By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-993072.mp3
Kingston, NY –
I'm Dave Lucas in Kingston --- where a 4-way contest for Mayor wasn't as close as initially expected - when the votes were counted, Democrat Shayne Gallo had 3,151 votes to Republican Ron Polacco's 1,762, Conservative Richard Cahill's 519 and Independent Steve Ladin's 165. Gallo says the upcoming challenges will be great - and adds "they're not insurmountable". Richard Cahill says it was a long, tough campaign. Steve Ladin thought he had a good shot at winning the race - but he won't try again.
Incumbent Republican Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright kept his seat by defeating Jon Sennett... Carnright told supporters he was "humbled" by the 22,174 to 14,652 vote.
With approximately 5-thousand votes cast, Poughkeepsie's Republican Mayor John Tkazyik claimed victory in his re-election bid against Democrat Ken Levinson. Tkazyik is 122 votes ahead: Levinson reportedly has refused to concede until some 500 absentee ballots are counted and the vote can be certified.
Newburgh's new Mayor is Democrat Judy Kennedy: she defeated Republican Christine Bello by almost 2 to 1 in what observers thought would be a close race... father upriver there's a new Mayor in the City of Troy: Democrat Lou Rosamilia victorious over his Republican opponent Carmella Mantello, 5,030 to 4,163.
In Putnam County, Republican Mary Ellen ODell was elected County Executive over Democrat Alan Schneider, 9462 to 5700.
Republican Marc Molinaro is the new Dutchess County Executive... Molinaro defeated Dan French 31,822 to 19,816. Molinaro will give up his Assembly seat in Albany on December 31st... Governor Andrew Cuomo will then have to call a special election to fill the vacancy.