-Six Community Leaders Advanced for November Election-
FEBRUARY 21, CORNWALL, NY—The Cornwall Democratic Committee on Thursday endorsed six candidates for Town of Cornwall offices on the November ballot. The candidates offer unparalleled experience as leaders in public service, volunteerism, enterpreneurship, advocacy, business, and law.
Richard Randazzo, Incumbent Town Supervisor, received the Committee’s endorsement based on his financial stewardship, management professionalism, and years of service to Cornwall. As a lifelong Democrat who finds bipartisan solutions, Supervisor Randazzo has presided over the Town Board for a cumulative 23 years. In a new term he seeks to continue work enacting the new Comprehensive Plan, balancing costs and exceptional Town services, and helping guide Cornwall’s continued positive, sustainable development.
That work requires experienced, dedicated community leaders, which the Committee finds in its three unanimous Council endorsements:
Virginia Scott (2-year term) has taught science in Washingtonville for 25 years and has volunteered in the community for 26 years. She is a life-long resident of Orange County, mostly in Cornwall with her husband Mark and two sons—the entire family are CCHS graduates. Ginny has led work in the Garden Club as co-chair of Main Street Beautification, youth sports, women’s organizations, the Downing Park Planning Committee and Balmville Grange in Newburgh, and citizen advocacy for fair taxes. Focused on affordability, government accountability, and sustainability, Ginny believes that a truly representative government represents all people, who all have common concerns and goals as residents.
Wynn Gold (4-year term) is a 13-year veteran of the Cornwall Planning Board, RiverFest organizer, long-time Boy Scout leader, former Economic Development committee chair, and founding board member and former president of the Cornwall Community Co-Op. He serves on the Comprehensive Plan Committee for the second time, helping the Town determine the best direction for our future development. Mr. Gold owns Auric Information Packaging, the printing and packaging business he founded here. He is First Vice President of the Greater Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of the Cornwall Lions Club. Wynn and his wife Carol’s adult children graduated from CCHS; his family first came to Cornwall more than 40 years ago. Building up Cornwall and protecting our unique way of life have been two major goals of his career, which call him to run now.
Joshua Wojehowski (4-year term) founded, owned, and ran Fresh restaurant on Main Street for five years, and now manages Fresh catering and restaurant consulting, while leasing the space to a new restaurant. He serves on the Economic Development Advisory Committee with a focus on Main Street viability and revitalization. Before opening Fresh in his home town he was a culinary instructor and program manager for New York City’s Human Resources Administration, helping those on public assistance attain self-sufficiency. He became legislative and budget director for a City Council member, helping manage the agenda of the Council’s Economic Development Committee. Josh then became the director of public affairs for the YMCA of Greater New York while also leading its grant management efforts, securing or renewing $30 million+ funding annually. Josh’s family has lived in Cornwall for generations, and he and his wife Heather have two children in the Cornwall schools. As a parent to young children and a direct investor in Cornwall’s success, he is running to preserve future local opportunities for Cornwall residents.
Erica Nichols, for Receiver of Taxes, is a powerful organizational administrator and family advocate inside and outside the military. Erica was an Army Family Readiness Group (FRG) Leader and treasurer for 15 years, ensuring finanical and social stability for deployed soldiers and families; she held functions, raised funds, and handled all financial and transactionsal accounts and tax issues in compliance with federal laws and DOD policies. Erica later served as a Family Readiness Support Advisor, overseeing accounting, banking, and regulatory compliance within other FRGs. In both roles she worked directly with families to access assistance, whether personal, financial, medical, insurance-related, or educational. She was Treasurer and Vice President of a combined forces Spouses Club, and her volunteer work inside and outside the military includes domestic abuse prevention, youth sports, Girl Scouts, military housing justice, and more. She will be a Reciever of Taxes that recognizes Cornwall taxpayers as both customers and families, and will provide efficient, friendly service with integrity.
Justin Kimple, for Town Justice, is an attorney with Levinson, Reineke & Kimple in Woodbury, where he has practiced for 13 years in criminal defense and civil litigation in local courts, supreme court and county courts in Orange County. Born and raised in Cornwall, Justin knows the impact that courtroom outcomes can have on individuals and families; he has substantial experience representing individuals and families with drug addictions, particularly young adults, in need of rehabilitation. With his wife Aggie, Justin is co-owner of the Dance & Music Design School, and he has been a Cornwall youth soccer coach and Cornwall adult soccer team member. He regularly assists with community activities, including the Cornwall Fall Festival and the Cornwall 4th of July celebration. As a Town Justice, Justin will balance the needs of the people, the law, and the individuals in each case to protect the essence of Cornwall while dealing with changing demographics, as well as issues such as drug addiction and domestic violence.
“Our Democratic candidates represent the best of Cornwall,” said Jon Chase, Committee Chair. “Their clear dedication to our community’s success and their wide-ranging expertise can make us all confident that every Cornwall resident will be ably represented when they are elected this November.”