By Holly Crocco
Several Republican primary races took place in eastern Putnam County last week, resulting in some incumbents being unseated.
In Carmel, incumbent Town Supervisor Michael Cazzari defeated former longtime Supervisor Kenneth Schmitt by a vote of 835 to 574 (59 to 40 percent).
“Thank you to all my supporters. I’m grateful to continue to serve our community for another two years,” said Cazzari after the vote. “Thank you to my family, I love you.”
Carmel Town Councilman Frank Lombardi and Robert Kearns were successful in the primary with 844 and 823 votes, respectively (36 and 35 percent). Councilman Robert Schanil Jr. received 666 votes (28 percent).
In Patterson, all the Republican-endorsed candidates were successful. Michael Sudol defeated incumbent Town Supervisor Richard Williams with a vote of 413 to 279 (60 to 40 percent).
For Town Board, Joseph Capasso and Laura Russo received the most votes, with 352 and 296, respectively (27 and 22 percent). Incumbent Shawn Rogan received 273 votes (20 percent), Peter Muentener received 207 votes (16 percent) and Joseph Esposito received 1998 votes (15 percent).
In Southeast, Nicholas Durante defeated Putnam County Legislator Paul Jonke for the position of town supervisor, with a vote of 501 to 357 (58 to 42 percent).
“Thank you to everyone in Southeast that supported my run for supervisor,” said Jonke after the vote. “We came up short and I congratulated Nick on his victory. I promised to work with him as I continue to serve on the Legislature.”
For Town Board, Wendy Lewis and Alessandro Mazzotta were the top vote-getters, with 578 and 558 votes, respectively (39 and 37 percent). Incumbent John O’Connor received 362 votes (24 percent).
The general election will take place in November, when the primary victors will face off against members of the opposing party.