurlo with supporting her efforts in the Legislature on topics ranging from animal advocacy -- he brought police K-9s to the state capitol -- to the SAFE Act, which she strongly opposes.
Hayner, 49, like Marchione is from Halfmoon and he succeeded her as county clerk. Among other things, he has expanded a Return the Favor (Find and Assist Veterans of Record) program Marchione instituted in 2011. Under this program, honorably discharged veterans receive a picture identification card they can present to participating merchants who will provide a discount on purchases and services.
“The number one priority has always been about service,” Hayner said.
If re-elected, his goals include increased electronic filing of land and court transactions, and efficiency improvements at all three Department of Motor Vehicles offices in Ballston Spa, Wilton Mall and Clifton Park. Hayner paid special tribute to his family, which showed up to support him, including his wife and children, parents and two brothers.
Hayes-Masa, 62, of Saratoga Springs, responds to many different types of situations as coroner including deaths by natural causes, tragic accidents and drug overdoses.
“When I’m called it’s the families I’m there for, to help them navigate through the fog of grief,” she said. “I’m not there to judge why or how. I’m there to help them.”
Walsh applauded all three candidates for seeking re-election to their respective posts.
“Thanks for caring so much for our community that you will run again,” she said. “This is a difficult time to be in public office.”