Republican To Challenge
Marietta For County Board
Dems Berliant, Martini Target Bliss, Gelbsman
COOPERSTOWN – Tim Walker today officially announced his candidacy for Otsego County Board Representatives in District 8, Town of Otsego (which includes most of Cooperstown).
He is challenging Democrat Andrew Marietta, who is completing his first term and plans to run again.
While the deadline for filing petitions is still a month away, the fall campaign is already heating up.
In the last 24 hours, Leslie Berliant, a writer and entrepreneur, announced she is challenging David Bliss, R-Cooperstown/Town of Middlefield, and Hartwick College professor Adrienne Martini is challenging Craig Gelbsman, R-City of Oneonta. In all, Democrats have identified 12 candidates so far to run in the 14 districts.
Walker, a lifelong resident and retired military man, cited his desire to continue to serve his community as his main reason for running.
Walker served 21 years in the service, including the Marines, Navy and Air Force, completing seven overseas tours. His commendations include the National Defense Service Medal for service in Gulf War and the state Defense of Liberty Medal for service after 9/11 at the World Trade Center.
He is lifetime member of the VFW, a past commander of the Otsedel County Council and the Cooperstown VFW Post.
For the last 10 years, Walker has been a substitute teacher in the Cooperstown Central School, from which he graduated 38 years ago. In his spare time Tim is an avid target shooter, works as a docent for Hyde Hall, and enjoys stamp-collecting. He is a single father, raising his two children in Cooperstown.
“I’m thankful for the opportunities that this community has afforded me and I’m running to ensure that those same opportunities exist for future generations,” said Walker.
Reached for comment, Marietta said he had heard the Republican’s planned to nominate a candidate in his district. “At the end of the day,” he said, “I’m going to focus all my time and energy on strengthening Otsego County.”