Nancy Kern reports in Columbia-Greene Media that officials in the Town of Coxsackie want Gov. Kathy Hochul to veto a bill that would consolidate local elections to even years, to save money and increase the number of people voting for local offices. Election turnout is much higher in even years, when presidents and Congressional representatives are on the ballot. But Coxsackie Town Supervisor Rick Hanse does not see the benefit of more people voting in Coxsackie elections, saying, “If the proposed legislation is enacted into law, local elections will have to compete with state and federal election campaigns for the attention of voters.” While most observers believe not having elections in odd-numbered years would save money, Coxsackie board member Patrick Kennedy said, “It will put added costs into local elections.” Hanse makes a clearer argument that, “separating local elections from the federal and state election campaign cycles gives voters more time to focus on and better understand important local issues. As the law stands now, town and county candidates can present their positions on issues without having to compete with high profile national and state level campaigns.” Read more about this story at HudsonValley360.com.