Democrats Choose Didi Barrett for 103rd Assembly seat

The Columbia County Democrats have chosen Didi Barrett of Millbrook to run for the open seat in the 103rd Assembly District seat vacated by Marcus Molinaro. Governor Andrew Cuomo has called for the special election to be held on Tuesday, March 20.

Towns in the 103rd AD in Columbia County include Ancram, Copake, Hillsdale, Hudson, Greenport, Claverack, Stockport, Ghent, Austerlitz and Canaan. Barrett ran in 2010 for the State Senate seat currently held by Steven Saland.

Barrett, who lives in Millbrook with her husband and two children, has been a leader in the Hudson Valley not-for-profit community for over two decades. She is a member of the Millbrook Education Foundation and helped launch the Dutchess Girls Collaborative. In addition, Didi Barrett is currently a board member of the Anderson Center for Autism Foundation and the North East Dutchess Community Fund.

Columbia County Democratic Party Chairwoman, Cyndy Hall said, “Didi Barrett will be an effective voice for good jobs and economic development for the people of our district. She will work hard to help middle class families who are struggling during this difficult economy. We are fortunate to have a strong candidate for the Assembly; someone who can work with both sides of the aisle to get things done.”

The 103rd AD also includes part of Dutchess County. Elisa Sumner, Chair of the Dutchess County Democrats said, “Didi has shown herself to be a leader in our community. Since running in 2010, she has continued her work helping non-profits and highlighting the contributions and challenges of local farmers. Her roots go back decades and we look forward to sending her to Albany to represent us.”

Barrett said she was honored by the nomination and touched by the outpouring of support of her candidacy. “I am committed to fighting for the people of Columbia and Dutchess Counties and to bringing the resources to our towns that will create good jobs, control taxes and bring relief from unfunded mandates. I will continue to be a passionate advocate for this beautiful region and help us realize the potential of our agriculture and natural resources as economic engines and job generators.”

“This is an important election for us here in Columbia County. I encourage everyone to get out and vote on March 20 and if you need to register to vote, do it today, said Hall.” The Board of Elections is located at 401 State Street in Hudson.

Koweek Wins Stunning Victory for Columbia County Judge

County Judge-Elect Richard Koweek

Hudson City Judge Richard Koweek has won a stunning victory for Columbia County Judge on Tuesday. His opponent in the race was longtime District Attorney Beth Cozzolino who ran for County Judge rather than face a primary for District Attorney by former Judge Paul Czajka.

Judge Koweek won 11 of the 18 towns in the county and the City of Hudson. He did exceptionally well in Stockport, Hillsdale, Germantown and Austerlitz, Greenport and Hudson. His appeal was also quite strong in the traditionally Republican towns of Claverack and Livingston.

He was the only candidate in the race for Columbia County Judge rated as "Qualified" by the Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commission for the Third District which Columbia County is a part of.

Congratulations to Judge Koweek for an excellent job well done! 

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2011 Election Returns for Columbia County

These are the unofficial election returns countywide races in Columbia County as reported by Democratic Representatives at every poll site in every town in the county.

For breakdowns to the City or Town level, please click the link to your town at the top of the page.

Vote Row A - Vote Democratic

The Columbia Paper has Endorsed Judge Richard Koweek for County Judge

and its publisher Parry Teasdale
have endorsed
Judge Richard Koweek
for
Columbia County Judge

In the editorial endorsement, Mr. Teasdale says,

"Richard Koweek has demonstrated his ability to preside as a judge in a challenging courtroom. He knows the community. He has the approval of legal experts who understand what judges must know. He should be elected the next county judge."

Read the entire endorsement at The Columbia Paper

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has endorsed Lee Jamison for Stuyvesant Supervisor

In announcing her endorsement, Senator Gillibrand had this to say;

“Lee Jamison is committed to the people and community of Stuyvesant,” Senator Gillibrand said. “I know that she will use her experience and leadership to work tirelessly to move Stuyvesant in the right direction during these fiscally difficult times. I encourage voters to support Lee on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8th.”

 “I’m delighted to receive Senator Gillibrand’s support,” Lee said. “In Columbia County, the Town Supervisor also functions as a County Legislator. Currently, there are only 5 women Supervisors on the 23 member Columbia County Board of Supervisors.  Senator Gillibrand has launched a vigorous awareness campaign to encourage women to "Get off the Sidelines." The Senator and I believe that the involvement of women will be critical to get our County and our Country out of the economic recession. Many local women are entrepreneurs, as integral parts of family small businesses and farms. Women excel at consensus building, hard work, problem-solving and multi-tasking. Most Columbia County women are well aware of the complex economic needs of balancing work and family, childcare and eldercare, prices at the gas pump and prices at the grocery store.  We all know neighbors who have lost a home or who may have even taken in someone who lost a job. Women know that together we can put Columbia County's human and natural resources back to work for everyone.”

Senator Gillibrand Endoses Peter Bujanow for Kinderhook Town Board

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has endorsed Councilman Peter Bujanow in his bid for re-election to the Kinderhook Town Board.   Senator Gillibrand cited Bujanow’s advocacy for the people of the Town of Kinderhook as well as his commitment to fair and effective government. 

“I am pleased to give my endorsement to Peter Bujanow in the race for Town Council in the Town of Kinderhook”, Gillibrand said.  “Peter is a dedicated, competent and objective leader who is deeply involved in his community and interested in its overall welfare. Open and accessible government is crucial and I am enthused by Peter’s efforts to make Kinderhook’s Town Hall more transparent.  I know that Peter will continue to advocate for the people of Kinderhook as Town Councilman and that is why I believe he is the best candidate for the job.”

“I share Senator Gillibrand’s strong commitment to fair and effective government, and I am deeply honored to receive her endorsement for re-election”, Bujanow said. “Senator Gillibrand is one of our nation’s most hardworking and effective senators and her record of public service is a model for all elected officials to emulate,” said Bujanow. “She understands that government needs to be sound, strong and work for the people it represents in these fiscally difficult times to create jobs, promote economic development and improve the quality of life for our residents."

About the endorsement Cyndy Hall, Columbia County Democratic Committee Chair said, "Senator Gillibrand’s endorsement of Peter Bujanow emphasizes that he is the most qualified and experienced candidate for Kinderhook Town Council.  Mr. Bujanow will continue to be an outspoken and passionate leader working in the best interest of all residents of the Town of Kinderhook.  We are honored that Senator Gillibrand has endorsed Councilman Bujanow and we thank the Senator for her support."

Peter Bujanow has served as a Kinderhook Town Councilman for a total of eleven years, from 1995 to 2001 and from 2008 to present.  Among his many activities during his tenure on the Town Board, he was Deputy Town Supervisor from 2000 to 2001, and has chaired numerous Town Committees including Comprehensive Plan Implementation, Comprehensive Plan Review, Energy, Local Law and Code Review.  In 2006, Councilman Bujanow also volunteered his time as Project Coordinator to manage the construction of the New Town Highway Garage Building.

Governor Cuomo Endorses Peter Stoll CPA for Columbia County Treasurer

Governor Andrew Cuomo has endorsed Certified Public Accountant, Peter Stoll for Columbia County Treasurer. 

Governor Cuomo stated, 

"Peter Stoll has the qualifications, experience and expertise to lead Columbia County's finances in these tough economic times. We have serious issues that need to be addressed by a seasoned professional with Peter's background. Having a financial professional in the Treasurer's office is crucial for Columbia County's fiscal stability and economic integrity."

Peter Stoll had this to say, 

"I am truly honored to have Governor Cuomo's support and I look forward to working with the Governor and with all levels of government while I modernize and bring transparency to Columbia County's accounting practices. My long career and responsibilities as a CPA provide me with the expertise and financial tools to be Columbia County's treasurer."

About the endorsement Cyndy Hall, Columbia County Democratic Committee Chair said, 

"Having Governor Cuomo's endorsement emphasizes what we have been saying all along, Peter Stoll, CPA is the most qualified and experienced candidate for County Treasurer. He will put his skills to work for the benefit of our residents and help reduce the cost of managing County government. We are thrilled and honored that Governor Cuomo has endorsed him and we thank the Governor for his support."

Senator Gillibrand Endorses Nick Haddad for Mayor in the City of Hudson

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand who until recently made her home on Mt Merino in Greenport just outside Hudson, has endorsed Democratic and Working Families Candidate Nick Haddad to be Hudson's next Mayor.

About the endorsement, Senator Gillibrand had this to say,

"Hudson needs a Mayor who has the business experience and management skills to attract new business, foster and expand the businesses that exist today and to develop Hudson's greatest asset, its waterfront. Nick Haddad has just those skills. Nick will build upon Hudson's strengths and get Hudson back to work. I look forward to working with Nick as Hudson's next Mayor."

After receiving word of the Senator's endorsement Nick Haddad said 

“Having lived here Senator Gillibrand really knows Hudson, she understands our city and what it needs to reach its full potential. So I am humbled and honored to receive her endorsement."

Reacting to the endorsement, Hudson City Democratic Committee Chair Victor Mendolia commented,

"We are so proud of Senator Gillibrand and thrilled that she remains as engaged in Hudson and Columbia County as ever. She sees what we have been saying all along, that Nick Haddad is the right person to take Hudson forward. We sincerely appreciate the Senator's endorsement and support".

For more information please visit: www.nickhaddadformayor.com

The Columbia Paper Endorses Dr. George Davis.

and its publisher Parry Teasdale 

have endorsed 

Dr. George Davis

for

Columbia County Coroner

In the editorial endorsement, Mr. Teasdale says,

"He (...) has the ability to communicate on a professional level with the forensic pathologists, the specialists whose opinions may eventually affect the fate of others in criminal cases. In these matters, there is no substitute for the observations of a doctor and his ability to speak the language of medical science with his peers".

"Dr. George Davis renders a great service to the people of this county, and on November 8 I urge voters to re-elect him as a Columbia County Coroner".

Read the entire endorsement at The Columbia Paper