Another Fundraiser, More Speculation for 2013

Nearly a week after Albany City Treasurer Katherine M. Sheehan held her symposium/fundraiser in Pine Hills (which sparked speculation over her 2013 ambitions), Albany Common Council President Pro Tempore Richard Conti followed suit on Tuesday night, in which his comments alluded to a higher office than the current sixth ward seat that he has occupied since 1997.

In front of a group of supporters gathered at the University Club, Conti said that 2013 would be a “very dynamic year, with reapportionment,” but never mentioned re-election in any of his statements.

Conti, who works as an executive director with the New York State Assembly, represents the Center Square neighborhood. Conti had also been instrumental in drafting a plan for dedicated residential parking in the neighborhood, which has long  been under siege by state workers due to its proximity to the Empire State Plaza and other state offices.

“The recent victory we had over (Roger) Ploof is a victory for our neighborhood,” said Conti, remarking on the recent state Supreme Court decision over Ploof’s charges against the Albany Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).

Attendees of the event included fellow Common Council members Cathy Fahey and Daniel Herring, County Legislator Christopher T. Higgins, LCANA founder Judd Krasher, City Court Judges Thomas Keefe and William Carter, former City Clerk John Marsolais, Family Court Judge Peggy Walsh, School Board President Daniel Egan, County Legislator candidate Noelle Kinsch, and School Board candidates Ginny Farrell and Sue Adler.

If Conti does run, this could lead to as many as six potential Democratic candidates which would include incumbent Mayor Gerald D. Jennings, Sheehan, Common Council President Carolyn McLaughlin, former Common Council member Corey Ellis, and Albany County Comptroller Michael Connors.

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