Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced appointments and nominations for his administration and he's showing some love for Upstate and right here in the Capital Region. Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton is being tapped for one of those jobs. Our Erin Connolly has more.

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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton says he will still be serving the people of Schenectady as he moves to a new role in the Cuomo administration. Cuomo has picked Stratton to head the State Canal Corporation.

Stratton was first elected in 2003, then re-elected in 2007. Now he is leaving office with a year left in his term.

Stratton made rejuvenating downtown a priority during his time in office. He says the state's canal system can help boost upstate economies.

"Certainly all of us know the great heritage and the great history of the Erie Canal in New York State's history. Governor Cuomo, when he served as HUD Secretary, was a great proponent of economic potential of the canal and I certainly look forward to that," said Stratton.

Stratton says there is not a set date for when he will start his new job, but he expects it will be sometime in mid-March.

Now, the role of Schenectady Mayor could fall on to the shoulders of the city council president Gary McCarthy. McCarthy is well known in the city. He ran and lost the race for mayor in 1999. He also ran and lost against Hugh Farley for the 44th Senate District seat in 2006.

The council can then vote to appoint a new mayor, but it can't be a council member.