This blog endorses: Esmond Lyons for mayor of Glens Falls

I recently received a press release promoting the candidacy of independent progressive Esmond Lyons for mayor of Glens Falls. I've known of Esmond for several years and was thrilled to hear of his mayoral candidacy.

One of my main issues on the local level is transportation. As many of you know, I do not own a car. I get around entirely on foot, bike and on the so-so bus system (though very occasionally, I hitch rides). The city of Glens Falls is certainly less unfriendly to non-automobilists than most municipalities in the area; the city actually has sidewalks, unlike the town to its immediate north.

But there's certainly plenty of room for improvement, particularly in downtown Glens Falls... an area about to get even more hostile to pedestrians with the inclusion of a foolish roundabout. How are pedestrians supposed to cross busy streets if traffic never stops? In order to flourish, downtown needs to become MORE friendly to pedestrians, not less. After all, the instant a driver leaves his car to walk toward a shop, he becomes a pedestrian.

However, it's easy for forget that Glens Falls is a city of neighborhoods that are often overlooked by the politicians' near-exclusive focus on downtown. Other issues that non-automobilists face, which hopefully Esmond will discuss, include:

-Almost non-existent street lighting in the neighborhood around East Field

-Sewer repairs that take infinitely longer than promised (Warren St., Chester St., Walnut St.); perhaps a reversal of the Water Department's privatization is in order.

-The proliferation of dangerous unleashed dogs since the abolition of the city's animal control officer.

Below is the press release from Esmond's campaign:


Local Independent to Run for Mayor of Glens Falls

The Adirondack Progressives, along with a broad coalition of local citizens, business owners and artists, are pleased to announce the candidacy of Esmond Lyons for Mayor of Glens Falls. Mr. Lyons is a longtime resident and businessman and is the owner of the Glens Falls Mural School. He lives with his wife, Danielle, an artist and yoga instructor, and their three children, in a restored church blocks from downtown.

Mr. Lyons is running to offer the citizens of Glens Falls an alternative to continued environmental decline and rising taxes by creating a beautiful, working city which offers affordable housing in safe and pleasant neighborhoods, livable wages, excellent schools, and a quality of life unsurpassed in North America. He feels that these goals can be accomplished by focusing on making the city less dependent on automobile traffic, more conducive to walking and cycling, and consequently making a vastly improved environment for social, cultural and business arrangements.

Some of the specific items Mr. Lyons will address as Mayor follow; a citizen’s contribution program in which everyone can donate ten hours a year for the betterment of our city; repair and proper maintenance of all city sidewalks; establishment of a community garden; the amendment of the City’s Master Plan to include a year round Farmers’ Market; active promotion of the connection between preserving our farmland and buying from local farmers; create an integrated transportation zone downtown where pedestrians, cars, and bikes are all accorded equal status; an internship program for artists to produce outdoor murals depicting the city’s history and current challenges; establishment of an architectural review committee with specific focus on enhancing and fostering the architectural heritage of the city; making on-street overnight parking an option in those neighborhoods which desire it; promotion of local business by educating the public about the benefits of buying local; use the mayor’s office as a bully pulpit to endorse a livable wage; make public transportation more efficient and desirable as an alternative to vehicle use; revive the DPW and restore public confidence in the ability of government to get the job done; join with almost 400 hundred other towns and cities throughout the United States in declaring Glens Falls a Patriot Act Free Zone.

This campaign is citizen-driven and is looking for additional ideas, aid and resource. The public may access the campaign website at: “esmondlyonsformayor.org”. Adirondack Progressives is an organization of residents of the Adirondack region working to set a progressive framework for a peaceful, just, and environmentally sane world for the generations to come.

For More Information:

Matt Funiciello (518) 745-4083

mattfuniciello @ earthlink.net


Another press release from the campaign, regarding a festival in Glens Falls' City Park on Saturday July 2.

To all of you who joined with us to celebrate the announcement of Esmond’s campaign for Mayor of Glens Falls at Rock Hill Bakehouse on May 22 - Thank you!! What a great way to begin this exciting campaign. We welcome you all to continue supporting this effort toward a healthier and happier Glens Falls through November 8th and beyond by letting your voice be heard! Given the community-oriented focus of this campaign, your creative criticism and moral support is essential.

We will be holding several events this summer and fall to raise awareness of the issues on Esmond’s platform and would love to see you at all of them! Bring friends, family, strangers … anyone! The more positive energy we can gather the better.

The first event will be held on Saturday, July 2nd! So, gather your friends and neighbors and join us from 11:00am – 4:00pm at City Park (adjacent to Crandall Library). The event will be free and open to the public with highlights including live music from “The Mathematicians” (Metroland’s Best New Band 2004), and several other local bands, as well. We will also have face painting for children of all ages, even the retired ones! Esmond will be speaking more specifically about his platform and the issues he plans to focus on. We will be offering voter registration and campaign information accompanied by High Peaks Java and Rock Hill Bakehouse Biscotti – with any donation – no matter how small! Bring your family! Bring a picnic! This will be a chance to support your community and have a blast at the same time!

We will also be holding a “Flea Market” every Sunday during the next few months to raise money for this citizen-driven campaign. If you have any items that you would like to donate or if you would like to volunteer to help please call Danielle Lyons at 792-0843. The “store” will be open every Sunday from Noon to 4:00 pm. This will be a great opportunity to pick up campaign information and talk to campaign staffers and Esmond, himself, about issues that are near and dear to you.

You can also let your inner artist out with our “create your own” lawn sign program. In place of mass-produced signs made of plastic and wire, we decide to create unique, environmentally-friendly, lawn signs. We're going to make our signs with reused lumber and other recycled materials! Donate a little something for the materials and create-your-own to support the campaign!

See you at City Park on the 2nd!




Also see: esmondlyonsformayor.org, campaign website