To the editor:

I offer a tribute to Kenneth Walter; a resolute American, dedicated to the two-party system. To explain:

Earlier this year, at the outset of the 2021 local election season, the town of Neversink Republican and Conservative party quietly met and selected their candidates, coincidentally the same candidates.

The only ripple was that the town of Neversink Justice candidate pre-selected by both the Republican and Conservative parties was Keri-Ann Poley, a Republican and former town court clerk in another town.

Soon after the early Republican and Conservative party conventions, local resident Michael Scagnelli politely asked the Republican chairman to be considered as a candidate for town justice to replace retiring attorney Brian Edwards. The same story with the Conservatives. Mike Scagnelli was politely told by both party leaders that he was too late. Mr. Scagnelli is a retired New York City Police Chief of Transportation. Mike was a man of few words, and inexhaustible perseverance and energy.

Using the signature petition method, he forced a Republican and Conservative primary (the only primary in town). Mike spattered the town with large campaign posters (the only posters until the last week) and campaigned tirelessly door to door. And on primary election day, June 22nd, caused a bit of an upset when he won both the Republican and Conservative town of Neversink justice primaries. This victory may have been a bit overshadowed by the New York City Democratic Mayoral Primary held that same election day.

By some unknown quirk of planning, the town of Neversink Democratic Committee gave notice that their Democratic Caucus would be held on Wednesday, June 23rd at 6 p.m. at the Neversink General Store. At that time, the Democrats would select their Democratic candidates for Town Offices - including Town Judge.

The Democratic Caucus was held under a huge outdoor tent on the lawn at the intersection of Route 55 and Schumway Rd by the barbecue oven. There were beef and cracker hors d’oeuvres on the tables. Thirty-four people attended - the largest turnout in years. The chairman and secretary were selected and supervisor candidate was unanimously voted in.

Nominations for the office of Neversink Town Judge were opened. Nominated and seconded were Michael Scagnelli, Keri-Ann Poley and Kenneth Walter (a dedicated Democrat). The candidates’ speeches were limited to three minutes each. Scagnelli and Poley were stopped at the three minute bell. Walter’ speech did not go beyond the three minute bell. Kenneth Walter said in effect that in this democratic party caucus for Neversink Town Justice, he, Kenneth Walter was the only registered Democrat running.

The vote was by secret ballot. Only registered Democrats who signed in could vote. All the votes had the candidate’s first name written and were dropped into an orange bowl and counted at the head table.

Kenneth Walter received 10 votes, which in another time may have been a landslide victory. In a very close vote, Kenneth Walter came in second. [The winner was Kerri-Ann Poley with 12 votes. Mike Scagnelli received 8 votes.]

I tip my hat in tribute to Kenneth Walter and his faith in our two-party system.

William A. Brenner

Grahamsville