Mahopac, Carmel, Brewster to See Contested Board Races in Putnam
Half of Putnam County’s six school districts will have competitive Board of Education races for the delayed trustees’ elections this spring.
The Carmel Board of Education has the most crowded field with six names that will appear on the ballot. Trustee Tara-Elena DeTurris is running for re-election against challengers Paul A. Collazo, Debra Heitman, Matthew Morello, Evelyn Perrault and Gregory R. Purdy Jr. The second incumbent whose term expires this year, James Reese, has decided to bow out.
In Mahopac, there are four candidates running: Ben Dilullo, Tanner McCracken and Gilbert McMahon, who are the challengers, and incumbent Michael Simone.
Brewster will feature incumbents Kerry Cunningham, the Board of Education’s vice president, and Glenn Niles will be challenged by Francine Santos.
Races in Putnam Valley, Haldane and Garrison will be uncontested. Incumbent Joseph Ferraro is the only name on the ballot in Putnam Valley and Margaret Clements will be running alone for one seat in Haldane.
Three incumbents whose terms expire on June 30 were the only residents to submit petitions this year in Garrison. Courtney McCarthy’s full term is expiring while Jocelyn Apicello and Matthew Speiser were appointed to their seats to replace board members who had resigned earlier this year.
This year the elections and the budget vote will be held by absentee ballot only, following a recent executive order from Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Each district will mail a ballot to every qualified voter in their jurisdiction.
The ballots must be returned to the district clerk’s office by Tuesday, June 9 at 5 p.m.
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/