submitted by Kevin O’Malley
The Rensselaer County Democrat Committee is pleased to announce the endorsement of Michael Hickey of Hoosick Falls and Dennis Smith of North Petersburgh. [private] They will be candidates for the Rensselaer County Legislature in District 5 representing the towns of Berlin, Grafton, Hoosick, Petersburgh and Stephentown.
Michael Hickey
Michael Hickey is a lifelong resident of Hoosick Falls, former village Board member, a proud member of The Eagles Club. He resides in Hoosick Falls with his wife, Angela Cottrell Hickey and six-year-old son Oliver.
Michael Hickey graduated from Cazenovia College in 2001 with a bachelors in Business Management.
An insurance underwriter in Albany, Hickey is credited with unearthing a PFOA chemical contamination that has been silently affecting members of this County for a generation. He has had firsthand experience working with all levels of government – village, town, state and federal – and knows what it can feel like for an ordinary citizen to be ignored.
In his fight on behalf of his community, Hickey helped assemble a strong team that would become Healthy Hoosick Water, a nonprofit whose aim was to take on the corporate polluters. His efforts have helped lead to New York State Senate Hearings, ongoing legal proceedings against the polluters, and the installation of a permanent water filter for his community.
Hickey has been recognized with the Environmental Protection Agency’s highest citizen honor, the Environmental Champion Award, and has been honored by News Channel 10 and Capital Bank as a Capital Area Hero.
When elected as Legislator, Hickey promises to work hard to bring tourism dollars, senior and youth funding and economic development to Rensselaer County District 5.
Dennis Smith
Dennis Smith is a lifelong resident of Petersburgh, currently serving 8 years on the Petersburgh Town Board, 17 years on the Board of Assessment Review, 24 years with the Petersburgh Ambulance, Treasurer of the North Petersburgh Methodist Church and a former member of the Hoosick Falls Men’s Fast Pitch Softball League.
He resides in North Petersburgh with his wife, Pamela Carr Smith, a daughter Sara and a son Aron. The Smiths are owners of the Kiddie-Carr Daycare/Preschool.
Dennis was a carpenter with his dad before partnering with his brother. He and his brother have owned Smith’s Construction for 25 years.
Dennis Smith graduated from Hoosick Falls Central Schools as a proud member of the National Honor Society and attended Rutgers University.
Dennis was involved in youth soccer and softball coaching in Hoosick.
As an active member of Emergency Services in Petersburgh, he will advocate for police and fire in the District.
The knowledge and understanding of business Dennis possesses will help the county continue job creation and economic development efforts. He is prepared to listen to District 5 residents, to research and solve problems, and to make Rensselaer County a better place to live and work. [/private]