Republican to challenge Democrat incumbent Dutchess County comptroller

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PLEASANT VALLEY – Local businesswoman Ola Nesheiwat Hawatmeh announced her bid to unseat Dutchess County Comptroller Robin Lois, a Democrat, in the November election.  Hawatmeh has secured the Republican and Conservative ballot lines.

Robin Lois
Ola Nesheiwat Hawatmeh

Hawatmeh attempted to run for New York’s 19th Congressional seat in 2020.  In the Republican primary, Hawatmeh lost to Kyle Van De Water by around 3,000 votes.  She also attempted to secure the Conservative Party line but was disqualified prior to the June 2020 primary.

“I’m running for County Comptroller because the people of Dutchess County need a strong fiscal watchdog to account for how every cent of taxpayer money is spent,” said the 44-year-old challenger. “As a businesswoman and entrepreneur, I have the experience needed for the job – while also bringing the fresh perspective of someone who isn’t a career politician.”

A first-generation American and mother of three, Hawatmeh is a native of Dutchess County who started two fashion design companies, OlaStyle and Mom Me Makeover. While living in St. Louis, Missouri earlier in her career, she earned awards from local business organizations, according to the statement announcing the campaign.

The statement added that she has made charitable endeavors a top priority throughout her career. She founded Makeover For A Cause, a charity that provides free makeovers to underprivileged women and military members and their spouses. As a survivor of thyroid and breast cancer, she also started Survivor Fashion Week, a charity that allows fellow cancer survivors to walk as runway models and raises money to help fund a cure.

County Executive Marcus Molinaro is backing her. “She’s smart, hardworking, and passionate about helping others, which is exactly the kind of person we need working alongside me to look out for the taxpayers of Dutchess County.”

County Clerk Brad Kendall also endorsed Hawatmeh saying she will be “a strong partner to help ensure that County Government runs as effectively and efficiently as possible.”

County Republican Committee Chairman Mike McCormack said, “The County Comptroller shouldn’t be a rubber stamp for the State Comptroller, which is what we’ve seen over the last four years from the current officeholder. Ola will challenge the Albany politicians to do better while working hard every day to protect Dutchess County taxpayers.”

The Dutchess County Conservative Party also endorsed Ola’s candidacy. “No doubt Ola is the right person to be our new Comptroller. She’ll be a watchdog on government waste and will stand up for the taxpayers of Dutchess County. She’ll ensure proper oversight of all public funds,” said Chairman Don Minichino.

 




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