© 2024
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
An update has been released for the Android version of the WAMC App that addresses performance issues. Please check the Google Play Store to download and update to the latest version.

Kingston Mayor Shayne Gallo Won't Appear On Ballot

Kingston Mayor Shayne Gallo won’t appear on the November ballot. The one-term mayor whose administration is marked by reform, revitalization, and controversy, ended Thursday night when upstart candidate Steve Noble took the party line by a wide margin, along with most of his supporters in the ward races.

Noble had won the party nomination in late May, forcing incumbent mayor Gallo to mount a primary challenge. He lost the Independence and Conservative lines as well, due to bureaucratic error, and therefore is now officially out of the race for re-election.

Ron Polacco, a Republican, faces Noble in November’s general election. The city usually votes Democrat two-to-one for local elections, making Noble the front-runner for mayor next year.

The alderman-at-large Democratic primary race was also clinched by another Noble, Steve’s uncle James, an incumbent who beat outgoing county legislator Jeanette Provenzano, for the position, which doubles as city council president.

Thus ends a citywide contest which polarized the community between opposing factions, both long-time political dynasties of sorts, on a local level.

Noble was conciliatory.

“We don’t need any more old Kingston or new Kingston, we just need to be able to bring everyone in Kingston together for common goals,” Noble said. “My platform has been about one Kingston.”

The mood was somber at Gallo headquarters, with quiet tones and no smiles among his supporters. The mayor appeared shocked at the margin of defeat, which included his own ward.  

“God bless you all,” he told his supporters, “but God help Kingston.” He added, “We got beat by a group of elite cronies.” “Now I will actually be able to have some time for myself, maybe make a little more money.”

Back at Keegan’s Brewery, where Noble joined friends and family in congratulation, the vibe was festive and ebullient. “I’m very humbled by this whole experience, getting so many people out that want to see some positive change in the way we lead our city,” Noble remarked.

“I put a lot on the line for this, but I always put my all in everything do,” Noble observed. He now must focus on winning the election against Polacco, knocking on all doors. “I think every challenge is tough, I mount every challenge with the vigor I did with this one,” he said.

Related Content