People like to complain about their elected officials, but often do nothing about it. The election season heats up today – Thursday September 10th – As Primary elections are held throughout Sullivan County.
Only those registered to vote in that political party with a primary contest can vote and ultimately decide who gets their party’s nomination.
Every vote counts and literally one or two votes can sway the outcome of this election and possibly the November election. Although this Primary election will cost county taxpayers thousands upon thousands of dollars, it is necessary to give the electorate a fair and balanced election.
There is no countywide primary. All contests are related to specific townships and enrolled voters in a particular political party.
Not every political party or Town has a primary, but by now you should know which ones do thanks to signs, mailings, and every other form of campaigning.
One of the biggest Primary battles is in Legislative District 2 comprising parts of Mamakating, Highland, Lumberland, and Forestburgh for the Democratic nomination for Sullivan County Legislator.
Kathy Labuda, who has been in office for 16 years, is facing a Democratic and Independence Party challenge from Town of Lumberland Supervisor Nadia Rajsz.
I have made it no secret that I strongly support Nadia Rajsz in this race. Simply put – the people of Sullivan County need change.
The ethics complaint LaBuda filed against legislator Cindy Gieger is reprehensible and should be enough reason why she should be rejected by the electorate.
Nadia Rajsz has the endorsement of the Hudson Valley Labor Council, and maverick Democratic legislators Cora Edwards, Cindy Gieger, and Gene Benson.
Speaking of Gene Benson, because of a technicality on his nominating petitions, he will need to win a write-in vote to be on the Democratic Line in the November elections.
Joey Perrello, who will be on the Republican line is asking registered Democrats to write-in his name on the Democratic Line.
Benson has the endorsement of the Sullivan County Democratic Committee and the Town of Fallsburg Democratic Committee.
The Legislative District includes Fallsburg, Mountaindale, Loch Sheldrake, Woodridge, and Woodbourne.
Probably the most bitter and heated race is the contest for Town of Fallsburg Judge where Stuart Wizwer, Amanda Ward, and Maria Zeno are battling it out to replace retiring Judge Ivan Kalter.
Although Ward, Zeno, and Wizwer are all seeking the Republican nomination, only Zeno and Wizwer are on the Democratic ballot. Ward was knocked out of the Democratic Primary due to a technicality, but word is that she is also mounting a write-in campaign.
Zeno has been endorsed by the Town of Fallsburg and Sullivan County Democratic Committees, while Ward has been endorsed by the Town of Fallsburg and Sullivan County Republican Committees.
In the Town of Forestburgh there is a battle for the Democratic Nomination for Supervisor as popular incumbent Bill Sipos is facing a challenge from Highway Superintendent Dan Hogue, Jr. The race has become very bitter and heated.
In the Bethel – incumbent Supervisor Dan Sturm, is being challenged by former supervisor Ira “Moose” Liff for the Democratic nomination.
Sturm has been in the position for eight years, and before that he was on the town board. Liff was forced to resign from office after pleading guilty to charges of worker compensation fraud in 2004.
There is also a three way for Town Council as incumbent board members Vicky Vasmer Simpson and Bernard Cohen are facing a challenge from Brian Harrell. The two top vote getters will run in the November elections under the Democratic Line.
There is also a contest for Town Judge in Bethel as Susan Harte attempts to win the Republican, Conservative, and Independence Lines for Town Judge against popular Democratic Town Judge Cindy Barber.
We often hear people complain, while taking no action. If you are not pleased with the way our government is being run, and want to take it in a different direction, you can do something about it. If you are happy with the course we are on you will also have the opportunity to show your support of those elected officials whom you feel are deserving of being reelected. The decision and opportunity is yours, but your participation is necessary.
Please vote today – Thursday September 10th – if there is a primary associated with the party you are registered.
Good Luck to all the candidates – and Thank you for your desire to serve the people of Sullivan County.
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself on National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in THE SULLIVAN COUNTY POST.