Letter offers ‘complete’ support for governor
The Putnam County Democratic Committee declined to sign a letter endorsing Gov. Kathy Hochul for re-election, pending what may be a primary challenge next year from her lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado.
Committee chairs from 49 of the state’s 62 counties endorsed Hochul, including Michael Dupree of the Dutchess County Democratic Committee. The letter promised “complete and unequivocal support” for the governor.
The Putnam chair, Jennifer Colamonico, said in a statement on June 6 that the decision came after consulting with the executive committee and party chairs in the county’s six towns, including Philipstown.
“This action is in no way a criticism of Gov. Hochul, whom we hold in high regard,” she said. “Her record is strong and she is getting better as she goes along.”
Colamonico said the committee also will wait to endorse a Democratic candidate to challenge Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican who represents District 17, which includes Philipstown.
On June 4, Peter Chatzky, a tech company founder and village trustee in Briarcliff Manor, became the seventh Democrat to announce his candidacy to challenge Lawler. Neal Zuckerman, a Philipstown resident who represents Putnam County on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board, previously expressed interest but said June 8 that he had decided not to run.
