Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, and early voting is underway. The following candidates were asked by Eagle Newspapers what it was that made them want to run for their desired offices,  how their experience will serve them going forward and why they’re an ideal candidate, what they’d consider the biggest challenges in their community at present, what their ideas are for addressing those challenges, and what they appreciate most about their respective communities. Al Stirpe, DEM, WOR I had always been interested in politics. I had watched companies and jobs leave the area over the years. I thought the approach of accepting any company with any kind of jobs was a waste of the communities’ resources. I felt we had to be more focused and invest in the type of infrastructure that would support more technical, higher paying jobs. This approach has definitely paid off. My areas of interest have always been economic development, education and the environment. I have worked in businesses, both big (General Electric) and small (CIDTEC and QubeERP). I know what is important for business to be successful. I’ve raised a family and been through issues in education and higher ed. I know what is important to families and their children. One of our children has severe disabilities. I’m very familiar with the disabilities world and how it operates. I’ve worked in an enviromental not-for-profit and understand what policies are truly helpful to maintain a healthy environment and keep it that way for generations. I believe this wide and deep experience has prepared me for the many issues that a legislator will have to deal with. The biggest challenges are infrastructure for Micron (water, wastewater, roads), housing (especially affordable housing) and the lack of direct service professionals for nursing homes, assisted living and people with disabilities. The issues of infrastructure will have to be solved with a combination of federal, state, county and Micron funding. You’re talking about over $500M for water, up to $1B for wastewater and close to $500M for roads and transportation. This will take a lot of cooperation from the above mentioned entities. Market rate housing will take care of itself. A continued decrease in interstate rates should get a number of the projects on the books kicked off. The State took its first steps in aiding affordable housing in the last budget. Projects with 25% affordable units get a 25 year PILOT. Projects with 100% affordable units get an unlimited PILOT. We need to raise the reimbursement rates for all human services so that they can pay workers a wage and benefits that will attract people to work in this industry. Nothing else will work. I appreciate the people the most who live and work in the 127th district. They have shown time and time again that, if you give them the opportunity, they will do the right thing. Whether it’s electronic recycling events, a paint recycling event or the largest annual Blood Drive in CNY, the people of the 127th show up and do the right thing! I think the negative campaign ads we continue to see each year are a sad commentary on politics today. Candidates should talk about their accomplishments and vision of what they want to do in the future. Personal attacks are not useful. Tim Kelly, REP, CON My desire to run for the 127th Assembly District stems from a deep commitment to my community and the belief that effective governance can drive positive change. As a husband, father, first responder, and entrepreneur, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges our families face. I am motivated to advocate for policies that promote safety, accountability, and economic growth. My diverse experience uniquely positions me to serve in local government. I’ve held various leadership roles, managing multi-million dollar budgets and collaborating with state agencies, which has equipped me with the skills needed to navigate complex issues effectively. My background in project management, healthcare, and emergency services gives me a deep insight into the needs of our community. Currently, the 127th Assembly District faces significant challenges, including rising crime rates, traffic and infrastructure concerns, and rising costs. To address these issues, I plan to advocate for stronger support for mental health services, invest in local law enforcement, and promote policies that stimulate economic development, particularly for small businesses. I will be your advocate for keeping spending of your tax dollars in check. What I appreciate most about the 127th Assembly District is its resilient spirit and the dedication of its residents. Our community has a rich history, and I believe that by working together, we can do great things. Lastly, I want to emphasize my commitment to transparency and accountability in government. I aim to be a representative who listens and responds to the concerns of my constituents, ensuring that their voices are heard in Albany. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community.