Rensselaer County Legislators – Republican Legislative Campaign Committee News Release

District 2: Michael Cristo

Towns of East Greenbush, North Greenbush and Poestenkill

East Greenbush Town Councilman and local business owner Michael Cristo announced his candidacy for the Rensselaer County Legislature in District 2, saying it's time to put people before the party and employ an old fashioned sense of responsible governing.

Cristo believes employing a true business sense in government and making government more accountable for the way taxpayer dollars are spent, is the best way to survive a recession and emerge stronger and more prepared for the years ahead.

"I want to serve in the County Legislature because I truly enjoy being involved in the governing process and believe my commitment to do what is right will be an asset to the County and will benefit residents across the county," said Cristo.

"I am confident the perspective and experience of a business owner in the County Legislature can be useful in reviewing budgets and keeping expenses reasonable. I will continue, as I have as a Town Board member, to advocate for shared services and pursue reductions of state mandates that drive up costs for local taxpayers," added Cristo.

Cristo works in a demolition and construction business founded by his grandfather in 1922. The business is believed to be among the oldest demolition businesses in the country. Cristo is also operating an auction business on commercial property he has owned for several years in Schodack.

The commercial property owned by Cristo is a restoration project. The property was formerly owned by the Storonske Cooperage Corp., and was declared a contaminated site. Cristo helped complete remediation efforts and restored the property to active use and the tax rolls several years ago.

"I believe in Rensselaer County, and I am proud to reinvest in our county and restore a property for use as a business. I want to put my business experience to work helping our county to grow and improve our quality of life," said Cristo.

Cristo was appointed to the East Greenbush Town Board in 2006 with support from members of both political parties and elected in 2007, and has worked to improve town services and strengthen the communication between town government and residents. He was also recently selected to serve as a member of the Economic Recovery Committee formed by the Rensselaer County Legislature, which will help advocate for federal stimulus funds for projects in the county.

"We are delighted to run a businessman of Michael Cristo's caliber for the Rensselaer County Legislature. Mike is already giving back to the community on the East Greenbush Town Board and we know he will make a great impact as a legislator," said Chairman of the Legislature Neil J. Kelleher.

Cristo is a lifelong resident of Rensselaer County and he has many friends and family throughout the legislative district. He and his wife Karen are the parents of two daughters who are being educated in the East Greenbush Central School District and is a graduate of Siena College.

Cristo is a candidate in legislative District 2, which includes the towns of East Greenbush, North Greenbush and Poestenkill.