FISHKILL – Maureen Natrella, the former Dutchess County Conservative Party chairperson who recently became a Democrat has expressed interest in running against incumbent Fishkill Town Supervisor Ozzy Albra, who is also a Democrat. The disclosure was made after former Fishkill Town Councilwoman Jackie Bardini, the incoming secretary-treasurer for the Fishkill Democratic Committee disclosed information mentioned during an executive committee meeting that was held last week.
The leaked information immediately followed the resignation of Albra’s confidential secretary, Michael Natrella, the son of Maureen Natrella. The resignation claimed that Albra created a hostile work environment. The younger Natrella is also a member of the executive committee of the town Democrats and was the one that told the committee that his mother had expressed an interest in receiving the Democratic endorsement at the upcoming meeting of the full committee. Expressing his displeasure with the disclosure, Natrella said “It’s disheartening that a member would talk to a member of the press about the executive session let alone provide information to a potential incumbent.” In addition to providing the details to Mid-Hudson News, Bardini also told Supervisor Albra of the challenge from Mrs. Natrella.
Bardini defended her conversation with the reporter noting that many other issues were discussed at the meeting but she did not disclose that information. “I talked to Mid-Hudson News about the potential candidates for public office in the town,” citing the public’s right to know who the potential candidates are. “Michael wasn’t very forthcoming about the interview process for the potential candidates,” Bardini said. “He provided no information to the committee besides saying that his mother was interested in challenging Ozzy.”
Maureen Natrella said she left the Conservative Party after witnessing the growing blatant racism and social policies emerging from within, including the insurrection. “I was embarrassed by the actions of the party I worked so hard for.” Asked why she is seeking to replace Albra, Mrs. Natrella said “I want to stop the lawsuits,” adding “At the end of the day if Continental Commons wins, the town taxpayers could be forced to pay the legal fees incurred by the developer.” Natrella has government work experience having worked for Westchester County where she was tasked with oversight of the county’s airport and other large departments.
The Town of Fishkill Democratic Committee will meet on Tuesday, February 7th, to choose candidates for town supervisor, town board, and highway superintendent.
