Two candidates are contesting the seat for Amsterdam Ward 1 on the Common Council in the upcoming election. Incumbent Kelly Quist-Demars, a Democrat, aims to extend her tenure, while Republican John Brodie seeks to introduce new perspectives and strategies.
Quist-Demars, who has served two terms, emphasizes her commitment to community engagement and effective governance. She cites her experience working with U.S. Representative Paul Tonko as instrumental in understanding local issues. “I just want to focus on the job and the work of the council and the priorities that I’ve been working on for the last four years,” she stated.
Brodie, a native of Amsterdam, has entered the race after receiving backing from the Montgomery County Republican Committee and state Conservative parties. His previous role as a member of the Greater Amsterdam School District Board of Education illustrates his commitment to public service, although he acknowledges the necessity of resigning from that position if elected to the Common Council due to state law prohibiting dual officeholding.
The candidates are approaching the election with different priorities regarding local issues. Brodie identifies challenges such as blight, aging infrastructure, and high taxes as critical concerns. He advocates for long-term planning and strategic decision-making, emphasizing the need for “100-year decisions” to improve the city’s quality of life.
“There’s more we can do as a city, making Amsterdam a better place to live and safer, not just prettier,” Brodie said. He proposes enhancing code enforcement and allocating resources for the Public Works Department to manage larger projects in-house, such as demolishing derelict houses and repairing sidewalks.
Brodie also supports the sale of underutilized city-owned land for redevelopment, suggesting that selling areas like Arnold Avenue Park could generate immediate income while enabling the city to focus on revitalizing larger parks, particularly Shuttleworth and Veterans Parks. He believes that transforming these assets into revenue-generating properties aligns with a business-oriented approach to municipal governance.
Quist-Demars counters this perspective with her focus on maintaining and enhancing existing community resources. She expresses a strong commitment to monitoring the city’s financial health, especially following a period of financial oversight that allowed Amsterdam to borrow $7.7 million to address its budget deficit. “We’ve really dug our way out of this deficit and put ourselves in a really good spot,” she commented, stressing the importance of sustaining this progress amid economic uncertainty.
If re-elected, Quist-Demars intends to join the budget committee formed by Mayor Michael Cinquanti, which will conduct quarterly reviews to ensure financial accountability. She recognizes the impact of rising costs on residents and aims to balance the need for local improvements with fiscal responsibility.
“Maintaining strong finances is especially important in light of the economic uncertainty facing residents and the city,” she said. Quist-Demars also highlights the importance of improving local parks, stating that they play a crucial role in community pride and safety.
Her advocacy has already led to significant improvements, including the installation of new playground equipment at Isabel’s Field and plans for upgrading facilities at Arnold Avenue Park. “Those resources make our community safer by giving kids things to do,” she noted, emphasizing the positive impact of such initiatives on overall community well-being.
In her broader vision for the community, Quist-Demars has helped reestablish the city’s Recreation Commission and is collaborating with local business owners to develop the Rockton Business District. This initiative aims to strengthen economic ties and foster collaboration among businesses. It culminated in the inaugural CreekFest, designed to showcase local enterprises.
Both candidates advocate for a collaborative approach to governance. Brodie insists that bipartisan cooperation is essential for the city’s success. “If everybody got on board with these types of ideas and could offer something positive, you’d see a different Amsterdam,” he stated. Quist-Demars echoes this sentiment, emphasizing her commitment to being responsive to constituents and working alongside fellow council members.
As the election approaches, both Quist-Demars and Brodie present distinct visions for Amsterdam Ward 1, each drawing on their experiences and understanding of local needs. Their differing perspectives on governance will shape the future direction of the community, making this election a pivotal moment for local residents.
