Transcript from Hudson Mohawk Magazine. (This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.)

Elizabeth Press (Hudson Mohawk Magazine):

Today, I’m speaking with Noreen McKee, who is running for Troy City Council District 4. She is endorsed by both the Democratic and Working Families Parties and is being primaried on the Democratic line. That election will take place on June 24th. Noreen, welcome to the Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Noreen McKee, Candidate for Troy City Council District 4:

Thank you. It’s great to be back.

Elizabeth Press:

We’ve spoken to you before about your involvement in the community, but today we’ll elaborate on that and hear why you’re running to represent Troy City Council in District 4. For our audience who may not know you well, could you tell us about yourself and your involvement in the Troy community?

Noreen McKee:

I have a strong background in finance and accounting. I worked at an investment management firm in New York City for many years, holding a CPA. My experience was primarily on the operational side—accounting, finance, compliance, and operations. I retired and moved to Troy in 2012, and I’ve been active in the community ever since. After the first Trump election, I joined the League of Women Voters to encourage voter participation. I initially thought registering voters was the key, but I learned it takes more effort to show people how important their vote is and to improve access to voting.

After working with the League for a couple of years, the New York State Legislature passed a package of voting reforms that the League had advocated for over 30 years. I was asked to join the Rensselaer County League president to meet with the Board of Elections Commissioners to discuss implementing these reforms, particularly early voting. New York lagged behind most states in expanding voting access, and early voting was the crown jewel of these reforms. However, the commissioners were resistant to adding early voting sites as required by law—two new polling places in the county. They eventually added sites in Schodack and Brunswick but none in Troy, where a significant portion of the county’s voters live.

We were disappointed and formed a coalition of nonprofit and community groups, including the NAACP, New York Civil Liberties Union, and the League of Women Voters, to bring early voting to downtown Troy. This was critical for minorities and low-income voters who rely on public transportation. After a three-year fight, including a lawsuit filed by the Attorney General on our behalf, we succeeded in establishing early voting in downtown Troy. This experience showed me that organized activism can drive change, giving me confidence to tackle other issues important to our community and democracy.

I also became involved in the fight to prevent the closure of the Burdett Birth Center, which would have been devastating for Rensselaer County and the Capital Region. The community organized a coalition, and with the support of local elected officials and the Attorney General, who held a hearing in Troy, we kept the center open. Using my accounting expertise, I analyzed the tax returns of Trinity, St. Peter’s, and Samaritan hospitals, demonstrating they had the finances to keep Burdett open. Eventually, Assemblyman John McDonald worked with the legislature to secure five years of funding and a plan to sustain the center.

More recently, in 2024, I noticed the Troy City Council had not produced quarterly financial statements for the year. As a taxpayer advocate, I was concerned because quarterly reports provide critical data not always visible in annual reports. I urged the City Council not to pass the 2025 budget without prior-year financials for comparison, emphasizing their responsibility to taxpayers, especially since Troy recently emerged from 25 years of austerity. Unfortunately, the budget passed along party lines, with the Republican-majority council voting in favor.</p>

After this, I learned that our current District 4 Councilmember, Aaron Vera—who has done terrific work—decided not to run for reelection. I was asked to consider running. The final push came when President Trump pardoned over 1500 felons at least tried to destroy our democracy on January 6th. That event solidified my decision. I have three grandchildren, and I want to ensure democracy thrives for them. I believe it starts locally, at the grassroots level, and running for City Council is my way to protect and sustain our democracy. So, I threw my hat into the ring.

Elizabeth Press:

The primary is on June 24th. Can you tell us where people in District 4 can vote?

Noreen McKee:

Early voting runs from June 14th through June 22nd at 500 Federal Street in Troy.

On Primary Election Day, Tuesday, June 24th, two polling sites will be open (for Troy City Council, District 4): Kennedy Towers for Election District 16 and the County Office Building, where the DMV is, for Election Districts 15, 17, and 18. Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Elizabeth Press:

Thank you for joining us today on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine. Before I let you go, is there anything else you’d like our audience to know?

Noreen McKee:

It’s critical for Democrats to vote in this primary. I’m the Democratic-endorsed candidate, while my opponent, who will appear on the Republican ticket in November, changed his registration to Democrat in February to challenge me in the (Democratic) primary. If he wins, he’ll hold the Democratic, Republican, and Conservative lines in November. Many voters I’ve spoken with are unaware of the primary or my opponent’s strategy, but when they learn about it, they’re motivated to support a true Democrat. Please get out and vote.