By TARA THOMAS

As Malta continues to reach significant milestones, we as a community know economic development has been one of our town’s defining issues over the past few years — and one that has ignited passionate disagreement on both sides.

This is an important debate, and one we as a community must have. Town investments are similar to taking out a loan on future prosperity. A good investment can set the foundation for generations of economic strength; a poor decision could haunt us for decades.

At the heart of the discussion is the question of our downtown — how we can become a sustainable, thriving business community while preserving our rich heritage and small-town traditions. Finding the right solution has required community input and the ability to put the well-being of Malta ahead of outside special interests and political squabbles.

Much of the debate over the past year has rested upon GlobalFoundries, the $4.2 billion chip factory that broke ground last fall. I was part of the team that helped approve the project, and I can assure you it was a decision not taken lightly. We had extensive discussion on the pros and cons of bringing such a large-scale project to Malta, ensuring job creation for future generations. The thousands of local jobs that have since been created by the project seem to validate our decision.

Nevertheless, we must remember that GlobalFoundries is the exception to the rule, not the rule itself. How we proceed with Malta’s downtown planning will have just as much — if not more —of an impact on Malta’s future as Global Foundries or other types of large-scale projects. Our Town Comprehensive Master Plan, while far from perfect, establishes a framework for future development initiatives.

Through workshops conducted recently, professionals who assisted the town in our downtown planning made it very clear that improvements are necessary to meet the goals of what the original Master Plan was to achieve. Recommendations from professionals have included reducing the 1.8-mile downtown boundary to a 1/2- to 1/4-mile boundary, enhancing walkability and connectivity initiatives, reviewing the current scale and implementing Traditional Neighborhood Design standards. Also under discussion was a careful review of our generic environmental impact statement, as the planned multi-family residential development threshold has already exceeded projections with only a small amount of development currently approved in the downtown area.

The important thing to remember is that we can never become complacent, ever. We must constantly review our plans, impact statements and standards to make sure each project will not only have a positive impact on our town, but will be deficit-neutral.

I know some of this can sound very technical, and the truth is, sometimes it can be. But, that’s why it’s so important that we have this discussion in an open and honest manner, and that residents have the opportunity to have their opinion heard. I would be very happy to meet with any resident to discuss this issue further, so please, do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you kindly for your input.

Tara Thomas is a member of Malta’s Town Board.

Malta is a changing town, full of potential and growth and I’m running for Town Council to move Malta forward in a direction of responsible growth that allows for the proper balance of our citizens’ wants and business interests. We’ve been on such a forward-thinking trend over the last few years with new leadership and fresh vision, I will work to be a continual part of such a new vision and direction of our town.

I can pledge to you that as a member of the Town Council I will be proactive in initiating strategic development and planning. We need members of our Town Council who will be proactive and diligent in listening to our citizens and making their concerns known and ideas come alive.

As a member of the Town Council, I will work endlessly to provide the best I can for the citizens I represent. The values instilled in me by my parents allow me to be diligent, open-minded, responsible and realistic. These traits are just the starting point my years of hard work can bring to the table.

As your Councilwoman, I will have the tremendous opportunity to represent you and the citizens of Malta in a way that reflects what you want and how you feel. I will be your voice when it comes to downtown development in our community. I will be your voice when working with our business leaders and developers in our town. I will be your voice to preserve downtown Malta for what it should be. I pledge to serve at nothing less.

This campaign is about running on a vision, and the only way to do that is to let you know why I am the best candidate for Town Council. My campaign has been nothing but honest and hard-fought, focusing on the issues and my vision for Malta, and I pledge to carry my integrity with me serving as your Councilwoman. For the past eight years I have worked as your Deputy Supervising Court Clerk, and each and every day I see the faces of Malta.

My public service experience, coupled with my community activity, makes me a candidate of quality character who will work with all citizens of Malta, on both sides of the aisle, in a cooperative effort to move all of our citizens forward. It is through your input and ideas that I am able to bring to the table and make this our town, for our families, moving Malta forward.

Maggi Ruisi is the endorsed Republican, Conservative and Independence Party candidate for Malta Town Council.

Roger Crandall would like to thank the Voters of Malta for their faith and trust in him and he promises not to let them down.  He would like to thank Paul Sausville, Ted Willette, Tara Thomas, Flo Sickles, Bill Smith and the WHOLE Republican Committee for their Help.  Those who took him around their district and helped with the mailers and all the unsung background activities.  He would like the thank Lee and Patty from the Independence Committee for all the help they gave and the Conservative Committee.  Also the Highway Employees for backing and supporting him…We did our best and we did it positively ….if we forgot anyone we are sorry…. Thanks Malta, Cant wait to start in January 2010.

It seems that every day something new, exciting and prosperous is coming to Malta. With the recent announcement that Hannaford Supermarkets is looking into building a store at the Malta Mall at Exit 11 of the Northway, residents have become even more eager for revitalization and continued growth of the Exit 11 area of town.

As a resident of the southern end of our town, I know the type of potential that lies at the “Gateway to Malta.” Residents are calling for a plan that would attract new business and development to the area, but would not change the character of this part of town. Responsible growth is the key to the revitalization of Exit 11, and the announcement of Hannaford coming is a wonderful opportunity.

As a member of the Town Board, I would fully support a plan to bring this type of establishment to Exit 11 and work diligently to make sure we’re not attracting another large chain store, but a smaller grocery store that would suit the needs of residents in the southern part of town. Tentatively only laid out to employ 100 people, this smaller-scale store would be a lovely addition to the existing mall and certainly pump some energy back into the Exit 11 neighborhood. Striking the proper balance here is key, and as your councilwoman I would strive for that balance. The Exit 11 area has such great potential to make our family town grow in such a unique way, and I hope to be part of that effort with your help and support come election day.

Maggi Ruisi , Republican, Independence and Conservative candidate for Malta Town Board

Lifelong Malta Resident Has Over 30 plus Years of Business Experience 

      Roger Crandall, owner of Crandall Excavating and lifelong Resident of Malta, launched his bid for Town Highway Superintendent this week, visiting hundreds of local residents at their homes and outlining his vision to reform the Town’s Highway Department. 

            “As a successful business owner of Crandall Excavating, I know that success requires hard work and determination,” said Crandall.  “Mismanagement at the Highway Department has cost us dearly these past few years and it’s essential we do everything in our power to keep costs low at the town-level.  To do so, we need to increase productivity through new training programs, mend relationships within the department and reign in the town budget.  That requires the type of fresh, bold solutions that I’ve employed as a business owner for over 30 years.”

While this is Roger’s first run for elected office, his qualifications and ideas have garnered considerable support for his campaign.  He has been endorsed by the Malta Republican Committee, the Saratoga County Conservative Party, the Saratoga County Independence Party and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 294, which represents the Malta Highway Department union membe

“Residents are tired of the status quo and they want a candidate who will restore integrity to the Highway Department and work to raise employee morale and productivity,” said Crandall.   “This week I brought my ideas for reform directly to residents and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Over the next six weeks I look forward to meeting everyone!”  

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n Supervisor Paul Sausville (R,C,I) today hailed the Global Foundries ground breaking at Luther Forest Technology Campus as representative of the type of long-term investment that will jumpstart the local economy, create jobs, and preserve Malta’s small-town charm.  Sausville, a featured guest at the ceremony, was presented with an honorary “baseball bat” by Global Foundries for his help bringing the new semiconductor manufacturing lab to the Town of Malta.

            “Throughout my tenure I have worked to develop working relationships with state leaders to bring much-needed investment to our town, and today’s ground breaking represents the culmination of those efforts,” said Sausville.  “This new chip lab will create high-skilled jobs for our residents, keep the town tax-free and stimulate enough secondary business to lay the foundation for long-term economic prosperity.” 

            The Global Foundries project is anticipated to create almost 1,500 jobs at an average salary of $60,000 per year. Construction of the facility will generate over 4,000 jobs and is expected to stimulate the local economy by the hundreds of millions of dollars.  

“I believe this new ‘chip lab’ will secure Malta’s place as a leader in the field of advanced technology and is indicative of the type smart growth that puts people first,” said Sausville. 

First elected in 2003, Town Supervisor Paul Sausville has been a staunch advocate for responsible economic growth that maintains a high-quality of life for Malta residents and conserves Malta’s history and tradition. 

Beyond working to secure Global Foundries, Sausville has worked to construct the Round Lake By-Pass which has alleviated high-congestion in the village, secured over $70 million in grants for town construction and improvements, and helped restore and construct local parks, bikeways, and trails at limited or no cost to the town.  

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We have had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Roger Crandall for many years. Roger is running for highway superintendent of Malta this November. Roger exhibits many character qualities that would make him an asset for the town of Malta.

Last February, we had an unexpected loss of a basement wall collapse. Within minutes of calling, Roger came to our aid and gave us suggestions on how to repair our problem. The very next morning he arrived with his excavator, and for the next two weeks he worked side by side with our contractor and mason.

Roger has stellar qualities to serve in the capacity of highway superintendent. He has a willingness and desire to help others. He is courteous, honest, knowledgeable in his field, dependable and reliable.

There is no doubt in our minds that as a lifelong resident of Malta, he would serve the community well.

David and Leslie Charbonneau, Malta

Summer Family Fun in Malta,
Malta residents summer is here! Come share in the many festivities and free summer events that are taking place this summer in our hometown.  We should come together by enjoying the many fun family events taking place right here in our backyard.  Mark your calendars for the upcoming Malta summer concert taking place on Thursday, July 16th at the Malta Community Center and Malta Family night to be held at the Shenantaha Creek Park Wednesday, August 5.  These two events are free to the public.
I also want you to remember our gem right here in Malta.  The Round Lake Auditorium has a put together a wonderful summer line up that you don’t want to miss.  You can visit their web site at www.roundlakeauditorium.org or call 899-3257 for more event information.
For more information on these events any others, please visit our web site at www.malta-town.org or by calling 899-4411. As always, it is my privilege to serve you and hope to see you this summer!

Margaret “Maggi” Ruisi is the endorsed Republican, Independence and Conservative candidate running for Malta Town Council.  Ruisi brings years of dedicated public service experience to the town of Malta by working within our town government and community. 

Ruisi’s integrity, dedication, and energy makes her one of the most appealing new fresh candidates Malta has seen in quite some time.

As a lifelong resident of Malta, Ruisi, was raised by a mother and father that dedicated their lives to family values and public service.  She attributes her  success to her mother Charlotte Kelley, and late father, Thomas Kelley.  Charlotte, a Retired Deputy Tax Receiver for the Town of Malta, and Thomas, a Technical Sergeant for the New York State Police and a World War II Navy Veteran.

As your next councilwoman, Maggi will continue to move Malta forward by creating jobs, keeping Malta Town Tax Free and focus on essential government services for our community.

“I am running for Town Council because the face of Malta is changing and it looks like mine.” Ruisi is a working mother, wife and taxpayer, carrying the credentials and experience that Malta deserves in its next town councilwoman.  Maggi’s hometown values shared with government experience make her the very best candidate to serve Malta citizens and will carry that honor with pride in her heart.

Maggi will be a voice for our community by addressing tough issues that she shares alike many other young families in Malta.  Her candidacy will give Malta families a voice in their town government.   “I am incredibly excited to take this journey and have the opportunity to serve the Town that I have lived in and loved my entire life.” 

Ruisi has and continues to serve as Deputy Supervising Court Clerk for the Town of Malta which by dealing directly with citizens of Malta on a daily basis – understand the needs, concerns, and realities of their lives.

Maggi’s civic duties also include serving as a member of the Malta Historic Preservation and Review Commission and Malta Trails Committee.

Additionally, Maggi is a member of the , Malta Republican Committee, Saratoga County Women’s Republican Club, New York State Magistrates and Court Clerks Association and the National Rifle Association. 

Ruisi has studied archeology at the University of Albany and is a graduate of Shenendehowa High School.

 Maggi is married to husband Nick Ruisi of 10 years, is the proud mother of 4-year old daughter Carly Ruisi, and two lovable dogs, Lokie and Harrah.  Ruisi grew up near the Rhule Road Farm on Rhule Road South and now resides in Northway Eleven Communities.