MONTICELLO – It’s now officially a two-way race for Sullivan County clerk.
David Sager made the formal announcement in the lobby of the county government center, a few feet from the clerk’s office, at noon on Wednesday.
Democrat Sager began with high praise for retiring Republican clerk, Dan Briggs.
Sager called him “A much beloved public servant for his long history of fine service to this county at a number of different jobs. I know that he will be missed by many, including myself. His absence, however, leaves a huge void that must be filled by the best, most qualified candidate possible.”
Sager, who also has held many offices including coroner, county legislator and most recently, Monticello village manager, said he has a plan to upgrade the range and efficiency of the clerk’s office.
“I will work proactively with not only our elected state officials but work diligently within the New York State Association of County Clerks to develop logical policies that benefit all New York residents. I will work to make the Sullivan County Clerk’s office a cash-positive revenue source for the residents of this county.”
One goal toward that end is encouraging more county residents to come to the clerk’s office for processing licenses vehicle and vehicle registrations. The county keeps a much higher share of the registration fee for that way, then if residents handle it online. That was an appeal Briggs frequently made at county legislature committee meetings.
In November, Sager, who will have the Democrat and Working Families lines, will face Russell Reeves, running on the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines.
Reeves was appointed deputy county clerk by Briggs last year.
Both candidates revealed their intentions to run for clerk earlier this year.
Sager has endorsements from two unions, the CSEA and Hudson Valley Labor Federation.
