Editor’s note: The Democratic primary election for the Philipstown Town Board is scheduled for June 24. There are four candidates for two open seats: Ben Cheah, John Maasik, Nat Prentice and Ned Rauch. Click here for questions to the candidates and their responses. For information on voting, scroll down.
The Philipstown Democrats consider the endorsement process for our town candidates a serious responsibility we take on for the benefit of our community — and after much consideration, discussion and thought, we endorsed Ben Cheah and Ned Rauch for the Philipstown Town Board.
Four candidates sought our endorsement — we interviewed all four, read their statements and carried on a highly engaged discussion within the committee about each potential candidate. And then we voted.
The results were clear. A supermajority of the committee supports Ben and Ned. Although there was some dissent by a small group (and we welcome a variety of opinions), the ultimate committee decision was to support Ben and Ned, based on their skills, passion for service and the totality of the value they had to offer to Philipstown.
An important consideration in our decision-making was the belief that, in all matters, a Town Board member has a broad responsibility for the welfare of our community. If, instead, the member viewed service on the Town Board as an opportunity to further their personal advocacy, rather than the town’s best interests, that would do us all a disservice.
The non-endorsed candidates decided to run for office anyway — which is absolutely their right. So, Democrats in Philipstown will have a Democratic primary on June 24.
Margaret Yonco-Haines, Garrison
I’ve been asked why I’m supporting candidates outside the Philipstown Democratic Committee’s official slate. For me, it’s simple: After working side by side with John Maasik and Nat Prentice for many years, I’ve seen firsthand the kind of leaders they are. They listen. They show up. They get things done.
Democracy is about choice. And this year, on June 24, we’re fortunate to have a primary that gives every Democrat in Philipstown the opportunity to make their voice heard and to choose the candidates they believe will serve our town best.
I’ve been proud to stand with Democrats in Philipstown for a long time — as a committee member, a member of the Town Board and now as a Putnam County legislator. I strongly believe in a local government that works for all of us, across neighborhoods, across experiences and across every level of our community; a government that listens widely, collaborates openly and serves the whole town.
That’s why I’m proud to support Nat Prentice and John Maasik, two candidates who have already been doing this work.
John and Nat have long been dedicated to public service. They’ve been doing the real, often invisible, work of local government for well over a decade. They’ve advised local leaders, volunteered, led and consistently stepped up, from the Recreation Commission to fire services, from supporting small businesses to helping shape long-term planning for Philipstown’s future.
They’ve built up programs for our youngest residents, like the Haldane field initiative to Boy Scouts and youth soccer, while also building strong, respectful relationships with community-based organizations and elected officials at every level of government. Their track records reflect a deep and lasting commitment to strengthening the fabric of our community.
I wasn’t alone on the Democratic Committee in this decision. Several of my fellow members — including the two former chairs, Janice Hogan and Julia Famularo, and my colleague Judy Farrell, the only other elected official on the committee — support Nat and John. We believe in their integrity, their local experience and their commitment to practical, responsive government.
This primary gives all Democrats in Philipstown the chance to be heard and to choose the kind of leadership we want for our future. I’m voting for John Maasik and Nat Prentice on June 24. I hope you will too.
Nancy Montgomery, Philipstown
In January 2021, a number of folks recommended I solicit the insights of Nat Prentice for a survey I was conducting on local senior safety nets and untapped capacities for support.
Nat cheerfully gifted his time, creative ideas and practical ways to realize them. Because he invests in relationships and is expert at connecting people for action, Nat soon invited me to volunteer for a Chamber of Commerce event. Over the last three years, I have seen Nat’s leadership in action through his directing the Visitor’s Information Booth, facilitating chamber meetings and co-organizing a March 2024 community forum with Dar Williams, Evan Thompson and myself.
In each of the many community-service “leadership hats” he wears, I have witnessed how Nat invites people into conversation about complex issues facing our community, genuinely solicits ideas, engages community involvement and brings out the best we have to give, individually and collectively. He brings joy and a spark to this work and is one of the best facilitators I’ve ever met.
Philipstown is lucky to have a great slate of four candidates for two seats on the Philipstown Town Board in the June 24 Democratic primary. Why am I voting for Nat? We’re facing complex issues in a very uncertain time. He is a remarkable champion for our community who reaches out locally, regionally and at the state level to bring people in to focus on Philipstown’s needs, both for today and for the future.
Kirsti (Kiko) Lattu, Nelsonville
It is with great enthusiasm and sincere confidence that I write to endorse Nat Prentice for the Town Board in the June 24 Democratic primary.
Nat’s candidacy feels like a natural next step in a long journey of civic engagement and selfless volunteerism that has already had a meaningful impact on our community. Time and again, Nat has shown his deep commitment to the betterment of Philipstown, and I am thrilled to see him step up to serve in this new capacity.
I had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Nat through the Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce, where he served with distinction as both president and vice president. When I stepped down from the chamber presidency to run for a seat on the Cold Spring Village Board, passing the torch to Nat was not only effortless but seamless.
With his generous spirit, inclusive approach, and respectful leadership style, Nat took that torch and led the chamber to new heights. Under his guidance, the organization became a space for broader collaboration and meaningful participation — hallmarks of Nat’s leadership.
I expect nothing less from Nat as a member of the Town Board. His courteous, thoughtful and trustworthy nature is a rare combination in today’s political landscape, and one sorely needed at every level of governance.
I sincerely hope that the Democrats of Philipstown will join me in supporting Nat Prentice in the primary on June 24, and again in the general election on Nov. 4. Our town will be all the better for his service.
Eliza Starbuck, Cold Spring
I recently found out my friend John Maasik is running for Philipstown Town Board. I am not particularly active in local politics, so my thoughts here are about John, his character and what I have seen over the past 20-plus years I have gotten to know him.
We moved to Cold Spring in 1999. As is the case with many of us, you fall into a group of friends who have children of the same age. John’s (and his wife Andrea’s) path crossed with ours early. John was always pulling us into the community. If there was an event, he was there. My experience with John’s volunteer work was related to his involvement with the Philipstown Recreation Commission, Boy Scouts and the Philipstown Soccer Club. John consistently stepped up, giving his time to support the community.
For our family, it was his coaching of the boys’ team – The Chargers with the Philipstown Soccer Club. John coached the club for nearly 10 years. It goes without saying that a good coach for a bunch of teenage boys brings to the table way more than understanding of the game of soccer. A good coach teaches the kids about leadership, the importance of being a team player, respect for your teammates and respect for your opponents. John taught the kids these attributes through both words and action.
Character matters in your elected officials. We want someone in the role we can be proud of; someone you would like your kids to look up to and emulate. I can tell you that’s John Maasik. One example goes back to the days when he coached my son’s soccer team. While being a good coach is more than winning, winning is important. That said, there was an occasion when John pulled the team off the pitch after one of the opposing players made a racial slur against one of the Chargers and the opposing team’s coach and the referee did nothing to address it.
I can’t say whether it was a game we would have won. But a forfeit is never good for the record. That said, John left that pitch with a team of boys who understood what had just happened and couldn’t have felt prouder. It’s a lesson my son recalls to this day.
That’s John. I encourage you to vote for John Maasik in the June 24 primary and in the November general election.
Rich Keller, Philipstown
In a county where Republicans often run unopposed up and down the ballot, this year Democratic voters in Philipstown have a rare abundance of qualified candidates for Philipstown Town Board and will vote in a party primary on June 24.
I am casting my vote for Nat Prentice, and I hope you will too. Nat and I met in 2017 working on the Philipstown Comprehensive Plan. Since then, he has become both a friend and a mentor. I know Nat has the commitment, the perspective and the judgement to be an excellent, effective member of our Town Board, and I am eager to see him represent us all.
Working with Nat, I learned how important it is to meet people where they are at. Literally! It is hard to make it through a weekend without seeing Nat around town. He is a natural connector and collaborator. I couldn’t tally the number of folks he has personally introduced to me at the Farmers’ Market, after a Town Board or Chamber of Commerce meeting, at a fundraiser or a play. Old timers, newcomers, transplants, returnees, to Nat we are all neighbors.
We are all on the same team. Because he has deep roots in Philipstown, he cares deeply about the direction we’re headed. He is able to synthesize big, global issues down to the very local level; he is able to distinguish where we are thriving and where we can benefit from outside help. And he has the resourcefulness to find it.
What I admire most about Nat is a quality you often don’t find in political candidates: His mind is not made up. He wants to learn more, and he wants to hear from all sides. He approaches every issue with an open heart. In fact, I had worked with Nat for years before I even was aware of his politics, that is how neutrally he approached the work on the Comprehensive Plan.
Without dogma or prejudice, his eyes firmly set on our collective future. Nat’s our guy. Please join me in voting for him on June 24.
Sean Conway, Cold Spring
I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Nat Prentice through my role as advocacy chair for the Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce — an independent, volunteer-based organization representing local businesses and nonprofits, with a mission that includes but goes beyond promoting the interests of its members to fostering a healthy, inclusive community and advocating for a better world.
Nat is a big part of why the chamber plays this uniquely positive role. As president, he embodies its ethos of community engagement, not only conducting a master class in hosting a fun, welcoming and productive meeting at every chamber breakfast but also working tirelessly behind the scenes to advocate for worthy causes. We’ve collaborated on projects ranging from expanding public services and promoting environmental sustainability to lobbying the Putnam County government to share sales tax revenue and urging the state to enact universal healthcare.
Nat’s commitment to public service is exemplary — he lends a thoughtful voice to nearly every local conversation, sits on numerous committees and boards and still finds time to fill humble but important roles like coordinating the volunteers at the Visitor Information Booth. He also has an uncanny ability to work with people across the ideological spectrum while maintaining a steady moral compass. Nat will be an excellent Town Board member and I fully endorse his candidacy.
Jeff Mikkelson, Cold Spring
After the disappointing presidential campaign in 2024, I was delighted that a diverse group of at least five people were interested and enthusiastic in running for the two seats that will be open on the Town Board.
As a longtime member of the Philipstown Democratic Committee, I advocated for an open primary to allow maximum participation by Philipstown voters in their democracy. My voice, and the voice of another trusted leader, Putnam County Legislator Nancy Montgomery, and three other committee members, including two former chairs, was discounted.
I want the voters to choose who sits on the Town Board. As a person who has been civically engaged my entire life, I believe firmly that government should be of the people, by the people and for the people in a democracy. It should not be government by a select few; that’s not democracy and is also no way to govern by silencing diverse views.
As someone who has solid experience working with all levels of government, I also want to support candidates who have experience and a solid track record in public and community service. This is why I intend to vote for John Maasik and Nat Prentice on June 24.
I have known both candidates for years because they have been on the frontlines of serving the community. John Maasik has been a longtime leader on the Philipstown Recreation Commission and led Friends of Philipstown Recreation, raising thousands of dollars for our town. I have watched firsthand for years as John organized volunteers and resources for the Castle to River Run; worked with the Garrison Fire Department and volunteers to fill the ice rink at the Community Center; led scouts and coached soccer teams; and advocated for our kids’ programs and fields. The son of immigrants, John clearly has the heart, dedication and skills to lead.
No one can deny that Nat Prentice has been an energetic and impressive advocate for our community and town for as long as I can remember. Long before I was on the Town Board, I attended community Comprehensive Planning meetings organized by Nat. Once I was elected, Nat brought grant opportunities to the Town Board and I was not surprised that he also raised thousands of dollars for Philipstown initiatives. Nat and the Comprehensive Planning Committee, all dedicated volunteers, provided a blueprint for Philipstown that has been largely realized and resulted in the beautiful place we call home. Nat not only serves as president of the Chamber of Commerce, but he has volunteered and organized volunteers for the Cold Spring Visitors’ Booth.
Both Nat and John have long attended meetings of the Town Board. They will know how to govern on Day One. I also strongly believe that both John and Nat have the knowledge and experience to be effective stewards of the town budget process. One of our primary responsibilities as a Town Board is to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer’s money.
While I appreciate and know all of the candidates for the Philipstown Town Board, in the Democratic Primary on June 24 I will vote for and encourage you to vote for John Maasik and Nat Prentice. I urge you to ignore the desperate efforts to smear some of the candidates; a sad and unfortunate reaction to the fact that there will be a primary and the power remains as it should in the hands of Philipstown voters.
Judy Farrell, Nelsonville
As we head into the Democratic primary on June 24, voters in Philipstown deserve a fair, transparent process that respects their voice and their vote.
John Maasik, Democratic candidate for Philipstown Town Council, has made a clear and public commitment: He will support whoever wins the Democratic primary in June because that’s how democracy works: Voters choose, and candidates abide by the outcome.
Unfortunately, it appears that not all candidates are playing by those rules. Some of John’s primary opponents have gathered independent signatures to appear on the November general-election ballot even if they lose the Democratic primary.
This tactic doesn’t just muddy the waters — it risks undermining Democratic unity at a time when we need it most. It raises an important question for our local party leadership: If John Maasik or Nat Prentice wins the primary on June 24, will Philipstown Democrats stand behind the voters’ choice? Or will they continue to back [the endorsed] candidates who plan to sidestep the results and run anyway?
We hope all candidates will match John Maasik’s commitment to party unity and democratic principles. Anything less sends the wrong message to the voters: that their voices matter only if the outcome suits the insiders.
David Eng-Wong, Philipstown
Recently, I attended an event where I had the chance to hear from Ned Rauch and Ben Cheah and I want to share what I learned.
There’s a misconception floating around that these candidates are contentious or anti–Fjord Trail. I went in curious and came away pleasantly surprised. They’re not anti-trail at all — they’re pro-Cold Spring.
Both candidates recognize that the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail is coming and that Cold Spring will continue to be the gateway — and gatekeeper — to one of the most visited outdoor destinations in the state. They support public access to nature. But they also understand that this project will bring real pressure to our village: on infrastructure, safety, traffic and daily life.
What impressed me most is their willingness to speak up for the village. They are thoughtful, realistic and committed to making sure Cold Spring is not left holding the bag.
Because here’s the problem: While the state and private entities are investing millions to build the trail, there’s a glaring omission — no sustainable public funding is being directed to Cold Spring itself to maintain the spaces being used. That’s not fair, and it’s not sustainable.
Ned and Ben are ready to advocate for real support, smart planning and transparency — so that the trail’s success doesn’t come at the village’s expense.
If you haven’t had a chance to hear from them yourself, I encourage you to take a closer look. Like me, you may find your assumptions challenged — and your vote more clear.
Jennifer Wagner, Garrison
This year the Philipstown Democrats found ourselves in the unusual position with the number of good candidates for Town Board. Four good candidates approached the committee and declared their willingness to serve the people of Philipstown.
Two candidates stand out for their long record of hard work and demonstrated experience: John Maasik and Nat Prentice. As has been widely documented, John has been a long-serving and active member of the Philipstown Recreation Commission and has raised thousands of dollars to benefit our town rec programs through the Friends of Philipstown Recreation for 10-plus years. He is well-loved by parents whose children over many years have flourished under his leadership in the Boy Scouts and on the Philipstown Soccer Club team.
Nat is president and long-serving member of the Chamber of Commerce, coordinated Philipstown’s Comprehensive Plan update and has served on several local boards. John and Nat are committed to serving Philipstown. I hope Democrats in Philipstown will join me and show your support of these worthy public servants in the June 24 Primary Election.
Julia Famularo, Cold Spring
Ned Rauch and Ben Cheah are running to become the Democratic candidates for Town Council in Philipstown — and the primary is coming up soon, on June 24. I couldn’t be more pleased to endorse them, work for them and vote for them. Both Ned and Ben have the experience and temperament to serve our community — calm, thoughtful, collaborative and dedicated to civic virtues. They have both shown a willingness to advocate for the values of the Democratic Party, whereas one of their opponents was, until six months ago, a Republican.
Ned brings many wonderful qualities to the table. I know him because we worked together for years to get Democrats elected to office, and I know him to be smart, exceptionally articulate and caring, with a deep devotion to this community and to the arts. Ned has taken on leadership roles in Philipstown for years. Ned “gets it” when it comes to understanding the complex issues that face us (think Fjord Trail, Route 9 development, affordable housing) while understanding that these issues can actually be solved by compromise and by having Philipstown residents work together. Ned has the added benefit of having grown up in this town, and has kids who are growing up here — so he knows first-hand the issues of Philipstown families with young kids.
Ben Cheah’s intelligence, analytic ability and financial acumen are immediately evident to all who meet him, and are extraordinary strengths, strengths that would certainly be brought to his role on the Town Council. Like Ned, Ben has a child attending local schools, and has a deep understanding of the issues faced by local families. Ben also has an empathic awareness of what it is like to be different, or an outsider, and sees why social policy needs to be developed to help those who are struggling — either personally or financially. Like Ned, Ben represents the best of what a Democratic candidate brings to the table. His professional qualifications and understanding of budgetary matters are exceptional.
I did not grow up in Philipstown, but have lived here for 39 years. I spent more than two decades as a volunteer here (as GUFS PTA officer and GCEF board member/president), raising my children here and continuing to work for Democratic (and democratic) causes today. I’d like to entrust the future of Philipstown to Ned and Ben — and to their “teammate” — John Van Tassel (who has chosen them as his endorsed candidates). I hope you’ll join me.
Linda Tafapolsky, Garrison
We should all be ready and excited for Ned Rauch’s candidacy for Philipstown Town Council. Ned is best described as one who seeks to understand before being understood. In the presence of Ned, everyone feels they belong — as if their company is not just welcome but essential. Imagine the impact this kind of energy would have on local government.
Beyond that, the devotion Ned has for our town is impossible to miss and second to none. From our schools to our restaurants, our forests to our bookshop, witnessing the commitment he has towards the people, and the longevity of our home is phenomenal to see and to feel. I’ve come to know Ned well over the past decade, as officers on the GUFS PTA, as parents, neighbors and as friends. If Ned brings even a portion of his forward thinking and determined advocacy for the issues that matter to everyone, Philipstown will naturally grow into a more collaborative and caring community.
Please join me in voting for Ned Rauch, a candidate who understands us.
Jake Haelen, Garrison
I write in support of the candidacies of Ned Rauch and Ben Cheah for Philipstown Town Board. Both of these gentlemen are the best equipped of the four candidates to handle this challenging work, with all of the constantly changing demands and duties.
Running the Town of Philipstown from day to day is not a single issue undertaking, but unfortunately for all of us, this election has become a referendum on the Fjord Trail. This is an important quality-of-life issue for the town, but not a qualification to sit on this board. Having an opinion that favors the development of an untold hundreds of millions of dollars destination playground here in Philipstown is not an honorable reason to run for office, in my opinion.
That said, Rauch and Cheah both have qualifications which would benefit Philipstown, should they be elected. Ben Cheah has an MBA in finance and management and over 25 years management experience. He has served on the Philipstown Recreation Center board, the Putnam County Industrial Development Agency Board, sits on the Cold Spring Planning Board and is the treasurer of Scout Troop 137.
Ned Rauch, is hardworking local business owner, and is a detail-oriented individual with credentials in journalism and experience covering state and local government. This is the type of person we need on the board, someone with experience looking into complex issues and making sense out of them. Rauch also served as the president of the Garrison School PTA during the pandemic.
Rauch and Cheah are the right people for Town Board, and have the best interest of the town as their only priority.
Steve Voloto, Cold Spring
The Philipstown Democratic Committee endorsed Ben Cheah and Ned Rauch in the June 24 Democratic primary because they best exemplify the qualities that are most important in a Town Board member.
We believe that Town Board members should dedicate themselves to working for the benefit of all the people of Philipstown, not just the few, and we found that in Ben and Ned. They have the same level of dedication to the almost overwhelming number of everyday — and not necessarily headline-making — issues constantly before the board, such as infrastructure, health and safety services for residents, safe roads, protection of our environment, support for EMS and fire department services and financial responsibility, including continuing to push for improved tax-sharing from the county and increased cooperation with Cold Spring and Nelsonville to improve services, financial stability and quality of life.
We were impressed that, when they met with the committee, both Ben and Ned emphasized their commitment to genuine Democratic principles of human rights and human dignity.
We prioritized candidates who will commit for the long term — there is a learning curve for every elected official and experience counts for a great deal. While re-election can’t be assured, if we have a choice of candidates like Ben and Ned, who are ready and able to serve for as long as the voters elect them, we can’t ignore that in making our choice.
Finally, we considered which two candidates most exemplified the core responsibility of an elected official — to set aside personal preferences and special interests and focus solely on achieving the best results for our town.
The candidates who most fulfilled all these considerations are, unequivocally and overwhelmingly, Ben Cheah and Ned Rauch. Please vote for both in the June 24 primary.
Gilbert and Kennedy are co-chairs of Philipstown Democrats. This letter was also signed by committee members Linda Tafapolsky, Kathleen Duffett, Constancia (Dinky) Romilly, Dottie Gilman, Margaret Yonco-Haines, Richard Gell, Jon Erickson, Sonia Ryzy-Ryski and Joyce Blum.
I am an 80-plus+ year, lifelong, permanent resident of Philipstown, including homes in Cold Spring, Nelsonville, the North Highlands and Garrison. I have witnessed many changes during the years, and I have had the pleasure of seeing the accomplishments, opportunities and disappointments of the Philipstown Town Board.
Ned Rauch and Ben Cheah present us their experience and knowledge to continue with their considered and deliberate leadership for Philipstown’s future. They will put aside personal preferences and ensure what is best for our community.
Vote for in the Philipstown Democratic primary on Tuesday, June 24, for Ned Rauch and Ben Cheah for Town Board.
Dorothy Gilman, Garrison
I’m going to vote for Nat Prentice in the primary. Our community could not be better served than by him. His commitment to community service speaks for itself.
At the end of the day, what sets Nat apart from the others is his character and his friendship — character defined by honesty, integrity and respect for the opinions of others.
Define friendship and you define Nat: a loyal, trusted and time-tested amigo. We have shared the highs and lows of our life experiences over the last 70 years.
John Benjamin, Philipstown
Friends, let’s use what we have… A friend stopped by the other day. They had just been at a gathering with some of the monied-interest folks who promote the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail.
My friend is ambivalent about the trail, but they wondered out loud to me: “Shouldn’t we make it possible for people in New York City to come up and roll their wheelchairs along the river?” While I am very much in favor of ADA compliance, this argument seems disingenuous at best. It sounds like party-line propaganda — the kind of spin we’re bombarded with daily by wealthy people trying to control everyone else for their own benefit.
I spend a lot of time in Newburgh these days, in a place that looks directly at the abandoned tram line going up Mount Beacon. If you want to create access to the river for people in wheelchairs, why not fix that up? It’s cool. Or restore any number of other sites that need attention, instead of pouring resources into a massive, carbon-intensive, car-attracting project that will, by design, dig into the fragile banks of our glorious Hudson.
Why not take care of what we already have, and leave alone the little bit of nature that hasn’t yet been disturbed?
I’m sure you’ve noticed — it’s getting hotter. Scientists tell us we have only a handful of years left to avoid the worst consequences of a warming planet. The most exciting solution to the climate crisis is to restore nature, not further destroy it. But because we can’t seem to stop dominating nature for profit, we are fast approaching 2 degrees Celsius much sooner than anyone expected.
Dominion is a disease. We need to move beyond it quickly—or it will kill us. I’m far more concerned about future children barely surviving multiple heat domes than I am about ADA accessibility on the Fjord Trail. I’m inspired by California’s 30 by 30 initiative. As the environmental stewards I believe we are, that’s the kind of example we need to emulate.
We have a billionaire problem — in the world, in this country, and here in Philipstown. For 40 years, a narrow economic elite has been siphoning off more and more wealth and power. We see the signs everywhere, including here at home. It’s killing our democracy and allowing capital to target the few remaining undeveloped places on the planet to extract profit from nature.
I’m heartbroken to see what’s happened with the Garrison Golf Course. A beautiful, unique ridgeline — looking down on some of the oldest mountains, with our majestic river running through — now has a building on top of it. That structure could easily have been placed down below, in a location that would communicate more of the humility we humans now need if we’re going to make it. Destroying nature is destroying ourselves. We are nature.
So, let’s work with what we have. How about restoring the existing Upland Trail to make it more beautiful and ADA-accessible? What about finishing the pavilion at Philipstown Park, which the town owns and has embarrassingly left incomplete for years? The fields there also need help. Our existing trails — some owned by the town — need care, from clearing dangerous trees to leveling uneven surfaces.
On June 24, I’ll be voting for Ned Rauch and Ben Cheah for Town Board. I’m choosing them not because the other candidates aren’t worthy but because Ned and Ben seem to have the courage to take a deeper look at what’s truly best for all of us in Philipstown — for our glorious river, and for all the other critters that call it home.
Susan Coleman, Garrison
Ken Martin, the Democratic National Party chair, recently said: “It is the DNC’s longstanding position that primary voters — not the national party — determine the Democratic candidates for the general election.” Unfortunately for registered Democrats in Philipstown, our local party officials do not feel the same way.
It has been disconcerting to see that the Philipstown Democratic Committee not only endorsed two candidates for Town Board before the June 24 primary but that it chose to actively campaign against the two other candidates. Shouldn’t the local party be celebrating and giving voice to all four candidates equally?
I had the pleasure of working with both John Maasik and Ben Cheah on the Philipstown Recreation Commission for over a decade. I appreciate both of their contributions. However, one candidate stands out: John Maasik goes beyond just showing up to the monthly meeting. He led Friends of Philipstown Recreation and launched and spearheaded events like the Winter Carnival and the Castle-to-River Run. John carries a list of comments, suggestions and questions from people throughout Philipstown to each commission meeting because people know he will get answers and find solutions.
I hope my fellow Democrats send a message to our local party officials that we want to take control of whom we choose to be our candidates in the November election.
Joel Conybear, Philipstown
Ned — a Philipstown native — has worked as a journalist covering politics and governance in the region; he served as president of the Garrison School PTA and is otherwise an involved and committed supporter of our precious public schools. With two children attending GUFS, he can reliably assess what these valuable institutions need. He’s also heavily involved in the Depot Theatre, where he has gotten to know and support the curiosity and creativity of our community’s young people. He talks about the importance of affordable housing, concerns about development and sprawl on Route 9, and the essential value of our social and cultural spaces.
Ben has also raised two children in Philipstown and has been active in the community all the way along. He has served on the boards of the Philipstown Recreation Center (one of our greatest assets), the Cold Spring Planning Board and the Putnam County Industrial Development Agency, and he has volunteered for the Cub Scouts. With an MBA in finance and 25 years of project management and executive experience in the film industry, he would bring exceptional care to the financial commitments of taxpayers — this is more urgent than ever with the gutting of support for basic human services and rights on the federal level.
As the mother of a child entering Garrison’s public school, I hope readers will join me in voting for Ned and Ben. We are lucky to have these qualified and spirited candidates on the ballot, with their vision that looks beyond development to the more essential, ethical, and ultimately democratic issues of care, maintenance and collaboration.
Annie Godfrey Larmon, Garrison
Were I able to vote (as opposed to just pay taxes) in Philipstown, I would vote for Nat Prentice, notwithstanding his endorsement by Nancy Montgomery.
Thomas Kavaler, Garrison
I will be voting for Ben Cheah and Ned Rauch in the June 24 Democratic primary because they are the best candidates on the environmental issues facing Philipstown. To get a sense of Ben’s extremely thoughtful, data-driven, and articulate approach to environmental issues you need only attend meetings of the Cold Spring Planning Board or watch the YouTubes.
Similarly, Ned is very strong on environmental issues and has a newspaper reporter’s well-honed skills of questioning and analyzing. We need these two guys on the Town Board to protect our environment.
Heidi Wendel, Nelsonville
I want to clarify a key reason why you should vote for Nat Prentice and John Maasik in the Democratic primary for the Philipstown Town Board even if you’re unsure which of two of the four candidates you support.
That reason is to preserve choice, the core of democracy. The primary has not been a genuine contest because of a tactic of the other two candidates, Ned Rauch and Ben Cheah.
Ned and Ben are running on independent lines as well as the Democratic. They will therefore be on the final ballot even if they lose the Democratic primary. This tactic relieves them of the burden of competing with Nat and John for votes in the primary. Ned and Ben need not show up for debates (they declined to attend one on June 18). They need not present a case to voters.
By contrast, Nat and John are running solely as Democrats. They need your vote in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, June 24, to remain on the ballot. Only a general election among all four candidates will ensure that voters gain all the information they need to make the best choices this November.
Eliza Starbuck, Cold Spring
What is the Philipstown Town Board, why does it matter, who are we as voters in the town, where is the town at this peculiar moment in our history, and why am I voting for Ben Cheah and Ned Rauch?
You can go to philipstown.com/town_board and see for yourself the activities of the various committees addressing every aspect of our living in Philipstown, public hearings past and future, resolutions and actions. You can attend the monthly meetings of the board and committees; you can meet our board members around and about in the community as they address our needs and issues.
A couple of items of note from the June meeting: During the public hearing concerning solar energy, Council Member Jason Angell read a letter written by eighth- and ninth-grade students at Haldane relating their feelings about protecting our planet. There was also discussion of the water problems at Garrison’s Landing, a situation in which our entire town responded to replace the water supply for the small number of houses affected. These are just a sampling of the issues being confronted by our Town Board.
We are a small community whose residents rally to support each other. Now, however, we must rise to face the assaults of the federal government and Republican Party on our rights and in some cases our survival. We need to take a close look at access and equity in the essential elements of survival: food, housing, water, environment.
Ben Cheah and Ned Rauch are positioned to move us forward as a town and a community. Ned has a forward-looking approach to our local issues, not afraid to take on the problems of development on Route 9, as one example. Ned is a guy who’s been involved with the schools, the Little League, the cultural organizations. I appreciate his excellent communication skills. And we could sure use Ned’s journalism credentials in formulating our pushback against Trumpism when we need it.
Ben is another person who, in addition to his local work on the Cold Spring Planning Board, Philipstown Rec Commission and Cub Scouts, has a broader vision of the work that lies ahead. He is ready to work hard to protect us from Trump and the Republican Party. Ben has a powerful way of expressing his ideas. And maybe he’ll make a movie about our amazing town! Don’t forget to vote on June 24.
Constancia Dinky Romilly, Philipstown
I’m writing to support the candidacies of John Maasik and Nat Prentice for the following reasons: (1) Both have consistently and effectively put actions behind their words and make things happen.Both are results oriented individuals who get things done. (2) Both have the wisdom, experience and commitment to Philipstown to help address the current issues our community faces and to help shape the future of our community. (3) John and Nat know they don’t have all of the answers. They are confident to know when to ask for help and not pretend they have all of the answers to the issues facing our community. They listen and collaborate. Collaboration is super important. (4) Lastly, they both exhibit the highest of Democratic values with integrity, empathy, honesty and a commitment level demonstrated by how they continue to consistently show up in a thoughtful and rational fashion. Registered Democrats, please vote in the June 24 primary. Your vote matters.
Randy Federgreen, Cold Spring
This is an important Democratic Party primary election. Please read about the candidates and their contributions to our community — you’ll find that, while all four candidates are solid individuals, John Maasik and Nat Prentice stand out as very independent minded and fair individuals who care deeply for our community. They show up with values and integrity and engage in an open and collaborative way with our community to get things done.
With John Maasik, we have a candidate who has shown a deep and long-standing commitment to our community. Maasik has spent more than a decade strengthening Philipstown — from serving on the Recreation Commission and the Friends of Philipstown Recreation Board, to volunteering with Scouting, coaching youth soccer and contributing to school safety and field improvements and much more. This consistent roll-up-your-sleeves and get-into-the-details service is what we need more than ever in our community that is experiencing economic and over-tourism challenges.
And Nat Prentice, a candidate whose commitment to our community is unsurpassed. As you all have seen and experienced first-hand, Nat shows up everywhere in our community. There is not a day when Nat is not doing something for our community. He has the integrity and commitment to do what’s best for our community and gets things done.
I am so grateful for our democracy and that we all have a choice to vote for the candidates we feel will effectively serve the betterment of our beloved community. If you’re a registered Democrat and haven’t already voted, please come out and vote on Tuesday, June 24.
Larry Wiesler, Philipstown
Although in the Village of Cold Spring our elections are nonpartisan, I am a registered Democrat. I will be going to the polls for the primary on June 24. I’m voting for Ben Cheah and Ned Rauch.
In 2023, my administration updated the village’s zoning code, in keeping with our comprehensive plan. The old code promoted suburban setbacks and siting; the new code recognizes and supports the built reality of our village. It seeks to steward the historic character of our architecture and streets, encourage walkability, foster energy efficiency and balance visitor management with residential quality of life.
Ben Cheah was my first appointment to the Planning Board, which applies the code. I had followed Ben’s work on both the Philipstown Recreation Commission and the Putnam County Industrial Development Agency (IDA). The IDA is dedicated to stewarding Putnam County’s general prosperity and economic welfare by attracting quality jobs and promoting sustainable commerce. I knew he was prepared for the position.
Ben is hardworking, deliberative, creative and pragmatic — character traits that are essential for public service. Ben’s leadership on the Planning Board has ensured respectful, efficient, and grounded decision making that benefits us all.
Importantly, given his background and expertise, Ben understands that we need to support businesses in Philipstown, helping to attract capital and customers. It’s important that we maintain essential workforce locations critical to Philipstown’s economic success, while also thoughtfully integrating positive new uses.
On the Town Board, Ben will help ensure that town government provides excellent, impartial, inclusive public service; plans long-rage; and makes good choices for resident benefit.
My enthusiasm for Ned as a candidate stems from a different sort of relationship. I’ve known the Rauch family as a positive force in this community since the moment my family arrived in 2006. Like his multi-generational forebears, Ned cares deeply for and gives generously to Philipstown. He is on the right side of the light, advocating for sustainable living, our local economy, as well as our esteemed and beloved institutions.
Ned plays a critical role in Philipstown: nurturing and stewarding young families — our future. I love walking by Split Rock on Sunday mornings, seeing Ned with his guitar, surrounded by children who have gathered to read together. It’s sacred work, teaching children words and notes, and, through books and music, how to be good people.
Ned is an integral part of the Depot Theatre, fostering the arts to keep us centered and rooted. Why does that matter on the Town Board? Our young families are are the lifeblood of Philipstown, and they have the greatest stake in our collective outcomes — from the Town Board up to the national level. We need to make space for the generation who will lead us out of the quagmires of our times. Very simply, I trust Ned. I want him advocating for me, my family, your family, our village and our town.
Vote for Ben Cheah and Ned Rauch on the Democratic Primary ballot on June 24, in the first and second columns.
Kathleen Foley, Cold Spring
People show you who they are by what they do. How do we know that John Maasik will make things better in Philipstown? Because he has spent thousands of hours over many years doing just that as a community volunteer. Soccer coach. Scout leader. Member of the Philipstown Rec Commission. Co-founder of Friends of Philipstown Rec. And much more.
Need help with something? Call John Maasik. He’s that guy who will help you solve a problem or get something done. He consistently leans in. Here’s an example. I was taking a volunteer shift on Earth Day at Little Stony Point, when I saw a state parks truck returning from cleaning up the Route 9D roadsides up to the tunnel. It had 16 large trash bags filled in the back. I was not surprised in the least to see John Maasik coming out of the cab along with other volunteers and park staff. For years he has led Scouts on clean-ups and was always pitching in.
It boils down to this: John shows up. John listens. John considers all points of view. John collaborates. John balances priorities. John rolls up his sleeves and gets things done. He has done it over and over again for the good of the community. That’s how I know John will tackle any big challenges and get down to work with partners to create the best possible result for our community. People show you who they are by what they do.
Freddie Martin, Garrison
I am voting for Ned Rauch and Ben Cheah in the Democratic Primary on June 24, and the reasons are very simple: Deciding to run for office is not something you just wake up one morning and decide to do, it’s not something that you are owed, or gifted, you should not do it to curry political favor from outside pressures, or because you have only one issue that you care about, or for financial gain, you decide to run for office because you want to do the work.
You want to do that work that is not sexy, is time consuming, does not make you popular, and can be thankless and trying. You run because you want to be a part of something bigger, to meaningfully give back, to fix things that need mending, to find creative solutions to complicated problems, to stretch a dollar in a million directions because everything needs tending to. To me the only two who have shown their willingness, heart and passion for that job are Ben and Ned.
I have known both Ben and Ned and their families since we moved here in 2017. I know that they are actual lifelong Democrats who hold dear the ideals and tenets of that position, as challenging as it might be right now. I know that these values inform their volunteerism, interest in our community and passion to be a part of purposeful work that benefits the whole, not just a part or a few. I know that they will listen and make practical decisions that support, benefit and protect the town and village no matter if it concerns the question of land use along the waterfront, economic development along 9D or how best to provide necessary municipal services. I trust them to show up and do that work, I think you should too. Go vote June 24.
Tweeps Phillips Woods, Cold Spring
I am writing in support of John Maasik for the Philipstown Board. As a lifelong progressive Democrat who has known John for nearly twenty years, I can’t think of a more principled, honest, open-minded, determined and generous person to help lead our community through some of the rather daunting challenges we’ll be facing over the next three years. John approaches issues thoughtfully and thoroughly and is by nature a very careful listener and consensus builder. His many years of dedicated volunteerism in Philipstown made vital community programs and services more expansive and stronger. And everyone I know who has worked alongside John in a volunteer capacity shares my deep admiration and respect for him.
I also want to call upon my fellow Democrats to embrace John’s candidacy, whether you intend to vote for him or not. This is an exciting race because we have four well-qualified and admirable candidates running for two board positions. But I have been extremely dismayed by a rash of disinformation being spread around the community by Democrats about John. (Disinformation is actually too kind a word.) As a former member of Philipstown Democrats, I urge the committee to help quell the rumor-mongering for the sake of local party principles and to help ensure a level playing field for every candidate.
Finally, while I don’t think my endorsement will necessarily change any minds, I want to remind Democratic primary voters of the endorsements John has secured from local party leaders, including our tireless advocate on the county level, Nancy Montgomery, and former Philipstown Democrats’ chairs, Julia Famularo and Janice Hogan. They understand John’s commitment to Philipstown residents and his desire for a future path built on consensus.
Susan Kenny, Cold Spring
I admire all the candidates for Town Board. They are putting themselves out there in ways that few of us do, to serve our community — not just sit back and have opinions (like letter writers!). All have logged hours as volunteers for Philipstown. I know that John Maasik has shoveled snow from fields so that games will go on.
The reason I will vote for Ned Rauch and Ben Cheah is because they are the most serious candidates when it comes to the threat of the Fjord Trail project. This plan would disfigure Cold Spring and the river irretrievably. At a recent forum, Cheah expressed the fear that the fenced boardwalk would bring a Coney Island attraction to the village. Rauch observed that many pushing the development live near unmarked trails in Garrison — yes, and why don’t they tell the hikers to get off the train in Garrison?
All the candidates lament that the plan is dividing our community. It has, bitterly. As a partisan, I respond that a generation back the ConEd plan to shave Storm King and build a power plant also divided our community — and the environmental movement arose to protect the landscape. Today an oligarch wishes to deface the same stretch of the river with a “vision” of erecting a massive concrete structure in the river, and despoiling 54 acres of habitat for threatened species. Opposition is sometimes a duty.
Phil Weiss, Philipstown
Primary Election Information
The primary for the Philipstown Town Board — open only to residents who are registered with the Putnam County Board of Elections as Democrats — will be held on June 24 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The polling sites are the Garrison Volunteer Fire Department at 1616 Route 9 (which Continental Village voters should use) and the Cold Spring Methodist Church at 216 Main St. (which North Highlands voters should use).
Registered Democrats can vote early from June 14 to 22 at the Putnam County Board of Elections, 25 Old Route 6, in Carmel. See boe.putnamcountyny.gov for hours.
The last day that the Board of Elections can receive an application for a mail ballot is June 14. They must be postmarked by June 24. The registration deadline for the primary is June 14; the deadline to change party affiliation has passed. See boe.putnamcountyny.gov. You can check registration status, including party affiliation, at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov.
Last evening [June 19] at the Pride event on Main Street in Cold Spring — thank you, Barber and Brew, for hosting — candidates John Maasik and Nat Prentice showed up. I spoke to a resident about the June 24 Democratic primary and he summed up the situation well: “Why should a group of 10 out of 15 committee members select two new Town Board members when we all [Democrats] have the opportunity to vote? We need to end the backroom dealmaking politics and let the people decide.”
It’s great that registered Democrats have the chance to vote in the primary. I’m grateful for it, as many issues have been raised and the discussions about the future of our community have been elevated to a level never seen before.