Grice out, Luna in council race

By Alberto Gilman
Posted 1/18/23

Councilman At-Large Anthony Grice of the City of Newburgh will not be seeking re-election this coming term for a seat on city council. Democratic Committee Member Bryan Luna hopes to replace …

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Grice out, Luna in council race

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Councilman At-Large Anthony Grice of the City of Newburgh will not be seeking re-election this coming term for a seat on city council. Democratic Committee Member Bryan Luna hopes to replace him.

“It is with mixed emotions that I announce that I will not be running for City Council for the 2023 election,” Grice announced last week in a socal media post. “ I am very proud of the accomplishments I have made revitalizing the Transportation Advisory Committee, pushing for Good Cause legislation, Community Choice Aggregation, and a host of other things, none of which would have happened without the support of the other elected officials, city staff, a large support base, and most important, my family,” said Grice. “I am not done fighting for improved transportation, better housing conditions, living wage employment, protecting our watershed and air quality, supporting small businesses, highlighting positive events, and supporting great candidates.”

Luna, meanwhile, announced that he is running for an open At-Large seat in the Newburgh City Council. Luna, in Tuesday’s announcement, reflected about his upbringing in his childhood neighborhood, Grand Street.

“While it is undeniable that Newburgh is experiencing an important renaissance, we must also ensure that generations of community members aren’t being priced out of their neighborhoods,” Luna said. “We are attracting economic anchors to our community that will help us face some of our challenges such as high unemployment and housing. However, we need to ensure that we are planning for an inclusive and sustainable Newburgh. We must also ensure that we are allocating the adequate funds to public safety services and DPW, who are the backbone of the city. The City of Newburgh government is at a crucial crossroads. The policies we enact as a city will shape whether we are a community that fuels revitalization or feeds displacement. It is essential that we bridge our community to the changes happening in Newburgh. Decisions made today must provide our residents a future here.”

Luna born in the City of Newburgh, a first generation Mexican American, attended public education and graduated class of 2011 from NFA; alumni of SUNY Orange and New Paltz; working in the field of human services since 2016 and currently a graduate student at CUNY Baruch for his masters in mental health counseling.

During his tenure on city council, Grice served as a member of the Air National Guard Restoration Advisory Board, the University of Albany PFOS Health Study Planning committee, and the Quassaick Creek Trail planning committee. He has also served as a member of the Newburgh Urban Farm and Food’s Food Project Committee, a quasi board member for OurCore and also assists the bike trail planning committee.

Grice, via text, also shared some additional thoughts regarding the decision to step down from his position and the hope for the city: “Even before being an elected official, my passion was community service. Partly due to my consistency, deep knowledge of the facts, and willingness to engage with anybody regardless of position, I have earned the trust and respect of even people who have not agreed with my decisions,” said Grice. “I am proud of my accomplishments which will last for many decades. Knowing the development on the horizons, the pool, and the landing, the City of Newburgh is on a good path forward. It is my hope that a great candidate will surface.”