David Galin Announces Candidacy for Albany City Auditor

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

FOR RELEASE: January 16, 2025

LIBBY POST, libby@progressiveelections.com

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ALBANY, NY - Lifelong Democrat and Albany resident David Galin has announced his candidacy to become Albany’s next Chief City Auditor. Below are excerpts from the speech he delivered at his announcement on Wednesday, January 15 at Fuel & Spirits: Slip 12 in Albany’s Warehouse District.

“I am running to become your watchdog in City Hall. I want to save hard-earned taxpayer dollars. And I want to continue to help solve the problems our neighbors face.

“And these aren’t just buzzwords to me. I live and breathe this work every day.

“As a senior leader in municipal government for nearly 10 years, I have worked to enhance public safety, improve quality of life, deliver essential City services, create more affordable housing at every income level, and transform our neighborhoods with world-class amenities.

“We did this all through a lens of equity – particularly during the pandemic. We brought food and masks to our most vulnerable neighbors. When we saw inequities in the vaccine roll-out, we reached out to trusted community voices like Joyce Love, Jahmel Robinson, Sonia Frederick, and Dr. Brenda Robinson. We worked alongside them to bring vaccines directly to residents. We have been through a lot over the last ten years, but the only time I cried in this job was seeing the pure joy and relief on the faces of residents at Westview Towers that very first day of the very first vaccine clinic. We literally helped save people’s lives, and it is a feeling I will never forget.

“But I don't do the work for the accolades or the pay. I don't do this work because it would look good on the resume. I don't want this job because it's the next opportunity on the career ambitions chart. I do this work because I care. I do this work because Albany, once my adopted city, is my home. I do this because I want our city to be a better place for everyone. And I truly believe our future has never been brighter.”

Galin is endorsed by State Senator Neil Breslin (Ret.), Mayor Kathy Sheehan, City Treasurer Darius Shahinfar, and Common Council Members Sonia Frederick, Joyce Love, Jahmel Robinson, Meghan Keegan, Hyde Clarke, Deborah Zamer, Cathy Fahey (Ret.), and Joe Igoe (Ret.).

As the next City Auditor, Galin will continue to tackle pervasive issues in our city. He acknowledges that although crime is down, people in the city still feel unsafe. As Auditor, Galin will work with the next administration to find solutions and advocate for resources to help those struggling with mental illness, homelessness, and substance use disorder. He will continue the hard work of tackling the City’s housing crisis, and continue to welcome and advocate for new housing as people move to our great city. With partners at the University of Albany, NY Creates, and New York State, Albany is becoming an innovation hub, and Galin will continue to work with these stakeholders to ensure this city continues to thrive and grow.

After growing up in nearby Greene County, Galin began his post-high school education at Columbia-Greene Community College. After obtaining his Associate's Degree, David came to Albany to continue his studies in Political Science and History at SUNY University at Albany, where he graduated cum laude in 2010. David then entered Albany Law School where he was the Senior Editor for the Center for Judicial Process and the Executive Director for the Moot Court Program.

Galin, like many who came to New York’s Capital City to continue their education, quickly learned how unique and vibrant Albany is. He decided to build his career and family here. After graduating from Albany Law, Galin dove right into public service, working for the United Way of the Greater Capital Region, and then later at the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York. This work further solidified his commitment to public service, and to the people of Albany. In 2016, he took the opportunity to begin working as a Policy Analyst and Special Assistant, and eventually Chief of Staff, to Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. Galin also recently served for two months in North Carolina as a member of the Harris-Walz Presidential Campaign.

For nearly a decade, Galin has worked on behalf of the people of Albany shaping a variety of public policies and legislative proposals, overseeing multimillion-dollar capital projects, and working with every city department to help improve the quality of life for Albany’s residents. His commitment to his job has been palpable.

In his role as Chief of Staff, David is a liaison between the Mayor’s Office to the City’s local, state, federal, and community partners, ensuring that collaboration is prioritized and projects accounted for. Galin worked on countless initiatives to improve the quality of life for the residents of Albany. Among them are:

The equitable and expedited distribution of $25 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations
Leading the completion of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative
Advocacy on behalf of residents to help reimagine I-787
Advocacy for the Governor’s funding of the Livingston Avenue Bridge
The demolition of the Central Warehouse
The Sheridan Hollow decarbonization initiative
Permanent Capital City funding
Modernizing City Hall, and
Realizing the continued investment by the State into our Downtown and neighborhoods as evidenced by Governor Hochul’s recent State of the State address.

As a senior leader in municipal government for nearly 10 years, David works with Department heads, elected leaders, and other levels of government to get what the city needs. He has enhanced public safety, improved quality of life, delivered essential services, managed the city’s response during high-level emergencies including natural disasters, and promises to bring that knowledge and dedication into the new role of City Auditor.

“I love Albany and am proud to call it my home. Albany is where I was lucky enough to attend college and law school, start a family, and launch a career in public service. We all care deeply about this city and can make it even better if we work together. With your support, I hope to be able to continue that important work as our next Chief City Auditor.”

State Senator Neil Breslin (Ret.) said, “I've known David now for a number of years, working closely with the Mayor's Office, and he checks all the boxes for me. He's bright, he's honest, he works hard, he's thoughtful. I don't think there's an angry bone in his body, and to me, he’s what an elected official should be. As an elected official, your first consideration is the people you represent, and David Galin is that kind of a person. I'm so delighted to support David as he works to become the next Chief City Auditor.”

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “David Galin is a person who has been in service to his community his whole life. It started in his childhood, and in his understanding that we all exist in a community, and we are all called upon to step up and do our part in that community with whatever gifts and talents and abilities that we have. I have relied on David’s counsel for many years, and I know that he comes from a place of service, he comes from a place of integrity, and he will do everything in his power to ensure that the taxpayers, the residents, the people of this city and this community are protected. David will work to make them proud of their city government and the services that we provide and the work that our workforce does, day in and day out. I am so excited about the potential for the progress that our city will make under David's leadership as City Auditor, and I am so grateful to him for his willingness to continue to serve. We will be in amazing hands with our next Chief City Auditor, David Galin.”

City Treasurer Darius Shahinfar said, “David has audited city departments and operations on a daily basis for nearly 10 years. He’s a consummate public servant and a tireless champion for every neighborhood. As the City Treasurer and person who works closest with the City Auditor, I know David will be the watchdog for Albany’s residents and continue to help solve the problems we face every day.”

Common Council Member Jahmel Robinson said, “With years of hands-on experience in city government, Dave Galin understands the intricacies of municipal operations like no other. His proven expertise ensures transparency, accountability, and understanding how managing public funds and policy affects the viability and vibrancy of our city. Dave is the leader we need to monitor our city’s fiscal health and drive responsible governance forward.”

Common Council Member Joyce Love said, “David Galin and I have worked closely together during my tenure as a Council Member. David is responsive, dependable, and has worked tirelessly for the residents of Arbor Hill and West Hill. David ensured vital resources like food and the COVID vaccine were accessible to our neighbors during the pandemic and is helping make the Albany West Community Center a reality. I know David will continue to solve problems and improve our city as our next Chief City Auditor and I wholeheartedly support his candidacy.”

Common Council Member Meghan Keegan said, “Since David joined Team Albany in 2016, he's been a valuable partner in City government. I am proud to support his candidacy for Chief City Auditor. His experience within the City means that voters can be assured he is ready to hit the ground running. But most importantly, David understands the critical role the Auditor has in shaping policy and fiscal priorities in Albany, in helping the Council and the Administration understand the underlying data that shows us how well we are performing in achieving our goals for a more progressive Albany.”

Common Council Member Hyde Clarke said, “As a Council Member, I have seen first hand that David understands how city government works, understands where each department and branch intersects, and is therefore the most qualified candidate to audit work being done, and ensure government efficiency moving forward. I am proud to endorse David as our next Chief City Auditor.”

Common Council Member Deborah Zamer said, “I support David for City Auditor because I have always known him to be a person of intelligence and integrity. His knowledge of every inch of our city government means he knows where improvement is needed and what requires more attention. David’s experience in city government will serve our residents well.”

Council Member Cathy Fahey (Ret.) said, “I had the pleasure of working with David Galin while serving on the Common Council. David consistently went above and beyond in his work with others to find solutions to challenging and problematic issues, always with the goal of moving our city forward. He will use that same experienced and collaborative approach as our next City Auditor.”

Council Member Joe Igoe (Ret.) said, “David is Mr. Dependable and I am beyond excited to support him to become our next Chief City Auditor.

Former Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services and Former Executive Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Sean Byrne said, “I've known David Galin for most of his life and can speak with conviction about David's quality and character, about why he is so well suited to be the next City Auditor. As a young adult, David demonstrated intelligence, perseverance, and fidelity. The Chief Auditor of Albany reports to the most important political authority in the city: the taxpayer. David Galin is the candidate with experience to ensure city programs are achieving their intended purpose, the practical and educational grounding to ensure that taxpayer funds are being spent legally and in compliance with appropriate regulations, and a track record of professional and personal integrity. David Galin has earned the voters support and trust and deserves to be next elected Chief City Auditor of the City of Albany.

Owner of Motor Oil Coffee and Relentless Awareness Joe Bonilla said, “From his first role as a Senior Policy Advisor, working as a Deputy Chief of Staff, and now Chief of Staff, I know no one better that has been accessible or accountable in city government. David is a problem solver. I know no one that has been more accessible or accountable in city government, so that every time there's a challenge or a client with a business concern, he has always been there. He's been somebody who has truly tried to figure out how we can make government work better and we need more people like David Galin government. As Chief City Auditor, David is somebody who's going to be accessible and accountable to the city of Albany, to our residents, to our businesses, to our community leaders. We're all behind you, David.”

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