Michael LoPorto, an At-Large Democratic candidate for City Council, will remain on the ballot. LoPorto's residency was challenged recently, with some alleging that his primary residency is Brunswick, not Troy. Apparently, he really does winter in Troy and then moves east to summer in Brunswick.
It's doubtful Harry will push the matter further. LoPorto is the uncle of Francesca Tutunjian, Harry's charming wife (who owns and operates a fine eatery on the corner of 5th & Broadway-highly recommended). Politics can be a rough game, but it pales in comparison to family matters.
Aside from where LoPorto resides, there's an interesting issue lurking in this story. Is primary residency an outdated standard in terms of voting?
Many Troy business owners live outside the city. Yet, many have a greater interest and investment in the future of Troy than some eligible voters. If they own not only a business but the property where the business is located they pay school taxes to the city and a variety of other fees. Obviously, Troy business owners have a vested interest in the success of Troy.
True, the interests of a business owner may differ from the interests of a person who owns and resides in a Troy home but the interests of a renter may differ from an owner and renters do not pay school taxes. After all, if those old School House Rock cartoons have taught us anything it is that taxation without representation is not fair! (also, a noun is a person, place or thing)
Perhaps, just perhaps, it might make sense to allow a business owner the option of voting in the municipality where the business is located or where the primary residence is located. Just a thought. Such a move probably involves passing a state law or amending the state constitution and that sounds like too much work and we all know how overworked our state reps can be. Just a thought.
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