Town Democrats endorse retired FDNY member for council

By Nadine Cafaro
Posted 4/26/23

Town of Montgomery resident Jeff Samerson drives to New York City every morning for his job, mentioning he’s often the problem solver or “go to guy” for people around …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Town Democrats endorse retired FDNY member for council

Posted

Town of Montgomery resident Jeff Samerson drives to New York City every morning for his job, mentioning he’s often the problem solver or “go to guy” for people around him.

Samerson has many tools under his belt and he hopes local government will be the next one. The Town of Montgomery Democratic Committee has officially endorsed retired firefighter Samerson for town councilman.

Samerson is currently the administrative manager at Local 2507 FDNY, a pro-labor union of Uniformed EMT Paramedics and Fire Inspectors of the FDNY [New York City Fire Department]. Before this he spent 27 years with the FDNY. Samerson mentioned that he has spent most of his life fighting for the rights of his members, and he’s ready to do the same for Montgomery residents.

His idea to run for town government came in large part from a conversation with his neighbor, who happens to be a Republican. Despite some political differences, they chatted about things they see wrong with the neighborhood, and Samerson found out that many people want to move or have moved already. This includes his neighbor who has lived there for 18 years.

“People have been here for sometimes three and four generations. Why are they leaving? Taxes,” mentioned Samerson, who believes it’s shameful and sad.

He mentioned that he’s aware he can’t solve everything or essentially fix it, but he’d try his very best to help out with taxes. “As a town councilman, I could do my best to allocate funds to schools to try and free up taxes,” said Samerson.

Samerson also thinks traffic issues need to be resolved, as well as the number of tax breaks given to large corporations. He also cares about making Montgomery a more affordable and liveable place for current residents.

“I’ll actively contribute to this town and community to make it a better place,” said Samerson, who mentions how much he loves the people in the community.

Samerson is a husband and father. Like him and his daily commuting life, his wife works as a NYC Police Officer, except she takes the Metro. He also has three children; one who goes to Valley Central School District, another who attends the University of Albany, and one more who lives in Cincinnati.

Overall, Samerson cares for the community as a whole, but especially mentions his love for firefighters, police officers and emergency medical services.

“I want to make the whole community where people live peaceful and happy, [and] take care of our families and have a safe zone,” said Samerson.

The committee has currently only endorsed Samerson as councilman. He will run alongside their endorsed town supervisor candidate, Susan Cockburn. Both parties will begin their campaigns after their petitions are cleared.