Republican New Windsor Town Supervisor Endorses Sarita Bhandarkar for NY Assembly

“From day one, Sarita will have a strong voice in the legislature, and will ensure that New Windsor is heard.”

New Windsor is the home town of the 99th District’s incumbent Republican Assemblyman—the place where he got his start with a patronage job as a political appointee with a prior Town Board. The Town’s current Republican Town Supervisor, George Meyers, has endorsed Democrat Sarita Bhandarkar in the Assembly race.

Supervisor Meyers’ full statement:

"Today, I announce my endorsement of Sarita Bhandarkar for Assemblymember in the 99th District. As a Republican who works to represent all of my New Windsor constituents faithfully and equitably, I recognize the importance of assembling the best team, regardless of party label. Sarita is thoughtful, intelligent, and fair, and is passionate about improving the lives and livelihoods of everyone in our community. From day one, she will have a strong voice in the legislature, and will ensure that New Windsor is heard.

“For the past two years, our District and our Town have been ignored in the Assembly. Our current Assemblyman, Colin Schmitt, has not been the primary sponsor of any law that has benefited New Windsor. And unlike other productive Republicans in the Assembly, he has been simply unable to work with the majority to deliver for his constituents. This is not a surprise to New Windsor. Our Town’s prior administration invented an ineffective Chief of Staff position for Colin that cost our taxpayers $100,000 annually. Although my first act as Supervisor was to eliminate this role since it had no function, Colin had already used the title to position himself for future office. It’s time for all of us to stop funding his vanity and, instead, invest in representation who will work hard for us.

“I will be voting for Sarita Bhandarkar on November 3rd and encourage my community to do the same.”

Rise Up, Show Up, Unite, the Biden-Harris Way

Enjoy some good, clean art by typographers for Biden-Harris!

Bad News Brescia

Bad News Brescia

In case you had any doubts, here’s an exhaustive exploration of some colorful facts about Steve Brescia, the notoriously belligerent county legislator and mayor of Montgomery running against Democratic State Senator James Skoufis.

This is not someone New Yorkers can afford to have in Albany. Click the image to get the facts, and let’s do everything we can to re-elect James Skoufis.

Meet Your Candidates: James Skoufis

Meet Your Candidates: James Skoufis

Senator James Skoufis is well known to most Cornwall voters. First elected to represent us in the Assembly in 2012 our senator is completing his first term in the state senate. The senator may be best known for his outstanding constituent service, often getting personally involved. He and his staff assisted over 4000 individuals with unemployment claims during the pandemic. 

Senator Skoufis is also known for his independence, often butting heads with fellow Democrat, Governor Cuomo. It is that independent streak, no doubt, that earned him the leadership of the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee in his first term.

Our senator is also known as someone that gets things done for us in Cornwall. For starters we can look at the long-awaited repairs to the 9w bridges. Your editor was told at a public hearing that those projects were not expected to begin for at least another five years – if the money was still available at that time.

In Albany Senator Skoufis introduced about 280 bills since starting in the Senate. In his first year, he passed more bills than any other freshman senator in New York history. Meanwhile James’ successor in the 99th Assembly District has been totally ineffective as assemblyman. 

Schmitt Leads Republican Voter Suppression Efforts in New York State

The Colin-oscopy: An Examination of Colin Schmitt’s Record

In keeping with this month’s voting rights theme, we look at Colin Schmitt’s votes on voting. Since 2019, as the Assembly’s leader in voter suppression, Colin has consistently voted against bills which make voter registration more accessible and the process of voting safer and easier.

Colin voted no on each of these key bills:

• A120 clarifies a court’s ability to take sworn testimony from a voter about the authenticity of his or her own signature. 

• A774 authorizes pre-registration for individuals at least 16 years of age and required the adoption of policies to encourage student voter registration. 

• A775 requires that the Board of Elections transfer the registration and enrollment of a voter who has moved to their new residence within New York State. 

• A779 consolidates primary election dates and ensures the timely transmission of ballots to military voters stationed overseas. 

• A780 extends the voter registration cutoff date. 

• A10807 allows local Boards of Election to expand the timeframe for voters to submit absentee ballots. Colin was the ONLY “no” vote, ensuring his place as the legislature’s leader in voter suppression.

• A8280/S8806 is a comprehensive automatic voter registration bill ensuring that all New Yorkers are registered to vote. Schmit's comments about the bill’s lack of safeguards followed the false Republican narrative that more voters means more fraud. 

There is also Colin’s “No” vote on the budget that included funds for early voting, electronic poll books, and online voter registration.

No bill that ensures greater access to the polls can ever be a danger to any democratic process.  Restricting the vote is characteristic of autocracies. Any politician with a vested interest in suppressing the vote of the people they govern should not be governing those people in the first place. 

Fortunately, all of these bills passed despite Colin’s efforts to ensure otherwise. Another example of his ineffectiveness in Albany.

Meet Your Candidates: Sarita Bhandarkar

Cornwall's own, attorney and Assembly candidate Sarita Bhandarkar.

Meet Your Candidates: Sarita Bhandarkar

Sarita Bhandarkar is running to represent the 99th Assembly District, seeking the seat seat formerly held by James Skoufis.

Sarita, as she prefers to be known, is “running for Assembly because residents of the Hudson Valley deserve a real advocate in Albany.

“In the Assembly I pledge to stand up against special interests, and fight for a fair shake for our neighbors who need lower taxes, affordable health care coverage, help with the opioid crisis, and better schools.”

Sarita is an attorney and a small business owner with an office on Main Street. Her specialty is elder law, giving her a unique perspective on issues connected with aging including Medicare and Medicaid. As a first generation American Sarita has “been standing up for what's right all my life; now, I'm ready to stand up where it matters most.”

Click here to help elect Sarita.

NY’s Democrats Lead State and Local Efforts

Over the Memorial Day Weekend, Sarita Bhandarkar, candidate for 99th Assembly District, delivered greeting cards and chocolates to residents at Valley View Nursing Home and at Braemar at Wallkill Assisted Living Facility, just two of the many facilities in the county which were hit by COVID-19. Sarita spoke with caregivers, as well as with the families of resi-dents. She said, "We commend and thank the essential workers and care-givers who worked long hours caring for these residents during this pandemic.”

In a statement on the ongoing protests Sarita said, “I saw on the news that protests were planned in NYC over George Floyd’s death. My first reaction was, I think, the normal reaction of many black and brown Americans. I texted my brother and said, ‘Please don’t go. I want you to be safe.’ Safe. The right to be safe. That is what we want in America.

“When protesters say Black Lives Matter, it does not mean Blue Lives Don’t. It means we need to recognize that we live in a country which has not yet lived up to its ideals. It means we need to recognize systemic injustice and systemic racism-- we need to acknowledge they exist if we are going to progress as a people.”

And Sarita could be seen at rallies and vigils, not just talking but listening and adding to her own perspective. 

Senator Skoufis, while being busy in Albany, has found time on weekends to volunteer at the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley and Newburgh Mutual Aid to Feed Neighbors. All the while he and his staff assisted over 4,000 individual constituents with unemployment claims. The Senator slowed down only to take time to fight off and recover from a bout with the deadly Coronavirus himself.

In Albany, the Senator and his Democratic colleagues passed two  bills in early June. One bill requires New York State Police to wear body cameras. Another repeals section 50-a of the Civil Rights law, which currently shields police personnel records. Both bills promote police accountability. The Sena-tor’s work is not done there either. The legislature will reconvene later this month. 

Here, in Cornwall, the Democratic majority on the Town Board have been working to ensure Cornwall’s safety and viability during the pandemic, working with local small businesses on the reopening. Councilman Josh Wojehowski used his expertise in the hospitality trade to work with Cornwall’s restaurants and the Town to ensure a safe and successful phased reopening. As a result, restaurants have expanded outdoor seating with permission from the Town. Reliable sources revealed new businesses are coming to Main Street, one being called “a game changer.”  

Councilman Wojehowski informed this publication that the Main Street Revitalization is still moving forward, too. The renovation of bridge street and traffic circle beautification are on track. According to Supervisor Randazzo both projects should be completed this year.

Additionally, the Town Board passed a resolution on equality for all on July 13th. Councilwoman Virginia Scott added, “If I could share one message to our community it would be that your Town Board has the responsibility to effectively address issues that are raised by the community with respect. Our responses must be well thought out and we did take a mindful approach in order to develop a resolution to assert our position as local leaders that we will not condone or tolerate discriminatory behavior.”

The board also passed a resolution against the Danskammer Plant after receiving feedback from community. 

Cornwall Democrats Announce 2020 Vision

Strong Slate Topped by Maloney, Skoufis, and Bhandarkar

It’s Finally here. The Main Event. We’ve been hearing this so frequently over the last 40 months that it’s almost cliché to call the 2020 Presidential Election the “most important election of our lifetimes.” And yet it is.

But while we cannot take anything for granted we can feel confident that that New York’s 29 electoral votes will go to the eventual Democratic Nominee – whoever he may be. However that same level of confidence does not extend to the local down-ticket races and the gains made at the state and local level could be in jeopardy.

But fear not, because the Cornwall Democratic Committee and the Orange County Democratic Party have endorsed a slate of candidates that provide outstanding alternatives to the cynical Republican opperatives seeking your trust.

On the ballot just below President and Vice President we will find the 18th Congressional District candidates. Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney is seeking reelection. Those of us that watched the House Intelligence Committee’s impeachment hearings will never forget Congressman Maloney’s direct question to Ambassador Gordon Sondland:

Congressman Maloney: Was there a quid pro quo?
Ambassador Sondland: Yes.

Following Congressman Maloney on the ballot is Cornwall’s long-time friend and new resident, Senator James Skoufis. Reflecting on the year’s accomplishments, Senator Skoufis recently told The Cornwall Democrat, “I'm proud to have led theeffort in Albany to: protect sexual abuse survivors by passing the Child Victims Act; eliminate vaccine loopholes; make the property tax cap permanent; unmask shady LLC property owners; hold the Kiryas Joel-owned well in Cornwall accountable; and secure more money than has ever come back to our Senate District for our schools and roads.”

In addition the Senator is well known for his tireless work in-district on behalf of local residents. For all of his hard work Senator Skoufis has a target on his back. State republicans have made a priority out of regaining the senate and our senator heads their hit list.

On the Assembly side Sarita Bhandarkar is running for the 99th Assembly District seat formerly held by James Skoufis. Since the 99th fell into Republican hands two years ago the district has seen nothing but grandstanding from its assemblyman. Ms. Bhandarkar will work with Senator Skoufis to ensure that local needs are met in Albany. 

There are the judicial candidates too. Running for Orange County Court Judge is Judge Paul Trachte from the City of Newburgh where he established a “drug court” as well as a policy towards offenders with underlying mental health conditions that provides for treatment over incarceration when appropriate. For Family Court Judge the convention nominated Maria Patrizio who has this to say about her candidacy: “I’m running for Family Court judge because families need a good, caring judge to be there during their most difficult times. I have spent 20 years serving the people of Orange County as a Family Court attorney, prioritizing excellence and compassion. As a judge, I will work to make an already difficult process easier on struggling families.” Ms. Patrizio Literally wrote the book on Family Court, Successfully Navigating Family Court in New York.

In this year’s only race involving the Town of Cornwall Cornwall exclusively, Lynn Beesecker is seeking another term as Town Justice where he continues to deliver fair and steady justice that the residents of Cornwall have grown accuustomed to and deserve.

DEMOCRATS ELECTED TO MAJORITY IN CORNWALL

— First Time in a Generation —

—Local Victories Echo State, National Trends—

CORNWALL, NOVEMBER 5 — Democrats won a majority on the Cornwall Town Board in Tuesday’s election, as Virginia Scott and Josh Wojehowski won two of three Council seats, while Democratic Town Supervisor Richard Randazzo coasted to victory officially unopposed. Next January, Cornwall’s Town Board will have three Democrats and two Republicans seated. 

Ms. Scott won a two-year term, filling a vacancy resulting from a resignation. Mr. Wojehowski captured one of two full four-year terms. Both will be first-time office-holders. Supervisor Randazzo will enter his 13th term in the office he first won in 1982. 

Each of the Democrats also ran on the Protect Cornwall line. Turnout was higher than in previous years for elections focused primarily on Town offices.

“We had amazing support for our slate of candidates this year,” said Jon Chase, Democratic Committee Chair. “They all worked tirelessly to meet and engage our residents on Town issues, and there’s no doubt they will continue that hard work as they assume their duties on behalf of all of Cornwall’s residents.” 

Historic Milestone

From a party perspective, Cornwall Democrats made history this year by fielding six candidates and winning three seats in a single election. The local victories come amid a surge in Democratic party enrollment and activism. In fact, as of October 2019, Democratic party enrollment in Cornwall surpassed Republican enrollment for the first time in history. 

That shift echoes trends in suburbs and exurbs throughout the country, fueled in part by voters departing the national Republican Party as it increasingly aligns with a historically unpopular president and defies public sentiment on issues like women’s rights, gun control, climate change, LGBTQ rights, race and religious rights, and immigration. Democratic growth is also driven by young first-time registrants, who overwhelmingly identify with Democratic party priorities. 

Locally, the Cornwall Democratic Committee has worked hard to capture that interest over the past two years, with community service, outreach, fundraising, and other activities that are new or reinvigorated. This year, candidates and volunteers knocked on thousands of doors and ran a robust campaign of advertising, phone banking, postcard nights, mailings, word of mouth, public events, and other activities.

At the same time, the Orange County Republican Committee may have hurt their local candidates’ chances with last-minute robocalls claiming Democrats were “pro-criminal” and casting baseless anti-Semitic accusations that “Kiryas Joel” was plotting to “steal the election” for Democrats.

The new Town Board will be seated in January, although the vacant seat won by Ms. Scott can be filled immediately by a vote of the current Town Board in its monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 12.

Erica Nichols, what does Public Service mean to you?

Our 2019 candidate for Receiver of Taxes described her vision of public service for The Cornwall Democrat.

“Public service is my opportunity to give back, my chance to be the voice for those who are without one; the time I am most able to use my ability to lift up another human being; to defend their human rights and beliefs that we are all afforded but not always equally given. It is my duty as a human being to leave this earth better than I found it; To have spoken up for the voiceless, to defend the defenseless. It is the unspoken deed that often matters most to those in need. When I leave this world I must go knowing I left trying to help my fellow man no matter his faith, color, orientation, bank account or street address but that we both breathed the same air, bleed the same, shared the same planet and their fight was my fight, their life mattered to me. They are my community, giving back to them is my honor and done with such gratitude for what I am taught and humbled by. This is my definition of public and community service: gratitude to serve one’s community and to be humbled by the experience."

Matt Rettig Shares His Thoughts on a Race Well Run

Following is Matt Rettig’s statement to the Orange County Democratic Committee:

I'm proud of the campaign we ran, and it couldn't have happened without the efforts of the people in this room, and I'll always be grateful for that. I am now as I was back in June: a concerned citizen dreading the thought of two years under an incompetent, ineffective Assemblyman who, frankly, doesn't share our values. I'm just like I was back in June, that is, EXCEPT to say that Dyanna and I have made relationships with amazing people doing amazing work all throughout Orange County and our urge to serve our community has only been stoked by meeting so many heroes. So whether it's me or another proud Democrat taking back this seat in two years, I hope my campaign laid the groundwork for us to realize what is possible even in areas we were told were "hopeless" or "solidly red." 

We Democrats are on the right side of the issues, and on the right side of history. We need only to tell our story and people will see that government can--and must--work for ALL of us. I can look forward to carrying on this work with you, and Dyanna and I thank you all once again for your efforts.

October 23, 2018: Campaigns ready for final push

Watch for a man on bicycle peddling through your neighborhood. It might be Democratic Assembly candidate and avid cyclist Mark Rettig knocking on doors in his effort to meet as many voters in the 99th Assembly District as he can before Election Day. Matt says it’s a quicker way to get around the district that includes Chester and Wawayanda as well as Cornwall and neighboring New Windsor along with Stony Point in Rockland County and five other Orange County towns.

Meanwhile you’ll find Assemblyman and State Senate candidate James Skoufis knocking on doors too, minus the bike.

Both candidates are making the rounds of Meet & Greets, public forums and any other opportunity to meet voters.

Walk into the shared headquarters in the Price Chopper plaza, right next to Brett's True Value, and you’ll find it buzzing with activity. David and Tyler will offer a warm greeting and offer you a chance to volunteer or pick up some lawn signs and buttons. If it’s Tuesday evening it must be Phone Banking for Matt. 

Most evenings and every weekend you’ll see – and hopefully join – the groups of enthusiastic supporters getting their turf assignments for the day’s canvass or making phone calls. 

When you stop in say hello to Justyn, Callie, Brittany and Sean. Unless they’re out canvassing too.

The best way to keep up with the fast pace of the campaigns is to like and follow the Facebook pages of each campaign: www.facebook.com/RettigForAssembly/  and www.facebook.com/JamesSkoufis/ . 

To volunteer you can reach out to Amy Bandolik, Volunteer Coordinator or Michael Kochler, Phone Bank Coordinator. They’d love to hear from you! 

VOTE FOR CHANGE VOTE DEMOCRATIC

September 2018: Skoufis and Rettig Rally for Child Victims Act

Who is the Republican-controlled Senate Protecting?

On Thursday, August 30, 2018, Assemblyman and state senate candidate James Skoufis, assembly candidate Mark Rettig, Orange County Legislator and former republican senate candidate Mike Anagnostakis, survivor Gary Greenberg and area activists held a rally in Cornwall’s Donahue Park for The Child Victims Act. The bill would extend the statute of limitations for criminal charges and civil suits against perpetrators of childhood sexual abuse. Currently survivors have until their 23rd birthday to report such abuse. The bill, passed by large bi-partisan majorities in the New York State Assembly during the last two sessions, would allow criminal prosecution until the survivor is 28 and civil cases until the age of 50.

Many survivors of these heinous acts are not able, for reasons that may include fear of reprisal, humiliation and trauma, to talk about it let alone report it to the authorities for years after. 

For reasons that are not as clear the Republican-controlled state senate has killed the bill without ever bringing it to the floor for a vote. James Skoufis and Matt Rettig vow to continue to fight for the Child Victims Act in January should they win seats in the Senate and Assembly, respectively.