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The four Democratic candidates vying for the position of Albany's next mayor will participate in a public forum next Tuesday (June 3) at the Renaissance Hotel on State Street. The candidates, Dorcey Applyrs, Dan Cerutti, Corey Ellis, and Carolyn McLaughlin, will engage with approximately 100 community members, focusing on pressing issues such as mental health and housing instability.
The forum comes as the candidates ramp up their campaigns ahead of the Democratic primary on June 24. Dorcey Applyrs, the Chief City Auditor, and Dan Cerutti, a tech executive, are leading the fundraising efforts, having raised over $200,000 each in recent filings with the state Board of Elections. Cerutti, who has previously been registered as a Republican and an independent, has received endorsements from former Albany mayor Jerry Jennings and Albany County Comptroller Susan Rizzo. Despite receiving limited support from the Democratic establishment, Cerutti has attracted donations from businesses and developers interested in investing in Albany.
Dorcey Applyrs, who has raised $280,676 since announcing her candidacy, has emphasized her political experience compared to Cerutti's. She reported having the most cash on hand, with $95,875 in her campaign account. Applyrs noted that a significant portion of her donations came from new contributors, with many providing recurring monthly support.
As the race heats up, the forum will provide an opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates about their plans to address the city's challenges. Incumbent Mayor Kathy Sheehan is not seeking re-election in November, leaving the field open for new leadership in Albany.