ELECTION 2005 ROUND-UP

We'll Election Day 2005 has gone in to the history books....and there is certainly some history. On Election Day Republicans did not fare well in general in Orange County. If Election results stand as they currently do, Republicans will hold an 11-10 majority in the 21 Member Orange County Legislature. This shatters the current record of 13-8 Republican that the present Legislature is comprised of. Meaning, Republican numbers in the Legislature seem to keep on sliding each election cycle. Democrats have never controlled the Legislature since it came in to existence in 1970 replacing the old Board of Supervisors. Prior to the that, Republicans controlled the old board from 1910-1969. So, as we can see the Democrats are starting to claim ground that they have never held in decades.

History was also made here in Woodbury. For the first time since May of 1985 when Supervisor Lawrence Bayard (D) resigned, Woodbury will have a Democratic Town Supervisor. This is only the 4th time since the town was founded in 1889 that the town has gone Democratic in the Supervisors race. Democrat John Burke defeated incumbent Sheila Conroy a Republican. She becomes only the fourth supervisor in town history, and the first since Stephen W. Hayes, Sr. (D) defeated Walter Belding (R) in 1957 to be defeated for re-election. I would like to say I am disappointed to see that Sheila will not be returning as Supervisor in January. She has done a fine job at the helm of our town government.

The two GOP candidates for Town Board, Michael Queenan and incumbent Councilwoman Gerri Gianzero were successful in re-election ensuring that the Republican Party will maintain control of the board. Congrats to Mike and Gerri.

Congrats as well to Town Clerk Desiree Potvin, Tax Collector Carol Herb, Highway Supt. Pete Stabile, and Town Justice-Elect David Hasin on their victories as well. Joining in victory on Election night were Woodbury's representatives in Goshen, County Legislator Michael Amo of the 1st District and County Legislator Alan Seidman of the 12th District. The 14th District which includes most of Woodbury remained in Democratic hands with the re-election of Roxanne Donnery.

I hope that the County Republican Party takes quick note of the disappointing results throughout the county and begins to prepare for a much needed turn around next year and in years to come. It looks as though we in Orange are now on the front lines of battle with the increasing Democratic influence coming up from the south. Are we ready?? It seems we are not!!