NEWBURGH- Five candidates are vying for two seats on the Newburgh City Council in the Democratic primary election. The two seats up for grabs are the two at-large council positions. One is represented by Anthony Grice, who announced earlier in the year that he would not seek reelection, and the other is represented by Omari Shakur, who is seeking reelection to his post.
In addition to Shakur, there are four other candidates running for the positions.
Gay Lee is a former councilperson in the City of Newburgh and has a doctorate in social work. When Lee declared her candidacy earlier this year, she said she was concerned about crime in the city, the quality of the city’s drinking water, and the need for more mental health services in the city.
Robert McLymore is a lieutenant in the Town of Wallkill Police Department and a pastor in a City of Newburgh church. He told Mid-Hudson News back in February that he is running because he wants to serve his hometown and he is well suited for the job because he is a “people person.”
Bryan Luna is also running and is a member of the Democratic Committee in the City of Newburgh. He told Mid-Hudson News earlier this year one of the reasons he was running was to address the high cost of rent and utilities in the city.
Anusha Mehar is making her first run for political office. Mehar is a graduate of Cornwall High School and funded PANJA Culture and Wellness. Mehar also serves as the Co-Executive Director of the Sanctuary Healing Gardens.
Early voting in the primary began last Saturday and runs through this Sunday. Election day is this Tuesday, and registered Democrats in the City of Newburgh are eligible to vote.
