SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — A fourth mayoral candidate has entered the race for Mayor of Schenectady and her name is Diamond — a 13-year-old dog. She is called “Schenectady’s best friend.”
Diamond’s platform? Lowering the city’s property taxes, reducing crime and breaking down community barriers. She also is fighting for a fire hydrant on every block.
“She feels the current administration is putting politics first as opposed to what is best for Schenectady,” says Kathy Fitzmaurice, Diamond’s campaign manager. Fitzmaurice also ran the campaigns for Sparky the Cat in 2007 and Roger the Cat in 2011. She runs Katbird Shop on Liberty Street.
Diamond was adopted from the Animal Protective Foundation by Bill MacTiernan. They both live above Katbird.
“Diamond is a rather old dog and this is a big undertaking late in her life, but she wants to run,” MacTiernan said. “She doesn’t get too excited these days, but when you tell her she’s running for mayor, she wags her tail.”
Diamond will be running against three other human candidates – Gary McCarthy, Roger Hull and Chris Gibbs.
McCarthy looks forward to meeting Diamond on the campaign trail. He also hopes that the mayoral debate in October will be able to include all four of the candidates.
Hull hopes that having Diamond running a campaign will bring more attention to the city’s shelters and their need for improvements.
The mayoral debate is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m.
References
1. Time 2. Daily Gazette 3. Democracy Chronicles
