As a lifelong resident of Ballston Spa and a member of the recent Budget Advisory Committee, I would like to comment on an article in your recent edition regarding the Ballston Spa Trustee race, in which one of the opponents says: “I think people should look at the four trustee candidates, look at their background and also look at how hard they’ve already worked in the Village.”
I would like to do just that. The candidates who stand out to me are Peter Martin and Rory O’Connor.
Peter Martin and his wife, Donna, have run a profitable small business in our Village for over 18 years, contributing to our tax revenues, including sales tax. Annually, he donates 10-15 percent of his profits back to Village programs, including BARC and high school sports teams. In addition, his business sponsors several village sports teams per year. Pete’s integrity and extensive background in corporate financial experience will be invaluable to us when he is elected.
Rory O’Connor came to the Village more than 12 years ago, when he purchased the former Masonic Temple on Milton Avenue. His vision of development and re-purposing this historic structure into incubator office space resulted in a former senator and our current assemblywoman locating their offices in Ballston Spa. His restoration put the building back on the tax rolls, and has contributed to the growth of many small businesses. Rory is a past BSBPA board member, an Elk, and has a corporate marketing and management background, uniquely suited to helping the Village grow and prosper.
I would argue that these men have already made tangible contributions to Ballston Spa, and worked significantly harder than others seeking the trustee positions. I support the team of Larry, Pete and Rory to become the next Mayor and Trustees of our Village, and encourage everyone to vote for them on March 19.
- Paul Farnan, Ballston Spa
