County Legislature Led by Birmingham, Gouldman in 2026
- hollytoal
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Holly Crocco
Returning Legislator Dan Birmingham, R-Southeast, was nominated by his colleagues to serve as chairman of the Putnam County Legislature for 2026, during its Jan. 6 organizational meeting.
In addition to serving as deputy county executive during the Bondi administration (1995-98), Birmingham served on the Legislature from 2004 to 2012, when he decided to forego seeking a fourth term. He was elected back on the board in 2023.
Birmingham was nominated by Legislator Tommy Reagan, R-Brewster, and the motion was seconded by Legislator Amy Sayegh, R-Mahopac Falls.
But he wasn’t a shoo-in for the position. Legislator Bill Gouldman, R-Putnam Valley, was nominated for the seat by Legislator Laura Russo, R-Patterson, and the motion was seconded by Legislator Erin Crowley, R-Mahopac.
“Bill has been a wonderful asset to this Legislature,” said Crowley. “He has served 11 years, has chaired almost every committee, and has been a dedicated servant.”
In the end, it was the vote of lone Democratic Legislator Nancy Montgomery of Philipstown that was the deciding factor amongst the split Republicans.
“This is not an easy vote because both these candidates who have been nominated before us have given years of service to Putnam County,” she said. “Both have shown commitment and institutional knowledge and a willingness to step up when asked.”
Montgomery said she had the luxury of casting a vote not shaped by party loyalty, a caucus position, or a coalition agreement. Instead, she said she would be voting for the person she believes will best protect independence of leadership – thereby giving her minority voice a better shot at being heard.
That person, she said, is Birmingham.
“I respect Legislator Gouldman and I am grateful for the way he has always treated me as a colleague,” said Montgomery. “His service to this county is very real and meaningful.”
Legislators Toni Adonizzio, R-Kent, Montgomery, Regan, and Sayegh voted for Birmingham; while Legislators Crowley, D’Angelo, and Russo voted for Gouldman.
Upon taking his seat, Birmingham thanked the colleagues who voted for him. “And to those whose support I didn’t have, I’m going to work very hard to earn your support and trust this year,” he said.
Gouldman, who took office in 2015, was appointed deputy chairperson, with D’Angelo nominating him and Russo seconding the nod, and Birmingham, Crowley, and Sayegh voting in his favor – after a nomination of Regan failed to receive enough votes to pass.
Montgomery also nominated herself to serve as deputy chairperson, but didn’t garner enough votes.