The race to succeed Mayor Kathy Sheehan in Albany heated up Wednesday when two Democrats announced competing endorsements.
With about 40 days from the Democratic primary in Albany, Chief City Auditor Dorcey Applyrs received the backing of state Assemblywoman Gabriella Romero of Albany, while the campaign of Dan Cerutti announced support from former city Mayor Gerald Jennings, Albany County Comptroller Sue Rizzo, several labor organizations and Bishop Avery Comithier, pastor of the South End’s Elijah Missionary Church.
Two other Democrats — Albany Common Council President Corey Ellis and Albany County Legislator Carolyn McLaughlin — are also running for the mayor's seat at the end of Sheehan's 12-year tenure.
But it was Applyrs and Cerutti who rolled out endorsements Wednesday, signaling a new phase in the campaign in which candidates are scoring key allies in their efforts to occupy City Hall.
Elected last year to represent the state Assembly's 109th District, Romero said she's supporting the Applyrs campaign. The former city councilor cited Applyrs’ experience and forward-thinking leadership.
Both women said building and maintaining a strong connection between the Capital City and state Legislature is critical.
“Right now, in the city of Albany, we’re really at this pivotal crossroads, honestly," Romero said. "As the New York Assembly member, we’re about to give the city of Albany a crucial, magnanimous, once-in-a-lifetime $400 million, and we need a leader who is going to fight for the city of Albany and take that $400 million and run with it.”
Applyrs said Romero's backing means the world to her.
“Our relationship has evolved, but we have a track record of working together and fighting for residents in the city of Albany," she said.
Cerutti held a campaign event at which he stood with former and current city officials and union leaders. In a race that has partly focused on public safety issues, he gained the public support of the Albany Police Benevolent Association, as well as the Albany Permanent Professional Fire Fighters - IAFF Local 2007, Teamsters Local 294, Laborers Local 190 and Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 2.
“Dan Cerutti knows that recruitment and retention of officers must be a priority for our next mayor," said Michael Delano, president of the Albany Police Benevolent Association. "And he also knows that a service-oriented police department contributes to the success of the city because for all of us who patrol and protect Albany believe that is our mission too.”
Cerutti, who has not held elected office, stressed public-private partnerships, unity and leadership.
"Eighteen months ago, we got together, a lot of us got together behind the scenes, and started talking about what it would take to improve Albany. And what it takes, No. 1, is coming together. So what you’re seeing today is coming together, and there will be more of us."
City Democrats go to the polls June 24 to decide the primary.
