Politics on the Hudson

Candidates for Carmel town supervisor have dropped from three to two.

William Maxwell, a retired police officer, announced by e-mail late Tuesday afternoon he was ending his campaign for Carmel Town Supervisor citing a medical condition related to treatment of a kidney stone condition.

A Republican, he did not receive the GOP committee’s endorsement.  He said he would circulate petitions and seek a primary for the line against endorsed candidate Kenneth Schmitt, who is finishing his first term in office.

“It is with regret that I must announce the suspension of my campaign,” Maxwell wrote.  “I would like to thank all of my supporters for the help and dedication received on my behalf.  I would also like to thank the staff of the Camarda Care Center of Putnam Hospital for all there professionalism and care. I wish all the candidates for office in Putnam©ounty good luck.”

Schmitt faces opposition from Democrat David McKay Wilson.

The Town of Carmel Democratic Committee wants to know what residents in Putnam County’s largest town consider to be the most pressing issues.

And to that end, they have extended an open invitation to residents to join them during a committee meeting next Tuesday in Mahopac.  In addition, candidates endorsed by the commitee for local office —Kevin McConville for Putnam County Sheriff, David McKay Wilson for Carmel Town Supervisor and Marc Pekowsky and Suzanne McDonough for Carmel Town Board—have also been invited to share their views, said the organizers Dave Gagliardi and Lillian Jones, the co-chairpeople of the town committee.

The meeting is at 7 p.m. at the Lantern Restaurant, Route 6 near Croton Falls Road.

Lillian Jones, the co-chairperson of the the Democratic Committee of the Town of Carmel says they are in  scheduling interviews for candidates who want to run for election in November 09.

“We are seeking candidates for Town of Carmel Supervisor, Town Council and Legislator for District 7 (parts of both Carmel and Southeast),” she writes. “We are looking for candidates who are willing to commit themselves to providing hard work and leadership that supports the interests of the people of Carmel and promotes open government.”

Those interested in setting up an interviewed or finding out more about the process, should contact co-chairs Dave Gagliardi (845-628-2519 or davidjgagliardi@hotmail.com), or Lillian Jones (845-628-5016 or jones.lillianr@gmail.com)