Will likely challenge incumbent Merando
By Kevin E. Foley
The Philipstown Democrats announced that Ann McGrath Gallagher will be their candidate for the office of Philipstown town clerk in the November 2015 general election.
A lifelong resident of the town, Gallagher has been secretary to the Philipstown Planning Board for the past 18 years, while raising three children, Noah, Ian and Aidan, with her husband, Ethan Gallagher.
According to the Democrats’ statement, Gallagher received an associate’s degree from Dutchess Community College and over the past 30+ years has held administrative positions at the Bank of Tokyo, Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co. Partners, and public and parochial schools in Westchester and Putnam Counties. In addition, she is described as a committed parent volunteer at Haldane School over the course of several years with all her children graduating from the Haldane district.
The daughter of former Philipstown Town Clerk Donald McGrath, Gallagher “is intimately aware of the work involved in being the town clerk, and is looking forward to serving the people of Philipstown in that capacity,” said the statement.
Town Board Member Nancy Mongomery said of Gallagher’s candidacy: “I am thrilled that Ann McGrath Gallagher is running for town clerk. I’ve personally witnessed her hard work and dedication to our town for so many years, and I am so happy that such a faithful citizen is putting her best foot forward to help make our town a better place for all of us.”
Gallagher ran and lost a campaign against now incumbent Tina Merando 12 years ago. Merando has not announced her intentions for the 2015 election.
This is great news. Ann will bring both fresh ideas and long experience in office management to a very important Town function.