Candidates Stepping Up For County & Town Offices

By Holly Crocco

After a few weeks of speculation, Republican Carmel Town Councilman Frank Lombardi has announced that he is running for Putnam County legislator in District Eight, since current Legislator Amy Sayegh, R-Mahopac Falls, is not seeking re-election in November.

“As a 23-year resident of this town and specifically this legislative district, I have raised a family, paid the taxes, and pay a mortgage,” he said. “I know the difficulties families are having affording to raise a family.”

During his time on the Carmel Town Board, Lombardi said he’s been a fiscal conservative, “cutting costs while at the same time making sure our budget allows for the Town of Carmel to continue to be one of the safest and best places in America to raise a family.”

“I have worked with many of the current legislators as well as our county executive in the past,” said Lombardi. “I believe with my experience as a lawyer for nearly 30 years and my experience in local government, I will have a positive impact on our town serving on the Legislature.”

Mahopac School Board Trustee Tanner McCracken has also announced his candidacy for the seat, stating, “I’m a lifelong conservative Republican and a proven fighter for lower property taxes, real government transparency, affordability, and strong financial policies.”

In District Two, Republican Putnam Valley Town Councilman Christian Russo has announced his run for the County Legislature seat that Bill Gouldman will be vacating due to term limits.

Russo said he has fought for balanced budgets under the tax cap, helped secure more than $7 million in grants, played a key role in creating the town’s short-term rental law to improve safety and generate new revenue, and advocated for shared sales tax to bring money back to Putnam Valley.

“It’s been an honor serving as your deputy town supervisor in Putnam Valley, and I’m ready to bring that same focus on fiscal responsibility, property tax relief, public safety, and keeping our community affordable to the county level,” he said. “If I’m fortunate enough to be elected, I will continue fighting for taxpayers as your next county legislator, delivering value for every tax dollar and always putting residents first.”

Russo has operated Family Chiropractic and Injury since 2011. He was first elected to the Putnam Valley Town Board in 2021 and was re-elected this past November, currently serving as deputy town supervisor. He also serves on the board of the Putnam County Housing Corporation and is treasurer of the Putnam County Republican Party.

No other candidates have publicly announced campaigns for district two.

Over in Carmel, Republican Town Councilman Robert Kearns has announced his run for town supervisor.

“Carmel needs proactive leadership, not reactionary government,” he said. “I believe in planning ahead, asking tough questions, and delivering results that protect taxpayers… As a town board member, I helped cut the Carmel Water (District) 2 project from an estimated $28 million to an estimated $13.8 million, saving taxpayers nearly $15 million, and pushed forward long-stalled projects like Swan Cove and the Master Plan.”

Kearns, a Navy veteran, recently became vice commander of VFW Post 5491 Mahopac. He is believed to be the youngest person ever elected to the Carmel Town Board when he won in 2023 at age 31.

As town supervisor, Kearns said he’ll focus on long-term planning, transparency, accountability, and finishing projects that have stalled for years.

“Carmel deserves leadership that shows up, listens, and delivers,” he said. “I pride myself on being one of the most accessible elected officials in Putnam County, and that won’t change.”

The Republican primary is scheduled June 23, with the general election set for Nov. 3.