Primary Elections Tuesday: Rajsz/Labuda Battle it Out for Democratic Line

Tuesday June 25, 2019 is Primary Day and not too many people know about it. Polls will be open from 12 PM to 9 PM. 

There might not be too many primary battles in Sullivan County this year, but the ones that are taking place are noteworthy.

All eyes are on Legislative District 2 which encompasses Mamakating, Forestburgh, Highland, and Lumberland as Sullivan County Vice Chair Nadia Rajsz will face former legislator Kathleen Labuda who lost to Rajsz four years ago. There will be a Democratic and Independence Primary.

Labuda held the legislative seat for 16 years until she was ousted by Rajsz.

Clearly a vote for Labuda would be a step backwards as this legislature has been more unified and has worked together on many of the issues facing Sullivan County. Labuda has been known for her divisive and mean spirited brand of politics.

Rajsz, under the Republican controlled legislature has demonstrated the ability to work with everyone.

In fact, as chair of Health and Family Services and Personnel, Rajsz has been credited for addressing our opioid crisis, working on efforts to raise our health ranking status, promoted tobacco 21 law, and introduced the new measels vaccination law.  

Rajsz who is a big proponent of labor unions and supports pay increases for our workforce has their backing in her reelection bid.

Rajsz also wants the voters of Sullivan County to decide on the issue of staggered terms.

According to a statement on the Sullivan County Democratic Committee website, Rajsz says “Supporting seniors, veterans and volunteer fire and EMS personnel is especially important to me.” Labuda had no statement.

The campaign heated up the past few days with each side saying they are the better Democrat.

Labuda made an outlandish claim that Rasz is trying to “Fix” an election because she also received the cross endorsement of the Republican Party. If an election is “fixed” that would be criminal and Labuda should know better than saying things like that.

Rajsz has always demonstrated that she is a proud Democrat. In Sullivan County and in local politics, political parties often cross endorse or do not oppose good hardworking elected officials.

Labuda went after the Conservative Party endorsement weeks before telling the Sullivan County Democratic Committee she was running against Rajsz. In fact, at the Sullivan County Democratic Committee Convention she said she decided that night to run which was obviously not true.

Labuda is upset because Rajsz sent out a mailer that says she is endorsed by Sullivan County Democrats. That fact is Rajsz is supported by Sullivan County Democrats and so is Labuda – Everything will depend on Tuesday’s outcome to see who wins the Democratic Party Line and gets the Sullivan County Democratic Committee endorsement. Every vote will matter.

While on Mamakating, popular Democratic Supervisor Bill Hermann who is supporting Rajsz, is not seeking reelection. The hotly contested primary will pit longtime Councilwoman Brenda Giraldi against Janet Lybolt.

In Bethel, incumbent and popular Town Judge Cindy Barber is facing another challenge from lawyer Susan Harte on the Democratic, Republican, Conservative and Green party lines. Four years ago Barber easily won reelection. 

Also, in Bethel Ladd Yeomans is running against Robert Bonnaci, Jr. for Superintendent of Highways vying for the Democratic line.

In the Town of Thompson there is a three-person field vying for two council positions. Incumbent Councilman Scott Mace is running in the primary with Chet Smith, and Marlena Benjamin.

In Legislative District 3 which encompasses Neversink, Parksville, and Rockland there is an Independence Primary between Joseph Colon and Michael Brooks.

In Neversink, there is a Republican Primary between Brent Gotsch and William Brenner.

In Tusten there is a Republican Primary for Town Supervisor. Former Supervisor Bernard Johnson is running against incumbent Carol Wingert. Wingert has withdrawn from the race and has endorsed Democrat Kevin McDonough in the November election.

There is also a battle to take control of the Conservative Party with several Primaries being held for County Committee positions. There are primaries in Liberty Districts 1, 4, 6, 8; Lumberland District 1; Neversink District 1; Thompson District 1 and Tusten District 1.

And, just wait until November when the entire legislature is up, as is the position of County Court Judge, County Clerk, and Town Supervisors, and other local positions.

Listen no matter who you vote for – Please – Vote on Tuesday.

For Sample Ballots – Visit the Board of Elections http://sullivanny.us/Departments/Elections/SampleBallots

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.