Henry Mathis: I’m running to be the mayor of Albany in 2020

ALBANY — Former Albany City Commissioner Henry Mathis is never at a loss for words, and he was his usual bombastic self Thursday in announcing he will be running for mayor of Albany in 2020 no matter who else is on the ballot.

“I am a proud Albanian and today I am announcing my candidacy for mayor of Albany, a city I truly love,” Mathis said. “Today our beloved Albany is at the dawn of a new day. We must join hands and further remake our city so that all parts reflect the good life for all of our residents and visitors.”

The ‘dawn of a new day’ nearly never happened. In 2005, a federal jury found him guilty of charges that included extortion and one count of engaging in misleading conduct with the intent to prevent the communication of information relating to a federal offense.

Since his release from prison, Mathis has been fighting to have his rights restored.

“I just found out recently I have had my rights restored and am fully compliant,” Mathis said last month.

He has never made a secret of his ambition to hold Mayor Dorthy Hubbard’s seat, and his vision for the city is just as ambitious.

“I will bring forth a vision that will further the 25-year ongoing process of remaking our downtown and also take it to a new and higher level of innovation,” Mathis said. “I will bring forth a vision that will eradicate the high poverty that has plagued our city by creating jobs, and I will bring forth a vision that will create economic opportunity for all people.

“I will introduce opportunities that will help eradicate the high crime rate and senseless murders.”

Mathis was just getting warmed up.

“I ask you to ‘hire’ me as your next mayor,” Mathis said. “I will present plans which will elevate our city spiritually, economically, socially, fiscally, politically and with justice for all.”

Mathis has more ambitious plans, but he is still unsure how those plans will be implemented.

“I will introduce in the first 100 days, a plan that will ensure sound fiscal policies, eliminate wasteful spending, return (the Water, Gas and Light Commission) to an autonomous body, develop the Flint River on the east and west sides and improve the safety by enhancing the police department and demanding ‘law and order,’” he said. “I will also work to bring back train service to the city.”

Currently those who seek the mayor’s seat are waiting for Hubbard to make a decision if she will stand for a third term. If she decides to run again it will winnow the field. If she decides to step down after her term expires, that would considerably change the landscape.

Either way, it makes no difference to Mathis.

“I have nothing against Dorothy Hubbard; I like her,” Mathis said. “But there’s enough room for everybody and the people will ultimately have to make a decision. But if she decides not to run, it would make (the race) really interesting. And if she decides not to run, she would look at the candidates and that she would throw her support behind the one who not only builds on what is already here rather than destroy it.

“I hope she would get behind the one who loves and has a vision for this city. I have both.