By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-993120.mp3
Kingston, NY – Mayoral races in the Hudson Valley didn't all turn out as anticipated by pollsters...
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. He did not immediately return calls for comment.
In the City of Troy: Democrat Lou Rosamilia won the mayoral contest over his Republican opponent Carmella Mantello. Earlier in the campaign, Mantello enjoyed a wide lead over Rosamilia, but in the final tally, she lost 5,030 to 4,163.
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. Kennedy says she wasn't fazed by the forecasts.
A 4-way contest for Mayor of Kingston wasn't as close as initially expected - when the votes were in, 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.
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.
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 says Don French engaged in a spirited campaign. Molinaro will serve a four-year term as executive, giving up his Assembly seat in Albany. Molinaro suceeds fellow-Republican Bill Steinhaus, who is retiring after holding the post for 20 years.