POUGHKEEPSIE – Second Ward Democratic Councilman Evan Menist is facing a primary for the party’s ballot line. The June primary will have Menist squaring off against two other Democrats – Kanell Harvard and John Purcarea. The winner of the primary will have the Democratic line on the November ballot.
Kannell Harvard is seeking to defeat Menist, he says, because “I believe we must focus our energy on being part of providing solutions, not just complaining about problems.” Harvard, a 41-year-old entrepreneur who graduated from Poughkeepsie High School, is new to politics, having never run for public office before.
Mr. Harvard says that voters in the Second Ward have become “dissatisfied because of unfulfilled promises made by candidates,” adding that “They don’t see their Councilmember meeting their needs and taking great strides to build up their ward.”
The rookie candidate has received the “Outstanding Leadership & Service Award” from the Exempt Firemens Association and has also received the City of Poughkeepsie “Queen City Mayoral Certificate of Recognition.”
