8:52 AM, Jun. 9, 2011 |
Written by Susan Campriello
FISHKILL — A fundraising letter sent out in Fishkill indicates Town Supervisor Joan Pagones intends to run in a September primary for her seat.
The letter, dated June 7 and signed by Pam Garnot, says Pagones “will face a primary challenge as supervisor.” The Fishkill Republican Committee, however, nominated Councilman Robert LaColla in April in his bid for supervisor.
LaColla said the letter misrepresents the status of Pagones’ candidacy and the rejection of her candidacy by the town Republican committee.
“I sincerely hope that anyone who might carry her petitions will correctly represent her status as primary challenger, not the other way around,” he said.
Pagones could not be reached Wednesday for comment.
The letter goes on to say Pagones is funding a primary campaign, and election rules enable her to receive up to $1,000 per person or entity. Contributions “will enable her to forge ahead and retain her name on the election ballot this September,” the letter says.
The letter identifies Garnot as a Friends of Joan Pagones committee member, and not as in her official capacity as secretary to the Fishkill supervisor.
State election laws do not prevent a supervisor’s secretary from working on that supervisor’s campaign, said Thomas Connolly, state Board of Elections spokesman, “as long as she does not work on it during working hours or with town resources.”
The letter asks recipients to consider making a contribution payable to Friends of Joan Pagones, at P.O. Box 775, Glenham, NY 12527. That address appears as the committee’s address in past campaign filing disclosure reports.
Felix Lopez, chairman of the town Republican committee, said supporters are gathering signatures to allow Pagones to challenge LaColla in a primary.
He said supporters also are circulating petitions to allow Councilwoman Heather Malvarosa and Garnot’s husband, Frank, to run in primaries against the council candidates endorsed by the committee, Kurt Buck and Tony Curry.
Reach Susan Campriello at scampriell@poughkee.gannett.com or 845-451-4518.