Colonie supervisor race down to wire

COLONIE - The candidates for Colonie town supervisor got some last minute campaigning in this Election Day.

One-term incumbent Democrat Paula Mahan faces long-time Republican politician Michael Hoblock.

During the last hours of campaigning both candidates talked about the same thing -- the town's finances. However, they had very different things to say about it.

Mahan voted at Forts Ferry Elementary School this morning.

She's been the supervisor for two years and argues that during that time her administration has reduced the town's deficit by 45 percent.

"Recognizing the job we've done over the last two years and I hope that they can see that we have made tremendous progress," Mahan said.

Hoblock, a former county executive and state senator, voted at Loudonville Presbyterian Church.

"Unfortunately the deficit is increasing. There really has not been the progress made as claimed by my opponent," Hoblock said.

He says if elected he wants to show Colonie voters the truth about the town budget.

"She's made mistakes in the past and that's inflated revenue and underestimated expenses and that's enlarged our deficit," he claimed.

Mahan insists things have improved in the last two years.

"It's been a great two years, we've made tremendous progress and the biggest hope is that people will recognize that and give us a chance to finish the job," she said.

Both candidates agree on one thing -- it's going to be a long night.

"I feel good. I feel real confident. The reception I've been receiving today has been real positive," Hoblock said.

"I'm just going to have to wait and see what happens. I'll hold off on my predictions," Mahan said.

The number of registered Democrat and Republican voters in Colonie is close. There are 17,975 registered Republicans and 17,229 registered Democrats.