The 2013 election season has begun, and Albany voters will have a chance to replace or keep Mayor Jerry Jennings.
Aspirants include City Treasurer Kathy Sheehan, who had her coming-out party Saturday in Washington Park; and Corey Ellis, a former councilman who is not far behind in his attempt.
Even though Jennings' margin of victory was smaller than usual in the race with Mr. Ellis three years ago, he is still the favorite to win a sixth term.
If you sum up the years that he has been in office and ask yourself whether we are better off than when he took over the cityin 1994, you will probably say "yes."
Giving Jennings the benefit of the doubt, we are still burdened with high taxes and violent crimes that have escalated over the years. The city is in somewhat of an exodus mode.
Mostly the higher taxes are due to employee benefits and bad economic times. A new mayor won't change that. As for street violence, while the crime rate is down, the violence is still a serious matter. More police officers have been hired and more hours are required of them, which will only add to the budget woes and higher taxes. A new mayor won't change that, either.
Meanwhile, the population has dwindled. I doubt a new mayor can change that.
Jennings is 64. Sheehan is 48. Ellis is 42. OK, but why would the voters want to unseat a mayor with years of experience of running a city in these bad economic times?
Jennings will be mayor as long as he wants to be. He has come through some trying times and campaigns. I would say to Ms. Sheehan: Losing the mayoral race will put your next election for treasurer in jeopardy. It is not too late to change your mind.
Albert Paolucci
Democratic committeeman
Albany