Raymond Pignone is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media village elections in New York will take place September 15, six months late due to the coronavirus pandemic. In Athens, voters are being asked to fill two seats on the Athens Village Board. Three candidates are running — incumbents Gail Lasher and Joshua Lipsman, running on the Democratic and Independence lines, and challenger Rickie Gabrielle, on the Republican line. Gabrielle names high taxes and assisting the elderly as his main concerns. If elected, Gabrielle said he would revive economic incentives to bring additional businesses to Second Street. Gabrielle, a Little League coach and manager, is a former baseball umpire. He is an associate member of the Athens Fire Department. Lasher has served as a trustee for 10 years. She supports clean industry that will create and maintain jobs, and opposes any commercial or industrial venture that could harm the environment along the village’s shoreline. If re-elected, Lasher said she would continue to work with her fellow trustees and community service organizations. Lipsman supports growth that can be held to the highest environmental, public health and quality-of-life standards. He is also determined to protect the village waterfront. Lipsman is a strong supporter of the joint town-village comprehensive plan to “address the economic, environmental and infrastructure challenges we face.” He lists as his proudest achievements in office: a Clean Energy Community designation and the Community Choice Aggregation program. The successful candidates will each be elected to serve a two-year term. On Tue., Sep. 15, the polls will be open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. at the Rivertown Senior Center. Information at 518-719-3550.