D’Angelo Defeats Ellner in GOP Primary Race

By Holly Crocco

In the June 24 Republican primary election for Putnam County legislator in District 5 representing Carmel, Jake D’Angelo defeated incumbent Greg Ellner by a vote of 374 to 218, or 63 to 36 percent.

“Thank you all for the overwhelming support after last night’s landslide victory,” D’Angelo stated following the election.

He will face Democrat Brett Yarris is the general election in the fall

In the Republican primary for county legislator in District 6 representing Brewster, Tommy Regan defeated Tom Brann by a vote of 313 to 158, or 66 to 33 percent. There was one write-in vote.

However, in the Conservative primary for District 6, Brann defeated John O’Connor 50 to 6, or 89 to 10 percent.

The seat is currently held by Paul Jonke.

Carmel Town Supervisor Michael Cazzari defeated challenger Frank Ciano in the Republican primary for his seat, by a vote of 1,055 to 527, or 66 to 33 percent. There were seven write-in votes.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to my incredible wife, amazing children, and loyal friends,” Cazzari stated the day after the election. “Your love and support mean the world to me. A huge thank you to all my supporters – your encouragement keeps me going. May God bless you all.”

For Carmel Town Board, incumbents Michael Lugo and Robert Schanil Jr. were victorious, with 1,027 and 829 votes, respectively (39 and 31 percent). Former Town Supervisor Kenny Schmitt received 760 votes, or 29 percent. There were four write-in votes.

In the Republican race for Patterson Town Board, incumbents Joseph Esposito and Mary Smith were victorious, with 182 and 165 votes (34 and 30 percent). Challengers Joseph Nickischer and Christian Mercurio – who were endorsed by the town’s GOP committee – received 98 and 86 votes (18 and 16 percent). There were two write-in votes.

Putnam Valley Town Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi defeated challenger Stephanie Waters in the Republican race for her seat, by a tally of 304 to 258, or 54 to 45 percent. There was one write-in vote.

“Thank you to everyone for braving the heat and once again placing your trust in me,” Annabi stated the following day. “I’m truly grateful for your support, encouragement, and help throughout this election… I’d also like to congratulate Stephanie Waters. Running for an elected seat is no easy task – you should be proud.”

After the results were tallied, the Putnam Valley Republicans congratulated Annabi on her victory, while also stating: “The Republican Primary is over in Putnam Valley. It is time we come together as a political party to pull together and move forward for the betterment of Putnam Valley. We may have our differences, but together we can make things better for all residents.”

In the Democratic primary for Philipstown Town Board, Nathaniel Prentice and Ned Rauch received 631 and 543 votes (29 and 25 percent), defeating John Maasik and Benjamin Cheah, who received 519 and 467 votes (24 and 21 percent). There were two write-ins.

Voter turnout was low for the primary election, with a total of 4,218 ballots cast from 42,863 registered voters, or 10 percent.