Majority of council welcomes new member

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Poughkeepsie City Hall
Sakima McClinton

POUGHKEEPSIE – Republican-turned-Democrat Sakima McClinton was appointed by a majority of the Poughkeepsie Common Council on Wednesday night to serve the remainder of Matt McNamara’s term.  McNamara resigned as Ward 8 councilman at the beginning of June.  The term expires on December 31.

McClinton was a Republican but switched parties while the Trump administration controlled the White House.  McClinton said her decision to switch was made because of Trump’s treatment of people of color.

McNamara endorsed McClinton as his recommendation to fill out the term.  Councilmembers Menist and Salem had cited the results of the June 22 Democratic primary, won by Alana Wade, as the reason that they did not support McClinton.  McNamara refuted those claims, saying, “Because we’re not talking about the November ballot we’re talking about the next six months. She’s experienced, she’s connected she’s a Democrat, and personally, she’s a veteran like me. She can carry the Eighth Ward through to the end of the term.”

Councilwoman Yvonne Flowers brought forth the name of McClinton at the meeting which started more than 15 minutes late.  “I know Sakima and I know her work ethic,” said Flowers who pushed for McClinton’s nomination.  “Matt McNamara knows the eighth ward better than any of us and we need to respect that, “Flowers told Mid-Hudson News.

McClinton was one of six candidates who sought the appointment.  She is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and had her integrity questioned by Majority Leader Sarah Brannen before Brannen abstained from voting.

Brannen referenced a court case in which McClinton had submitted petitions to challenge Legislator Craig Brendli.  The petitions were challenged in court and McClinton’s name was removed from the ballot.  Citing the case, Brannen said, “This particular candidate, Ms. McClinton, was alleged to have committed election fraud,” as the reason she could not support the nomination and chose to abstain.

“Thank you to the five councilmembers and former councilmember Matt McNamara that saw fit to entrust me with this honor and privilege of representing the Eighth Ward.  I plan to make them all proud of this decision and ensure the Eighth Ward gets the representation it deserves.”

McClinton took aim at Brannen’s accusation, saying “Unfortunately, Sarah Brannen saw fit to slander my name during this same meeting. Amazing how she thought this unfounded accusation was appropriate to mention but has yet to comment on the DWI that is legally pending and harmed a resident of Poughkeepsie.”  McClinton was referencing Chairperson Salem’s well-documented DWI arrest.

Councilmembers Flowers, Petsas, Cherry, Lorraine Johnson, and Randall Johnson III voted in favor of McClinton.  Councilman Evan Menist and Council Chair Sarah Salem voted against the nomination, and Brannen abstained from voting.




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