While the Town Supervisor nomination went to a registered Republican, a cross-over candidate secured one-third of the vote. Bill Barrett will be this year’s Republican Town of Gardiner Supervisor candidate, beating out incumbent Democratic Supervisor Joe Katz for the GOP line. The paper vote was held at the Republican Party Caucus on Monday, June 20 at Gardiner Town Hall.

Barrett was nominated for the two-year position by Pam O’Dell. The motion was seconded by Marion Kells.

“I’m happy to nominate someone who I’ve known for over 25 years. He’s one of the most trustworthy, honest, smart people that I know, and most of all he’s got what Gardiner needs more right now, which is a dose of common sense,” said O’Dell.

Reaching across party lines, Paul Colucci nominated Katz. The motion was seconded by Gale Foster.

“I’ve had the distinct honor to serve under him on the planning board, to work with him on numerous projects in the Town of Gardiner. His complete fiscal transparency is 100 percent. I believe he has kept spending within the budget each year, [and] I think he’s the right man for the next two years,” said Colucci.

Eligible Republicans voted via paper ballot, resulting in a 30-14 tally. Barrett accepted the nomination and thanked his supporters.

“I’m not your standard politician. I’m not going to bloviate. I am going to thank everyone for coming this evening -- especially the 30 who voted for me. Now you each need to bring 68 right-thinking people with you [to the November vote] to give us a sure majority,” said Barrett.

Two four-year town councilperson positions are up for grabs in 2012. There were no challenges to the appointment of hopefuls Mike Boylan and Ron Bonagura to the candidates’ slate.

Nominator Ron Cohn identified Boylan as a hardworking fruit farmer, family man and dedicated lifelong resident of the Town of Gardiner.

“I’ve always found him to be very straightforward, honest and diligent in sticking to his beliefs. He’s clear-thinking, he’s articulate and, most importantly, he’s honest,” said Cohn. “I’m honored to offer his name for the slate as town board member.”

The motion was seconded by Matthew Aube.

Bill Hess lauded Bonagura for faithfully attending town meetings and keeping a finger on the pulse of Gardiner’s affairs.

“[Ron Bonagura] knows everything that’s going on in the Town of Gardiner. I personally think he’d make a good councilman. He’s honest and hard working... I think he knows how to run the Town of Gardiner and how to do the right thing,” said Hess.

The candidates accepted the endorsement and promised to represent the party well.

“I’d like to thank everybody for the nomination and I’m looking forward to serving the community in a different capacity,” said Boylan.

“All I can say is that I will serve the Town of Gardiner to the best of my ability, not just those who vote for me but the entire town. Thank you very much,” said Bonagura.

Incumbent Democratic Highway Supervisor Charles Haynes was nominated by Thomas Power and seconded by wife Lisa Haynes. “When you’ve got something good, you hang onto it. I have for over 30 years, and I hope you will also,” said Lisa Haynes.

Charles Haynes thanked the party for their continued support.

“We’ll see you on the road someplace, hopefully, for the next few years. I just want to say thank you,” said Haynes.

Mike Boylan nominated Democrat Bruce Blatchly for another four-year term as Town Justice. The motion was seconded by court clerk Jean Savago, who has served with Blatchly since 1995.

“Bruce has served the community well and I certainly would enjoy putting his name forward for court justice,” said Boylan.

Blatchly thanked the party for their cross-endorsement.

“It’s a non-political job. I’m glad to be nominated by you,” he said.

Party Chairwoman Patty Jacobsen recognized incumbent Ulster County candidates Jack Hayes and D.A. Holley Carnright, who asked for Gardiner’s sustained support in the upcoming election, and thanked her fellow Republicans for attending the caucus.

“I thank you all for coming tonight, supporting the ticket that the committee has worked hard to [put forth]. We really appreciate it,” said Jacobsen.

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Gardiner Democratic Caucus on July 8

The Gardiner Democratic Caucus will take place on Friday, July 8, 7 p.m., in the Gardiner Town Hall. Nominations for the positions of town supervisor, two town board seats, town judge and highway department supervisor will be accepted. Only registered Democrats residing in Gardiner may vote. The Gardiner Democratic Committee has endorsed Carl Zatz for supervisor, Warren Wiegand and Mike Reynolds for town board and judge Bruce Blatchly for town judge.