Stage Set for Republican Primary in District 6 Leg. Race
It appears the District 6 legislative seat might have a Republican primary on the horizon.
Former inspector general for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department Patrick Perry confirmed he plans on forcing a Republican primary against Paul Jonke, who was endorsed by the Southeast GOP Committee a couple of weeks ago. After managing and assisting several successful campaigns, particularly for Sheriff Don Smith and new District Attorney Bob Tendy, Perry is running for public office for the first time in his life at the age of 79.
Current Legislator and Republican Roger Gross is retiring at the end of this year.
A Putnam resident for more than 40 years and living in Southeast the last ten years, Perry has a page-long list of organizations and activities he’s been involved in over the span of his lifetime including the Brewster Elks, Brewster Rotary, and Southeast Seniors to name a few.
Even though the GOP committee didn’t show him any support, Perry said he wants to give voters the final say. He said many votes for the candidates seeking the committee’s support were sent by proxy and they didn’t get to hear each candidate speak.
“I’ve got the education, the experience, and the will,” Perry said. “I just think somebody should speak for the people instead of their clubhouse (a reference to the committee).”
Jonke beat former county GOP chairman Jim DiBella in a 15-14 vote. DiBella said he won’t run after not getting enough support.
Perry, who noted he’d be the only legislator that’s both a senior and veteran, would like to see legislative committees formed for each group of people in the county. He didn’t approve how the current county Legislature has been performing.
“Very, very weak,” Perry said. “They’re weak.”
Perry noted the scandal with Libby Pataki, the former director of tourism and other blemishes facing the county. He also questioned the spending at the county level.
He would demand better internal auditing and control of all spending in the county. More stabilization is needed in county government, Perry said, and his time as inspector general would help bring that.
“They’re spending money like crazy,” Perry said. “They’re always fighting.”
Perry said he plans to go door-to-door and talk with as many voters as possible. Even nearing 80-years-old, Perry touts plenty of energy.
Perry also plans to fight to attain the Conservative and Independence party lines in the September election.
“I just want the support of my neighbors,” Perry said.
Jonke, when reached for comment, said it was “unfortunate” that Perry was ready for a primary after appearing in front of the Southeast GOP Committee and not getting the endorsement.
He is the former tax assessor in Carmel and ran and lost for a spot on the Southeast town board last year.
“It’s his right to primary, but I certainly have more energy to run for the position,” Jonke said. “I think voters will see my ideas are a little better than his.”
