Trustee Election is May 18
5/21/21 Update: The two winners are Jah-Raii Gause (declared candidate) and Matthew Finn (write-in candidate). Both of their terms take effect July 1.
Read the election and candidate information sheet
Watch a video where the candidate answers questions about her background and the library
For the first time in recent memory, only one candidate is running for the Albany Public Library Board of Trustees. There are two open board seats in the May 18 election.
The declared candidate is Jah-Raii Gause of Livingston Ave. The ballot will list Gause, along with a write-in spot next to her name, which is normal practice every election. This year, however, there will be an additional write-in spot on the ballot for the second seat. The two people who receive the most votes will be elected to the open seats. Both spots carry full five-year terms that start in July.
“We are excited to have a highly qualified candidate running for one of our open seats. We recognize that we are part of a regional trend where districts are lacking in candidates. Because of this, one of these seats will be filled by a write-in candidate. We look forward to working with who the people of Albany choose,” said Matthew Finn, president of the APL Board of Trustees.
The two open seats are currently held by Finn and Karen Strong. Both are finishing five-year stints on the nine-member board and declined to run for second terms.
The library’s trustee election is run in conjunction with the City School District of Albany’s budget and trustee vote. The district is returning to in-person voting this year, but will also have an absentee option due to COVID-19. Requests to get an absentee ballot by mail must be received by the school district clerk by Tuesday, May 11, at 4 pm. Absentee ballots may be picked up in person at Academy Park until Monday, May 17, at 4 pm. The polls will be open from 7 am until 9 am on Tuesday, May 18. In-person polling locations can be found on the school district’s website.
The library prepared an information sheet for voters containing background about Gause and details on the trustee election. The information sheet is posted online and copies are available at library branches.
Questions about where and how to vote can be directed to the school district clerk at (518) 475-6015.
Questions about the candidate can be directed to the library public information officer at (518) 708-3912.
Note, there is no library budget vote this year because the 2021-2022 library operations budget ($7,153,022) is the same amount as the current spending plan. Because the budget does not raise the tax levy, the library is not required to put it out for a public vote. The spending plan was approved by the APL Board of Trustees in March.
Stephanie Simon
Stephanie Simon is manager of APL's Communication and Creative Services Department, which provides content and information for the library's website, social media, publications, videos, podcasts, and other outlets. Stephanie also manages APL's public relations and marketing efforts.