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Grattan, 8 others get Independence Party nod
By John Mason
COLUMBIA COUNTY — The Independence Party Executive Committee has endorsed former Valatie Mayor Pat Grattan, a Republican, for Kinderhook town supervisor over incumbent Supervisor Democrat Doug McGivney. Grattan is one of nine candidates the party has tapped for the November election, with more soon to follow.
The committee also announced its backing for another Kinderhook challenger, Patrice Leader for town councilwoman. Miller noted proudly that Leader is an Independence Party member.
The other endorsees are all incumbents: Canaan Town Supervisor Rick Keaveney, Sheriff David Harrison Jr., Ghent Town Justice David Harrison Sr., Greenport Town Justice Robert Brenzel, Canaan Highway Superintendent Bernard Meyer, Stockport Highway Superintendent Timothy Masten and Austerlitz Town Clerk/Tax Collector Susan Haag.
The 13-member executive committee was unanimous in its endorsements of all nine candidates.
Although Party Chairman John Miller said he couldn’t discuss the committee’s reasoning in choosing Grattan, he said, “We’re hearing the majority of Columbia County citizens are down on the Department of Social Services moving to Ockawamick. Constituents are crying they don’t like that, and it’s been said Doug McGivney is part of that.”
Another issue, he said, is the proposal to move the Pine Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center from Philmont to Kinderhook.
“We’re hearing the majority of people are opposed to that move,” Miller said. “The present regime are not thought that well of.”
Grattan, Miller said, was instrumental in bringing Valatie Medical Arts to Valatie.
He said Leader “seemed to impress the people,” and may have benefited from the turmoil over outdoor wood boilers in Kinderhook.
All nine candidates demonstrated “overwhelming performance, enthusiasm and ability to do a good job,” Miller said.
“[Sheriff] David Harrison grew up in this community, came up through the ranks and has been sheriff for several different elections,” he said. “His dad has served 16 years as justice-of-the-peace; he’s a superior individual.”
Masten got the nod despite being a registered Democrat; “the Republicans have all spoken highly of him,” Miller said.
Keaveney took over the reins in Canaan two years ago and has been able to eliminate the lawsuits that had thrown the town into turmoil, he said.
The Independence Party has had turmoil of its own over the last few years, Miller noted.
“We feel so proud now that we’re a constituted party that’s recognized by the party and its constituents,” he said. Before, “there was a split between closet Republicans and closet Democrats. Now we’ve come together with a true bipartisan spirit.”
Candidates’ letters seeking the party’s backing have been pouring in, he said, showing they recognize it as a viable party.
The 20th Congressional District race was dead even between Scott Murphy and James Tedisco, he said.
“It took the absentee ballots to determine the winner; I think we’re looking at the Independence Party as a strong swing vote.”
To reach reporter John Mason, call 518-828-1616, ext. 2272, or e-mail jmason@registerstar.com.
The committee also announced its backing for another Kinderhook challenger, Patrice Leader for town councilwoman. Miller noted proudly that Leader is an Independence Party member.
The other endorsees are all incumbents: Canaan Town Supervisor Rick Keaveney, Sheriff David Harrison Jr., Ghent Town Justice David Harrison Sr., Greenport Town Justice Robert Brenzel, Canaan Highway Superintendent Bernard Meyer, Stockport Highway Superintendent Timothy Masten and Austerlitz Town Clerk/Tax Collector Susan Haag.
The 13-member executive committee was unanimous in its endorsements of all nine candidates.
Although Party Chairman John Miller said he couldn’t discuss the committee’s reasoning in choosing Grattan, he said, “We’re hearing the majority of Columbia County citizens are down on the Department of Social Services moving to Ockawamick. Constituents are crying they don’t like that, and it’s been said Doug McGivney is part of that.”
Another issue, he said, is the proposal to move the Pine Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center from Philmont to Kinderhook.
“We’re hearing the majority of people are opposed to that move,” Miller said. “The present regime are not thought that well of.”
Grattan, Miller said, was instrumental in bringing Valatie Medical Arts to Valatie.
He said Leader “seemed to impress the people,” and may have benefited from the turmoil over outdoor wood boilers in Kinderhook.
All nine candidates demonstrated “overwhelming performance, enthusiasm and ability to do a good job,” Miller said.
“[Sheriff] David Harrison grew up in this community, came up through the ranks and has been sheriff for several different elections,” he said. “His dad has served 16 years as justice-of-the-peace; he’s a superior individual.”
Masten got the nod despite being a registered Democrat; “the Republicans have all spoken highly of him,” Miller said.
Keaveney took over the reins in Canaan two years ago and has been able to eliminate the lawsuits that had thrown the town into turmoil, he said.
The Independence Party has had turmoil of its own over the last few years, Miller noted.
“We feel so proud now that we’re a constituted party that’s recognized by the party and its constituents,” he said. Before, “there was a split between closet Republicans and closet Democrats. Now we’ve come together with a true bipartisan spirit.”
Candidates’ letters seeking the party’s backing have been pouring in, he said, showing they recognize it as a viable party.
The 20th Congressional District race was dead even between Scott Murphy and James Tedisco, he said.
“It took the absentee ballots to determine the winner; I think we’re looking at the Independence Party as a strong swing vote.”
To reach reporter John Mason, call 518-828-1616, ext. 2272, or e-mail jmason@registerstar.com.
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