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Surprise Upsets At Democratic Caucus
Perry Ousts Distel, Buchwalter Top Vote Getter

WAWARSING – There was something in the air at Norbury Hall on July 12 as Wawarsing Democrats gathered for their caucus ahead of this year's elections for town and county positions... a sense that big changes might be coming down.

The spotlight was on the contest for the nomination for town supervisor. Lenny Distel, who has been supervisor on and off for much of the past decade, was playing defense. There were several younger people in attendence wearing "Perry 17" black T-shirts.

Al Perry, who manages Ellenville's Joseph Resnick airport, had put himself forward for the town's top job and word was out that his candidacy had gained some traction among a slice of Wawarsing Democrats.

That said, the hall was far from packed. Perhaps 150 people were on hand, which in the muggy July air made the room hot and prickly.

Ashley Dittus, who had come down from Kingston was nominated and voted in as chair of the caucus, gaveled the gathering into order and moved things along with brisk efficiency, first dealing with the unopposed candidacies of Robin Anderson for tax collector, Wayne Lonstein for justice and Tony Paes for highway superintendent, all nominated by former long-serving town clerk Jane Eck.

Then came John Burns, elected to the Ellenville school board in May, who nominated Distel for supervisor. Eck nominated Al Perry and James Dolaway seconded that nomination, saying he was looking for a change and a new direction for the town.

Distel used his speaking time to promote some of the things he's been able to achieve in the position, such as the electric car charging station in Lippman Park. He spoke about the municipal solar array, infrastructure issues and the quest for better internet connections for the town.

Perry came next, and began by saying he had no allegiance to any party and no hidden agendas. He said he wanted to see the town get a "spigot" on the New York City aqueduct tunnel, because water is going to be the big issue of the near future. He added that he wanted to see people smiling in town hall again. He referred to recent conflicts at the town board and added that he had no experience as a politician. He finished by noting that "dissolution" was a long way away and may not be the right solution for current issues. That last remark received prolonged, loud applause.

Then came the vote and with that a shock result as Perry beat out Distel, 56 to 53. The thin margin of victory revealed a deep split in the Wawarsing Democrats.

While the hall buzzed over that result and the Perry supporters celebrated, three candidates for county legislature seats introduced themselves.

First came Andrew Zink, a recent graduate of Pine Bush High School, who is going for the 14th legislative district against incumbent Craig Lopez. He stuck to the idea of bringing people together to get important things done. Next was John Gavaris, a well known figure in Wawarsing as a former councilman and director of support services at Ellenville Regional Hospital. He reminded everyone of his experience and noted that currently there is no legal recourse for the village to compel people to pay property taxes'; those who don't pay are carried by the rest. He'll be facing Cassie Spoor for retiring legislator T.J. Briggs' spot. Finally, Lynn Archer, who is running for the 21st district, spoke... and made it simple, stating that broadband internet for everyone is the answer for economic development.

Next came the votes for town board positions, with three names in the hat for two seats: Briggs, Burns and Roger Buchwalter.

Briggs stressed his experience, particularly at the county level where he has been a legislator for a decade. He said "It's been like a ten year college degree course." Buchwalter said he was born in Ellenville and lived here his whole life. He promised to simply do the best he could. Burns said he was a 30 year resident of the town, a teacher for 31 years and president of the Blue Devils Booster Club, noting how he hoped to see young people come back to the town and not move away permanently.

The vote ran out with Buchwalter on top with 70 votes, Briggs with 49, and Burns with 44. Buchwalter and Briggs join Al Perry on the Democratic line, along with Lonstein, Anderson and Paes in the November election.

Al Perry said that uniting the party for November was a major priority.

Distel, shaking his head, said he wondered how someone with no political experience was going to navigate the coming election.



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