Carmel Incumbents Get GOP Nod Including McDonough
All of the incumbents holding office in the Town of Carmel received the endorsement of the Carmel Republican Committee on Monday, April 29. This despite the fact that Councilwoman Suzanne McDonough was first elected to office four years ago on the Democratic Party line.
McDonough, along with Town Supervisor Kenneth Schmitt and Councilman Frank Lombardi were all nominated in an uncontested manner.
“I have enjoyed working with, and for, the residents of Carmel during my first term as councilwoman and I am very thankful for the Republican endorsement,” said McDonough. “I will continue to work for all residents and look forward to completing projects which were started during my first term.”
McDonough, who was registered as an Independent four years ago, changed her party affiliation to Republican two years ago.
Last year, McDonough began working for State Senator Greg Ball in constituent services.
On April 16, McDonough was promoted to being Ball’s chief of staff.
“I think that working for Senator Ball presents a real conflict of interests for Suzi and it would be difficult for her to be objective in representing the residents of Carmel,” said Carmel Democratic Committee Chairwoman Lillian Jones. “But, it has been difficult to know where Suzi stands in general, given her propensity to changing party affiliation.”
McDonough declined to comment on Jones’ statement.
Schmitt said that the voters will be able to determine for themselves in November if they believe it is a conflict-of-interest.
There is no law that restricts an elected official from serving as a staff member for another elected official.
Jones is optimistic that there will be Democratic Party challengers to face off against the incumbents in November.
“The Democrats are still considering candidates to run for town board and are hopeful that a qualified will decide to run,” she said.
–Faith AnnButcher
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
