SULLIVAN COUNTY – The stage was set for the Sullivan County Democratic Committee’s (SCDC) endorsements for the upcoming local races in the November 7 General Election as candidates extended their plea to be placed on the Democratic line Wednesday night.

SCDC Chair Anne Hart invited those running  for office to introduce themselves and allotted them a few minutes to answer questions any committee members may have had before casting their vote to either endorse the candidate or not.

“As members of the Democratic Committee our responsibility is to nominate Democratic candidates for office and to support the campaign efforts to elect those candidates,” Hart said. “Our mission is to inspire the greatest number of Democrats to participate in the affairs of the Democratic Party of Sullivan County, and to provide the best possible candidates responsible for government for the people of Sullivan County, its towns, and the State of New York.”

Candidate for the office of Sullivan County District Attorney (DA), Acting DA Brian Conaty, was unanimously nominated and selected to be the Democratic Party’s endorsed candidate.

Following Conaty in his bid for the nomination was County Clerk Russell Reeves, a Republican who sought a cross-endorsement from the Democrats. 

He explained his reasoning as to why he would be a good fit to run on the Democratic line, including his desire and intent to campaign alongside Conaty leading up to November.

After describing his recent accomplishments within the office, which includes improving the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), acquiring various grants for the county, and expanding the office’s mobile unit, Reeves ended up receiving enough affirmative votes from members of the committee to become the Dems endorsed candidate.

Also seeking a cross-endorsement was District 7 Legislator Joseph Perrello, a Republican who stated his mission in the upcoming elections is to “get rid of [District 1 Legislator and Chairman Robert] Doherty.” 

After discussion and a few committee members attesting to his work in the past, SCDC members voted in favor of cross-endorsing him for District 7.

Seeking to rebuild  the Legislature

Other candidates who will appear on the ballot running for a seat on the Sullivan County Legislature sought endorsement from the SCDC, with a number of the 72 virtual attendees stating their dissatisfaction with the current leadership of county government.

Legislative Aide to NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Matt McPhillips, acquired the Democratic Endorsement for District 1 to challenge incumbent Legislative Chairman Rob Doherty. McPhillips recalled his experience in working in Federal, State, and County levels of government throughout his career. He said his Democratic core values were instilled in him from working closely with Gunther.

Monticello Mayor George Nikolados successfully secured himself  as the Democratic Party’s endorsement as he prepares to run for the seat to represent District 9. He had previously challenged Majority Leader Alan Sorensen in 2019, losing a very close race.

Also, community activist Catherine Scott garnered the votes from the SCDC to secure the endorsement for District 5, while businessperson Justin Picciotti and Town of Liberty Councilman Brian McPhillips secured endorsements in Districts 8 and 3 respectively.

Incumbent District 2 Legislator Nadia Rajsz was endorsed again in her bid for a third term. Joining Rajsz on the bid for re-election is Incumbent Legislator of District 6 Luis Alvarez, who also received the SCDC’s endorsement Wednesday night.

Hart said she was proud of the Democratic Committee’s ability to “assemble a great team” of Democratic candidates for this very important election year. 

“Brian Conaty will continue to bring the office of District Attorney into the future, and, in his words, ‘to promote equity, to marshal and lead our law enforcement community with integrity and honor and to grow a great team of prosecutors,’” Hart said.

“It’s time that Sullivan County elects legislators who will act in the best interests of all county residents and will return to conducting its business in a transparent, respectful, and collaborative manner,” she continued. 

Hart added that the county has “many great challenges” and needs a legislature that will work proactively to overcome them.

“ ... Not only with each other, but with the employees in county government, leadership in our fifteen towns and our legislators at the state and federal levels,” said Hart. “Our candidates are what this county needs.”