By Matthew Avitabile
COBLESKILL — Rostam “RJ” Freitage is seeking a term as Cobleskill’s mayor on Nov. 4. He cites his municipal and law enforcement leadership, as well as his development of the former Zion Church on Main Street as his strengths.
Freitag said that he brings a “unique balance of public service experience, academic achievement, and private sector success.” He holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice Law and Law Enforcement Management and a Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology from Purdue Global, where I also earned an FBI Honors Internship.
He cites his experience as a “successful business owner whose company serves major clients across the entertainment industry—including Paramount, Warner Brothers, Disney, Netflix, and Apple TV. Public service has always been central to who I am. I previously served as an elected Councilman in North Hollywood, and I’m a 32nd Degree Freemason and active Shriner dedicated to ongoing charitable work.”
He bought his home in Cobleskill in 2020 and cites more than a decade spending time and visiting the community.
“This community has always felt like home to me, and that’s why I’m so passionate about serving and protecting its future. I believe in service through integrity, respect, and accountability—values that have guided every step of my career,” Freitag said.
The candidate said that he is seeking the mayor’s seat because “I remember what Cobleskill was like when I first started visiting here 15 years ago. There was something special about this village—a vibrancy, a sense of community, a character that drew people in. And I believe we can recapture that essence.”
“Over the years, I've watched some of that special quality fade, and it troubled me. This village has incredible potential, but somewhere along the way, we've lost some of what made people proud to call this place home,” he said.
Freitage said that he wanted residents “to wake up every morning with a genuine sense of pride in their village. Pride in our streets, pride in our community, pride in what we're building together. That kind of civic pride doesn't just happen—it requires leadership that's committed to making it a priority.”
“But pride alone isn't enough. We need economic vitality. I want Cobleskill to be a place where small businesses don't just survive—they thrive. A place where entrepreneurs look at our Main Street and see opportunity, not obstacles. Where we're not just attracting new businesses, but creating an environment where they want to stay and grow,” he said.
Our residents deserve a village that works for them—one that honors what we've been while building toward a stronger future. That's what drove me to step up, and that's what will drive every decision I make as mayor."
He cited three areas of expertise in his candidacy, including “extensive education in law enforcement,” hoping to bring his “deep understanding of public safety, community policing, and how to keep our residents secure while building trust between our police and the community they serve. Safety is foundational to everything else we want to accomplish.”
He also cites his business background, stating that he understands “what small businesses need to succeed because I've been there. I know how budgets work, how to manage resources effectively, and how to create conditions where economic growth can happen. When a business owner comes to me with concerns about regulations or permitting, I'll speak their language and understand their challenges firsthand.”
The candidate cites two years in elected office and says that he “already know[s] how government works, how to navigate the complexities of municipal operations, and how to work with other elected bodies to get things done. I won't need months to learn the ropes—I can hit the ground running on day one.”
Freitag describes himself as a “problem-solver and a bridge-builder. I know how to bring people together around a common vision, build consensus when there are competing interests, and make tough decisions when necessary.”
“But perhaps most importantly, I'm deeply invested in this community. I'm not doing this for a title or a resume line. I'm doing this because I love Cobleskill and I'm committed to its future. That personal investment, combined with my law enforcement education, business success, and governmental experience, means I have exactly what it takes to lead our village forward."
He hopes to open a dialogue with “our police, fire, and EMS personnel” and “show up” for the “people who show up when everything’s gone wrong.” He seeks to build morale and equipment.
Freitag promises to be “the most accessible mayor our business community has ever had. I want to know when a regulation is choking growth. I want to hear when a new opportunity emerges.” He would like to improve public infrastructure rather than “just managing decline,” including investment in “roads, sidewalks, water systems,” and public spaces.
“You'll find me at Bulls Head Inn on trivia nights. There's something special about that atmosphere—neighbors competing, laughing, and just enjoying each other's company. I also spend time at Locomotions Bar and Grill. These local establishments aren't just businesses; they're gathering places where our community connects. When it comes to food, I'm a regular at Chieftains—great spot with great people. Pizza Shack and Little Italy are also favorites of mine. These aren't chain restaurants; they're locally owned places where you see familiar faces and support your neighbors' livelihoods,” he said.
Freitag said that he hopes to build more community events, work with SUNY Cobleskill (which he says the village has been “underutilizing”), and seeks to stop the end of “losing businesses.”
“When businesses leave, we lose jobs, tax revenue, and the services our residents depend on,” he said.
“My approach is hands-on engagement. I will personally meet with business owners regularly—not just when there's a crisis, but as an ongoing practice. What obstacles are they facing? What regulations are causing problems? What would help them expand rather than just survive? We need to streamline permitting processes, reduce unnecessary bureaucratic barriers, and actively recruit new businesses while fighting to keep the ones we have.
Here's the connection: safe communities attract business investment, and thriving economies fund better public safety. These issues reinforce each other, positively or negatively. Right now, we're in a negative cycle. My job as mayor will be to reverse that—to create a positive cycle where safety and economic growth lift each other up,” he said.
Freitag promises a request to the state Comptroller’s Office for a “comprehensive audit of our village finances.”
“Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent, and I deserve to know what I'm inheriting before I can create a realistic plan moving forward. Transparency builds trust, and trust is something we need to restore in village government,” he said. He also hopes to expand the tax base rather than raising taxes.
He hopes to “make business retention and recruitment my personal mission. I will be accessible, responsive, and proactive. When a business has a problem with permitting, I want to know about it immediately. When someone's considering opening a shop, I want to roll out the welcome mat, not red tape.”
Freitag promises a “ a thorough review of our current zoning code with fresh eyes and input from stakeholders. But I can tell you what I'll be looking for: barriers to small business development and mixed-use opportunities.”
“Zoning reform isn't sexy, but it's powerful. Sometimes the difference between a thriving downtown and a dying one is whether your regulations enable investment or prevent it. I'm committed to making sure ours does the former."
"My management style is built on three pillars: accessibility, collaboration, and professionalism.
First, I believe in being accessible. If you're a resident with a concern, a business owner with a problem, or a village employee with an idea, you should be able to reach your mayor. I will be visible, available, and engaged with this community—not hiding behind closed doors or layers of bureaucracy,” he said. Freitag describes himself as “collaborative” and “committed to professionalism and respect in all interactions. I will not accost people. I will not threaten anyone. I will not use physical violence in any way to resolve a situation, as past officials have done. That behavior is completely unacceptable, and it has no place in public service.
Disagreements will happen—that's government. But disagreements can be handled with maturity, respect, and civility. When there's conflict, we talk it through. When there are differences of opinion, we debate the merits. When decisions need to be made, I'll make them—but never through intimidation or aggression.”
“The residents of Cobleskill deserve a mayor who leads with dignity, treats people with respect, and creates a work environment where employees, colleagues, and community members feel safe and valued. That's the kind of leader I am, and that's the standard I'll set from day one.
My management style is firm when necessary, flexible when appropriate, and always—always—professional and respectful."
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