Troy

A three-term councilman and a political newcomer are campaigning to win Tuesday's Democratic primary in the 6th Council District.

Councilman Gary Galuski, 53, faces Emily Rossier, 35, for the support of the district's 1,552 Democrats. Galuski, who also is the 6th District Democratic leader, is seeking his fourth two-year term.

A lifelong city resident, Galuski said his approach is to solve constituents' needs and ensure the South Troy district gets its fair share of city services. Rossier promised to provide transparent government and get residents involved in deciding how city funds are spent.

"We delivered $2.5 million in street improvements. We brought in another $100,000 in CDBG money and $10,000 in neighborhood improvement funds. The results are there," said Galuski. He graduated from the SUNY college at Cobleskill and is an elections registrar at the county Board of Elections.

Much of the constituent work is clearing up problems with code enforcement, getting street lights and fire hydrants fixed, working with neighborhood groups and getting the district's concerned heard at the mayor's office, said Galuski, who is endorsed by Mayor Lou Rosamilia.

Rossier said she entered the primary with a desire to make a difference now instead of waiting for Galuski to leave office. The city charter limits council members to four terms.

"I want to return the government to the people. I want decisions made to benefit all people instead of some people," Rossier said.

Rossier, who grew up in Vermont and graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, works in human resources for Joseph's House. She wants to involve residents in participatory budgeting by having them allocate about $1 million in funding for projects.

Rossier stressed encouraging economic development that creates local jobs and is sustainable. She wants to regularly visit the district's neighborhoods to find out what constituents want.

Galuski supported appointing Police Commissioner Anthony Magnetto as a way of improving the police department. Rossier is not sold on the appointment.

Rossier and Galuski also are in the Working Families Party primary for the party's 76 voters. Rossier appears on the ballot with the WFP endorsement. Galuski needs write-in votes.

Galuski has a spot on the November ballot with his South Troy Against the World Party.

The Republican-Conservative-Independence candidate is Emanuel Ned.

kcrowe@timesunion.com • 518-454-5084 • @KennethCrowe