Fleming: “We love Putnam County”
KENT CLIFFS – Putnam County Democrats endorsed candidates for the November general election Monday night .
Some 100 delegates gathered at the Kent Cliffs Volunteer Fire Department headquarters for the committee’s annual nominating convention.
County Democratic Chairman James Borkowski opened the 90-minute session by reminding the delegates that in 2017 “we pulled off a shocker. Last year at this time there was no candidate for sheriff but Robert Langley took the challenge and history was made across Putnam County. With the assistance of this body, 2017 can be repeated in 2018 in the county executive’s race as well in addition to State Senate and Assembly contests.”
Langley who was in attendance received a standing ovation.
Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney also gave the convention a pep talk. “Imagine Putnam County with a Democratic County Executive? Talk about the blue wave! Maureen Fleming can beat the incumbent with our support but to beat MaryEllen Odell won’t be easy but it can be done. The myth was shattered last year when the incumbent sheriff went down to defeat.”
Fleming was the unanimous choice of the Democrats. She told the convention that “cronyism must end in county government. We are all here for the same reason. We love Putnam County and we will all benefit by working together.”
The committee endorsed Philipstown Councilwoman Nancy Montgomery for the Putnam Legislature District No. 1 seat now held by Barbara Scuccimarra.
Montgomery said she decided to run because “we must bring resources back to the western side of our county. My town and neighboring Putnam Valley need more. By sitting at the table, I will garner the necessary funds and services for greater Philipstown that have been lacking for far too long.”
Legislator Joseph Castellano, who represents constituents in District No.7, will be challenged by newcomer Scott Reing, a real estate and tax attorney. He promised to eliminate wasteful spending while lowering the county’s sales tax.
Reing also criticized the legislature’s double digit pay raise last year. “Over $40,000 a year for a part-time job is unconscionable. This exorbitant raise must be rolled back.”
Republican Legislator Ginny Nacerino will have a free ride this fall since no Democratic candidate focused for the District No.4 race.
On the state level, the Putnam Democrats endorsed Karen Smythe for the 41st District State Senate seat now held by Sue Serino while co-endorsing both candidates seeking to unseat 40th District State Senator Terrence Murphy. Robert Kesten and Peter Harckham are both seeking the nomination and will battle it out in a September primary.
Vedat Gashi received the unanimous support of the Putnam Democrats in his quest to defeat 94th District Assemblyman Kevin Byrne while 95th District Assemblywoman Sandy Galef was supported by the committee in her reelection bid.
