Restaurateur Abate files to run for Troy mayor.(Capital Region)

TROY - Restaurateur Elda Abate has filed a 245-page petition to run for mayor as an independent candidate, according to the Rensselaer County Board of Elections.

Barring a last-minute objection, Abate will run on the Troy People's Party line against Republican incumbent Mayor Harry Tutunjian and Democrat Jim Conroy. The deadline for challenging the validity of her petitions is today. Abate has had run-ins with both the Troy and Albany city governments over properties she has owned in the two cities.

Abate had legal fights with Troy over the Eldorado Hotel, 121 Fourth St. She has voted from 120 Fourth St. - where her other restaurant is located - in previous elections, according to the Board of Elections.

In Albany, where she owns Elda's on Lark Street, the city took the former St. Joseph's Church through eminent domain from her, saying it was in danger of falling down.

Abate could not be reached Thursday for comment about her bid.

- Kenneth C. Crowe II