7/28/2019 Sano Letter

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Dear constituents of the 9th ward, friends and supporters it is with the

utmost respect that I am announcing that I must decline the nomination to be the

Democratic Party candidate for the office of alderman, for the ninth Ward, because I am

planning to retire when my current term expires in December. This has not been an easy

decision and one I have labored and thought through for many months. I could offer many

reasons why but it simply boils down to it is time.

I would first and foremost thank Mayor Jennings for having given me the

opportunity to fill the vacancy created in 2001 and for the good people of the 9th ward

for having trusted me with the responsibility of being their advocate for over 12 years.

I offered myself originally for this position because I wanted to make a difference in m

neighborhood (a neighborhood I have worked, lived in since 1968 and remained to raise my

family) as well as for the City of Albany which I dearly love.

I am especially proud of my responsiveness and responsibility in serving the people of

the 9th ward. I am most proud of my involvement with the revitalization of our business

district, the adaptive re-use of the St. Teresa’s campus, the consensus plan partnering

with St. Peter’s Hospital during their expansion, assisting with location of our new

library branch, the establishment of one of the largest NORC’s in the country and workin

with Congressman Paul Tonko’s office to save our neighborhood Post Office, Academy

Station. From a legislative perspective, I am proud to have served as Chair of the Budge

and Finance committee for 12 years and Majority Leader for my first term. I am proud to

have been an early co-sponsor for issues involving LGBT rights, for increased funding foroad repairs, the establishment of no smoking zones around our hospitals and playgrounds

and my ability to break down seemingly complex issues to a level of understanding as I

tried to find common ground and compromise on many issues. I originally stepped up in 2001 to fill a leadership void created with the sudden passin

of our beloved ward leader at the time, Charlie Gallagher and with the appointment of To

Nitido to the Comptrollers position. I want to especially thank the following for the

guidance and support during those early years, Tom Nitido for showing me the ropes as to

what the job entailed, Paul Collins, at the time my county legislator, for offering his

wisdom that I still rely on. Craig Waltz current 8th ward leader who was a one man force

in running my original election campaign, Gene Cioffi(9th ward leader 2001-2007) whose

experience and friendship always made sure I saw the “big picture”, Jack Hanifan my

current ward leader and Rusty Gallagher my longest and dearest friend for being my

trusted treasurer for 12 years. I want to thank my family, my wife Nancy for allowing me

to explore this other career and made sure that everything went smoothly at home while I

was away doing the work for the people of the 9th ward, my brothers Joe and John for

offering their expertise when asked, my Mom Josephine who instilled in me the values and

benefits for stepping up for what one believes and my Dad Joseph for the virtue of alway

stepping up to help those in need.

Finally I want to thank the good people of the 9th ward for allowing me the pleasure to

have been your public servant over these last 12 years and together we were a great team

and truly did many good things and helped improve the quality of life in the 9th ward and

in the City of Albany.

Thank you and may God Bless you!