Joyce Riley backed by Democrats for Albion mayor

Photo by Tom Rivers: Joyce Riley was the Democratic Party line for mayor of Albion in the March 18 election. She also plans to run under an independent line, “Vote for Albion.” She is shown speaking at the Albion Republican Party caucus on Jan. 24.

ALBION – Registered Democrats in the Village of Albion have backed Joyce Riley for mayor in the upcoming March 18 election.

She will face off against Tim McMurray, who has the Republican line. There is still time for candidates to run under an independent line. They have until Feb. 10 to submit petitions signed by at least 100 registered voters in Albion.

Riley also intends to run as an independent under the “Vote for Albion” line.

Riley and McMurray both have been trustees on the Village Board for nearly four years. Riley ran for mayor in 2018 and lost a close race to Eileen Banker, 250 votes to 211. Kevin Doherty also received 153 in that election for mayor.

Riley was elected trustee in March 2022. She said Albion is on better financial footing, after working to establish reserves and build back its unfunded balances. That should help the village pay for equipment purchases in the future and guard against big tax increases.

“We’re on the cusp of turning things around,” Riley said.

Riley worked as a registered nurse and later supervised an ambulatory surgical unit in Washington, D.C., overseeing 200 employees. When she retired, she moved back to Albion in 2015.

Riley, 77, said she brings a lot of energy to the Village Board, and a willingness to do the research and planning to make decisions that are best for the community.

She is also hopeful for the village because so many people are engaged as volunteers.

“There are more people getting involved,” she said. “We have more collaborations.”

Riley is the lone candidate who will appear under the Democratic line. Republicans, in addition to backing McMurray for mayor, also supported Jami Allport and Kevin Sheehan for village trustee.