The Newburgh City Democratic Committee has announced its slate of candidates receiving endorsement in the upcoming Primary Election on June 22.
Early voting began June 12 and ends June 20 and will take place at the Activities Center, 401 Washington Street, Newburgh, NY.
The Committee endorses:
Anthony Grice for Orange County Clerk
Kevindaryan Lujan for re-election for Orange County Legislator, District 4 Genesis Ramos for Orange County Legislator, District 4
Giselle Martinez for City Council Ward 1 Ramona Monteverde for City Council Ward 2 Robert Sklarz for City Council Ward 3 Patricia Sofokles for City Council Ward 4
“We are confident the efforts in the City of Newburgh to support these candidates will not only result in their victories, but will also increase voter participation from underrepresented voter populations, and impact new voter registration. The Newburgh City Democratic Committee is committed to working hard to turn out the vote for Anthony, Kevindaryan, Genesis, Giselle, Ramona, Bob, and Patty – all long-time public servants and champions for the City of Newburgh,” read a statement released by the committee.
Councilman Anthony Grice is a current City Councilman serving the City of Newburgh as Councilmember at Large As he says when he introduces himself, he is a father, educator, taxpayer, and friend of the community he loves so much. The Newburgh City Democratic Committee is committed to supporting candidates who represent democratic values and who move the progress of their office and their constituents forward. Amongst Anthony’s high level of academic, professional, public servant, and volunteer credentials, it matters that since its inception in 1702, the Orange County Clerk’s Office has had 37 Clerks, Candidate Anthony Grice, if elected, would be the first Black person to hold the office.
Luján is seeking re-election as the Legislative Representative for District 4. Having served in this position since 2017 as an unapologetically progressive voice in Orange County Legislature. He has said residents of the county “demand for leaders who are unapologetically antiracist, pro-environment, pro-union, pro-Newburgh, and determined to end the backroom, status quo nepotism in politics.”
Genesis Ramos, MA is seeking election as the Legislative Representative for District 6. For the last ten years, Genesis has served a wide range of populations including individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, individuals living with chronic conditions, and in creating positive youth development programs. The Newburgh City Democratic Committee is proud to support Genesis Ramos as a connected, visible and strategic representative of Legislative District 6, of the city in which she was raised, as a critical and talented voice in the decision-making of the Orange County Legislature.
City of Newburgh Races:
Giselle Martinez is running for City of Newburgh City Council Member Ward 1 and received a unanimous endorsement from the Newburgh City Democratic Committee. As a life-long City of Newburgh resident, first generation American, and daughter of Mexican immigrants, Martinez is an activist who volunteers with several local non-profit organizations advocating for women and immigrant rights, racial equity in education, and environmental justice. In addition to having worked at the State Capitol for Senator Jessica Ramos, gaining insight on the legislative process, Giselle currently works for Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson in his Newburgh district office. As a qualified and effective representative voice for Ward 1, Giselle’s election to City Council promises to positively impact her constituents and the city as a whole.
Ramona Monteverde is seeking re-election as City of Newburgh City Council Member Ward 2. As the currently-serving City Council Member for Ward 2, Monteverde’s commitment to working for fair and just tax assessment, smart and equitable growth, and as she states, ‘a healthy, safe, and thriving community for all’ can be felt directly in her Ward and in the City as a whole. Ramona lives and works in the City of Newburgh, as Director of Operations for Safe Harbors of the Hudson. Her service extends beyond her office as she also has been a consistent presence on the City of Newburgh Planning Board since 2005.
Bob Sklarz is seeking re-election as City of Newburgh City Council Member Ward 3. The Newburgh City Democratic Committee unanimously endorsed Bob as his voice and leadership on City Council is steady, knowledgeable and impactful. Since being elected in January 2019, he has worked with his fellow council members to stabilize the city’s finances through working with the City Manager and City Comptroller’s offices - Council Member Sklarz has prioritized fiscal health for the City and his leadership in office has followed the Democratic Party understanding that budgets are moral documents that show what and who a municipality values. Bob has worked and raised his family, now multi- generational homeowners and residents, here in the City of Newburgh. His presence in the community is felt beyond his office and his recent efforts to connect community with COVID 19 vaccine appointments is one such example.
Patricia Sofokles is seeking re-election for City of Newburgh City Council Ward
4. As the owner and operator of Sofokles Tax Service in the City of Newburgh, Patty has been serving the community on the Downing Park Planning Committee, the City Board of Ethics and the City Board of Assessment Review.
The Newburgh City Democratic Committee meets the first Tuesday of every month via Zoom (and again soon at 401 Washington Street/Activities Center), at 7pm. All are welcome. You can keep up to date with the NCDC on FB: Newburgh City Dems and IG: @NewburghCityDems and be added to their mailing list by contacting: secretary.newburghcitydc@gmail.com.