Recent history might suggest that, by securing the Democratic ballot line, that Tim Rogers is assured victory in the New Paltz town supervisor election this November. However, it would be journalistic malpractice to assume that past performance is the same as future results.
Supervisor Amanda Gotto has contributed $10,000 to the campaign and, together with non-monetary contributions and some money from other individuals, reported a total of $14,215.59 as of the most recent filing deadline. Of that, $10,162.12 has been spent. Assuming no additional contributions, Gotto has $4,053.47 which could be spent. Rogers has thus far opted for a zero-dollar campaign, repurposing old mayoral lawn signs and writing letters to the editor.
To spend that remaining money on this supervisory campaign, however, would require securing ballot access. According to one of the county’s election commissioners, Ashley Dittus, “Amanda didn’t file an independent ballot line and the time frame has passed for those petitions to be filed. However, I suppose she could seek the Republican nomination, since caucuses are still open until [a] July 24th deadline to file a certificate of nomination, and in New Paltz they would be a town for the Republicans that allows for a caucus.”
As there is not presently a town Republican committee in New Paltz, it would fall to Ken Ronk, who is chair of the county committee, to call a caucus in town. Reached for comment, Ronk said that there was still time to get notices posted for a caucus, but claimed to have “no personal knowledge” that Gotto might be seeking to go that route. The chair added, “I wouldn’t rule out anything in politics.”
Indeed, supervisor candidates have strategically sought the Republican line before. Carol Roper successfully secured the position by running as a Republican in 1999, and in 2011 Susan Zimet and Toni Hokanson — registered Democrats both — fought a pitched caucus battle that Zimet won. Town justice and highway superintendent candidates have occasionally secured multiple party lines, as well.
Gotto was emailed a question regarding future intentions on Wednesday morning, but had not responded. This story will be updated should a response be received.
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