NEWBURGH – The Democratic field in the race for mayor of Newburgh got even wider on Thursday as city Democratic Chairman Jonathan Jacobson announced his candidacy.
The field now includes incumbent Judy Kennedy, Councilwoman Gay Lee and a possible fourth entrant, community activist Omari Shakur.
Jacobson announces his candidacy for mayor while on Lander Street
Jacobson, who was Orange County Democratic chairman for years, said he
is running because there is much to be done in Newburgh that has not been
addressed.
“Newburgh must do better and the only way Newburgh can do better is with new leadership, and that’s why I am running for mayor,” he said. “The city isn’t doing the basics. We are not enforcing the building codes, we’re not keeping our infrastructure, our streets and our water system up to speed and we have to keep our taxes stable. If you do that, then you can create the economic environment to create jobs.” Jacobson said the city must also fight “every day against illegal guns and gun violence.”
Jacobson made his announcement outside 74 Lander Street, a condemned house that was, until six weeks ago, owned by Kennedy’s son.
She explained that situation later by saying her son bought the property sight unseen on the advice of his partner.
“Turns out the partner left my son high and dry with a property that he had neither the money nor the talent to renovate,” the mayor said.
Jacobson’s supporters gathered around him in the middle of Lander Street as he pointed out proof of a city in disrepair that needs immediate attention; attention he claims was not paid by the current administration.
Keltie McCormick, one of Jacobson’s supporters, said she has known Jacobson for a long time and believes he genuinely cares about the city.
“He cares about us and that makes a difference,” said McCormick. “You don’t spend your whole life in a town, in a place that’s had its difficulties like Newburgh and then choose to run for no reason. It’s time to get things done. There’s no excuse for the way the city’s been run…no excuse at all.”
Jacobson said the next part of his official campaign phase will be to go door to door and petition for his candidacy. He will begin this phase immediately.
Kennedy, meanwhile, said people will have a “clear choice” in the Democratic primary. “Do they want to keep moving Newburgh forward with positive energy, or do they want a leader that polarizes on issues, focuses on the negatives and is divisive?”
