McGlasson Keeps Kent Supervisor Seat; Incumbents Win in Put Valley, Southeast

By Holly Crocco

Although the race for Kent town supervisor is still close, with the most recent tallying of absentee ballots showing her leading by 47 votes – 2,898 to 2,853 ballots, or 50.36 to 49.57 percent - Democrat Alex Sewell conceded to Republican incumbent Jaime McGlasson.

According to the Board of Elections, as of Friday, there are still 97 outstanding absentee ballots from Kent to be counted, in addition to affidavits.

“As the final votes trickle in over the next few days, we anticipate Jaime McGlasson’s re-election as Kent town supervisor,” Sewell posted on social media Friday. “I’d like to congratulate her on this victory and wish her success as she works to move Kent out of our tough financial position.”

Prior to the vote, McGlasson – who will begin her third term in January – expressed her appreciation for being able to serve residents.

“Serving as your town supervisor is not just a title, a position, or something I do when my schedule allows,” she said. “When you make the commitment to serve your community, you have to be willing to show up. Every day. Even when it’s difficult. Even when life gets busy. Even when the decisions are unpopular… I don’t serve Kent because it’s easy. I serve because I care. Because this town matters to me. Because the people who live here matter to me.”

In the Town of Putnam Valley, incumbent Democrat Alison Jolicoeur defeated Republican Putnam County Legislator Bill Gouldman in a race for the town supervisor’s seat. As of Friday, she secured 54 percent of the vote, compared to Gouldman’s 46 percent, or 2,776 to 2,336 votes.

Jolicoeur, who will begin her first full term in office in January due to new state law regarding election terms, thanked voters for their support.

“I want to share how incredibly grateful I am to have a full term ahead to continue the work we’ve started, together,” she said. “Best wishes to my opponent Bill Gouldman, and thanks to all who voted, one way or another. Many of the Putnam County races are incredibly close. It really goes to show, your vote really does matter and can make a difference in someone’s life and your community’s trajectory.”

Gouldman congratulated his opponent on her victory.

“While last night’s results were not what we hoped for, I am thankful for the residents of Putnam Valley who have supported me during this campaign,” he said. “I would like to thank my family, supporters and volunteers, and everyone who stood with me in this pursuit. Your dedication, friendships, and hard work will not be forgotten by me.”

For Putnam Valley town justice, Republican incumbent Robert Nachamie defeated Democrat David Axinn by a vote of 2,627 to 2,417, or 52 to 48 percent, as of Friday’s count.

It was also close in the race for Southeast town supervisor, where incumbent Republican Joseph Castellano pulled out a 51 to 49 percent victory against Democratic challenger Lynne Eckardt with a tally of 3,757 to 3,669 votes, as of Friday.

Eckardt congratulated her opponent after the election.

“My congratulations go to Joe Castellano,” she said. “Our campaigns remained positive and substantive throughout. My thanks also to the people of Southeast, who were both welcoming and engaged. It was a privilege to run for the office of town supervisor and I look forward to remaining active in the community.”

In January, Castellano will begin his first full term in office, as he was appointed earlier this year after the former supervisor resigned.

Also in Southeast, the Brewster Public Library’s $550,000 annual budget was approved 70 to 30 percent, or 4,978 to 2,163 votes.