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County Selects Leadership for 2025

By Holly Crocco

The Putnam County Legislature organized for 2025 by naming a new chairperson and deputy chairperson, and welcoming new and returning members to the governing body, during its Jan. 7 organizational meeting at the Historic County Courthouse in Carmel.

Outgoing Chairman Paul Jonke, R-Brewster, nominated Legislator Amy Sayegh, R-Mahopac Falls, who has served as deputy chairwoman for the past two years.

“Amy is steadfast and calm in her demeanor, and that makes her the best candidate to be chair of this Legislature,” he said.

Legislator Greg Ellner, R-Carmel, seconded the nomination.

Sayegh has served seven years on the Legislature, having led the Health Committee for the past six years. Jonke called her a respectful, compassionate, and professional leader.

“In government, it’s hard to find someone who uses their heart, their head, and their spine all at the same time,” he said. “I can assure you, Amy is the rare individuals who uses all these.”

Legislator Nancy Montgomery of Philipstown, the lone Democrat on the board, called it a shame that senior Legislator William Gouldman, R-Putnam Valley, wasn’t considered for the role of chairman.

“I am disheartened that this Legislature chooses not to follow tradition by appointing a senior member to the chair,” she said. “Regardless of who I nominate, even when I extend an olive branch, I seem to continue to be met with great resistance … We put ourselves in little cliques here in the Legislature and at the detriment to the taxpayer. I’m hopeful that in 2025 we can get beyond that.”

Gouldman noted that the Legislature has historically changed leadership every two years, giving all members the chance to serve as chairperson and lead in a way they feel would best serve the county. By being overlooked this year, Gouldman will not have that opportunity.

“The residents of Putnam County expect us to work on the issues that matter,” he said. “We all have our perspectives and points of view … A legislative body that listens and respects what the other legislators has to say is what I’m looking forward to for the following year.”

Sayegh’s appointment was unanimous, with Montgomery and Gouldman saying they hope 2025 will be met with civility and efficiency.

Sayegh said she was honored and humbled to be voted by her peers to the position of chairwoman. “Each year is a new beginning and a fresh start,” she said. “It’s a time to reflect and learn from the past and move on to a bright future.”

She noted that there have been 24 chairpersons of the Putnam County Legislature since the county charter took effect Jan. 1, 1979. Since then, there has only been four women who have served as chairwoman.

“I am now the 25th chair, and the fifth woman to sit as chair of the Legislature,” said Sayegh. “I will do my utmost to lead as chairwoman, holding tight to the values and principals with integrity and high standards, for the Putnam County Legislature.”

For the position of deputy chairperson, Legislator Toni Addonizio, R-Kent, nominated Ellner.

“With a professional demeanor and exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively, he has become an invaluable asset to this Legislature,” said Addonizio of Ellner. “His contributions consistently demonstrate his commitment to excellence.”

The motion was seconded by Sayegh, who said Ellner “takes decades of experience in the private sector and applies this to make our county a better place. He works collaboratively with his colleagues and he is always professional and respectful,” she said.

His appointment was also unanimous.

Also during the organizational meeting, Legislator Dan Birmingham, R-Southeast, was welcomed back to the board after a several-year hiatus, and Legislator Laura Russo, R-Patterson, sat for her first meeting as a county lawmaker.

“I’ve known many of you for a decade, and some of you I’ve just met this year,” said Birmingham. “I’m looking forward to a good 2025.”

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