Albany can’t continue ‘magical thinking’, says Sheehan

In fiery remarks at a packed backroom at McGeary’s in Downtown Albany on Monday, Albany City Treasurer Katherine M. Sheehan delivered a terse and direct response to last week’s State of the City address given by Mayor Gerald D. Jennings.

The event, billed as a forum on progressive business ownership, was organized by the Robert F. Kennedy Democratic Club (co-chaired by Maureen O’Brien and Matthew Peter). Since it’s resurrection, the club (which is soon to become a PAC according to Peter) has held forums and rallies that have included speakers such as Sen. Neil Breslin, U.S. Rep. Tonko, and others.

Sheehan, who was elected city treasurer against longtime incumbent Betty Barnette in 2009, said that the city “cannot hope to eliminate our budget deficit, revitalize our neighborhoods or reduce property taxes if we continue to engage in magical thinking that all is well in our city.”

Prior to elected office, Sheehan served as general counsel and corporate secretary for Intermagnetics General Corporation before the company was acquired by Philips Electronics. Undoubtedly tying in her previous technology sector experience, Sheehan also called for the creation of a city chief information officer to manage information technology needs in city government.

“As the heart of Tech Valley, we should be at the forefront of smart government. It is time to hire a CIO who can centralize our IT services and rapidly put us on a path to smart technology investment,” said Sheehan.

On education in response to Jennings appointing University at Albany President George M. Philip and College of St. Rose President R. Mark Sullivan to co-chair a committee to structure a new curriculum for Albany High School, Sheehan says that the curriculum design must be “headed by our independent City School District.” In attendance and adjacent to Sheehan was Daniel Egan, the president of the Albany City Schools board.

Both Philip and Sullivan have announced their retirements in the last few months, so it would be unclear whether their successors would continue to be involved.

The remarks followed speeches given by local business owners Anton Pasquill and Sarah Gordon. Pasquill, who owns the Hudson River Coffee House on Quail Street, said that the most often-asked question he gets is why he opened a business in the middle of what some call “the student-ghetto.”

“Most of the time, I give a flippant response. I cite insanity or wanting to avoid looking for a job. The truth is, like any entrepreneur, I saw opportunity,” said Pasquill.

Gordon, who’s the daughter of recently retired Albany County Legislator Alexander “Sandy” Gordon, operates the Helderberg Marketplace that prides itself on organic, farm-fresh produce items that can be delivered to area residents.

With the event’s background focused on building up neighborhoods and the Albany community through smart development, Sheehan concluded that Albany’s best days are yet to come.

“Our brightest days can be ahead of us, but only if we are willing to work together, face our challenges head on and create a City government that works for everyone.”

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