submitted by the Stephentown Democratic Committee
Stephentown Democrats gathered at the Fire Hall on Thursday, September 16, to choose candidates for the two local positions to be contested on November 2. A vacant seat on the Town Board and a Town Justice position will be up for election this year, along with a large number of state and national positions. A large voter turnout is anticipated.
Andrew White, Chair of the Stephentown Democratic Committee, was chosen to preside over the caucus. “It was a very orderly gathering of enrolled Democrats and guests,” said White. “This is typically an off year for local elections, but the good turnout means that Stephentown residents are still very interested in what is happening at the local level and want to make sure that Stephentown continues to move forward.”
Bill Jennings was enthusiastically endorsed for the seat on the Town Board. Jennings has been very active in the Fire District, the Fire Department, the Historical Society and the Library. He looks forward to an active campaign and to bringing his energy and experience to the Town Board.
Wes Edwards was also enthusiastically endorsed for re-election as Town Justice. Edwards is a registered Republican who has served Stephentown admirably as Town Justice for 47 years. His re-election to a four-year term should put him over the half-century mark in years of service as Town Justice, which we believe will be a New York State record. Edwards is pleased to become part of the Democrats’ continuing bipartisan approach to providing effective local government.
“Just like last year, this election is not about Republicans or Democrats,” said White. “It is about what is best for the Town of Stephentown, how to continue to move Stephentown forward and how to best avoid the embarrassments and mistakes of the past. Our approach is to find the very best people for the available local positions, regardless of party affiliation. We are excited about the prospects of having Bill Jennings join PJ Roder and Chris Demick on the Town Board, and we are very pleased to have Wes Edwards on the Democratic line for the very first time in his long and productive career.”
Joanne Yepsen, Democratic candidate for State Senate in the 43rd District, attended the meeting and was warmly received. She spoke with attendees both before and after the formal Caucus.