Glens Falls council member Bill Collins (Ward 2) is running unopposed in his race for mayor of the city. He was first elected to the board in 2013 after a three-year stint on the city’s board of public safety.
He has said to FoothillsBusinessDaily.com in the past months that he is trying to run a race despite no competition, has been knocking on doors and talking to various groups and leaders.
[Click here to read about his proposal for a new business-centered committee, unveiled at a campaign event.]
Earlier this week he released the following statement. It has been edited for length.
Keep Glens Falls Moving Forward
I am running so we can continue all of the progress we’ve made in the last decade in our neighborhoods, commercial areas, and in our overall quality of life....
Key to our success has been the fact that...the Common Council and mayor have put public service before politics and worked together...
If I am elected mayor on Nov. 2:
- We will continue upgrading city infrastructure, both for efficiency/cost savings and for environmental protection: separating the storm sewers from the sanitary sewers in the Dix Avenue corridor will save thousands of dollars in wastewater processing fees and will help to prevent future overflows, protecting the Hudson River.
- We will protect neighborhoods by enforcing the city's new vacant buildings law, which requires owners to register vacant buildings, and submit a plan to rehab the property…
- We will continue working to keep the tax burden down on residents and businesses by sharing municipal services where appropriate; and seek state and federal grants for projects and programs; and partner with organizations to showcase Glens Falls as a great place to live, work and play.
- Speaking of play, we are reviewing the recreational programs and parks in the city to see how best to improve the services we provide for our residents, and the tens of thousands of regional residents who also use our facilities.
- I believe it's time to move forward with plans for a Glens Falls waterfront district that includes new recreational areas that also will bring outdoor businesses to the area.
- I will continue the city's commitment to sustainability, which has led to the state designating Glens Falls as a "Climate Smart Community." We will soon finish the installation of LED lights and smart city technology throughout our city that will last longer and cost millions of dollars less to operate over the long term.
- Finally, I am running because I understand how to get things done, and I can make a difference in the lives of city residents and businesses.
Please vote on Nov. 2, and I'd be honored to have your vote as the next Mayor of Glens Falls.