Milford Borough Council member Peter Cooney is seeking to become the next mayor of Milford, Pennsylvania, emphasizing his experience in local government and his focus on community safety.

Cooney, who has served on the borough council for six years, says his time overseeing building projects, human resources, and police and public works contracts has prepared him to step into the mayor’s role. “It just felt like moving on to be the mayor,” he told Radio Catskill’s Annie Bennett.

Among his top priorities are maintaining 24/7 police coverage, improving pedestrian safety, and keeping decision-making local. Cooney says his record includes helping to block a 5G tower proposed for Milford’s historic district and finding a long-term tenant for the old police station, which now brings in revenue for the borough.

He describes himself as hands-on but not a micromanager: “I just have to make sure everything’s followed — I trust the professionals to do their jobs.”

Cooney also voiced opposition to a proposed borough sewer project, citing cost concerns, and says he wants to keep Milford’s small-town character intact.

Republican Peter Cooney is running against Democrat Candace Mahala in the Milford Borough mayoral race. Radio Catskill reached out to Mahala for an interview but did not receive a response.

Orange County legislator and former firefighter Joel Sierra says it’s time for new leadership in Middletown. Running under the “Time for Change” line, Sierra is challenging incumbent Mayor Joseph DeStefano, who has led the city for decades.

In an interview with Radio Catskill’s Annie Bennett, Sierra said his campaign centers on affordability, infrastructure, and restoring term limits. “No politician should be in office for 40 years,” he said. “It breeds complacency — and it’s time to bring in new ideas.”

A lifelong Middletown resident and local business owner, Sierra points to his years on the Common Council, including time as finance chair, as key experience. He’s critical of the city’s handling of property development, saying he would prioritize affordable housing projects over new school developments on the former psychiatric center grounds.

Sierra also wants to redirect spending to support first responders, improve roads and sidewalks, and expand mental health services alongside police. “We’ve been focused on downtown too long,” he said. “We need to focus on the neighborhoods that are paying the taxes.”

Radio Catskill reached out to incumbent Mayor Joseph DeStefano for an interview but did not receive a response.

Democratic Town Councilman Joseph Stoeckeler is challenging Republican and Conservative incumbent Terry Houck for Wawarsing Supervisor, calling for “new energy and creative solutions” to tackle housing, jobs, and growth.

Stoeckeler, 40, who works in his family’s real-estate business, says he’s running to expand his impact beyond the Town Board.

He supports Ulster County’s Housing Smart programs, backs a youth center grant, and says planning and zoning must evolve to guide smart, balanced development.

Radio Catskill invited Supervisor Terry Houck for an interview but did not receive a response.

Farmer and community member Brett Budde is running as a write-in candidate for Town of Fallsburg Supervisor, challenging Democrat Nate Steingart, the only name on the ballot.

Budde says his campaign was sparked by concerns over “overdevelopment in the Catskills and in Fallsburg.”

 “I’m worried about our infrastructure,” Budde told Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo. “We have crumbling water mains and hydrants that barely last minutes. Some residents are without water—this is dangerous for our first responders.”

Budde, who owns a farm in Fallsburg, said his well ran dry last year during a drought, while several new developments are being planned nearby. “These projects aren’t on town water,” he said. “I’m worried about my neighbors and the sustainability of our wells.”

He’s joined by Dara Manzi and Josh Druckman, who are also running write-in campaigns for Town Council. Together, they want to slow development, protect natural resources, and increase transparency in town government.

Budde says if elected, he would push for more grant funding for infrastructure, updated zoning laws, and open community discussions on development.

 “If you’re happy with how the town is running, vote for our opponents,” Budde said. “But if you want a team with a plan that truly loves this community, write us in.”

Town of Thompson Supervisor William Rieber Jr. is running for re-election, aiming to continue the work he’s led over the past 12 years.

Rieber, who has served on the town board in some capacity since the early 1980s, said he still enjoys the job — even if it’s not glamorous. “It’s a lot of boring grunt work,” he said. “But I get real satisfaction out of the good results we’re seeing.”

Those results, he said, include new parks and infrastructure upgrades across the town. Under his leadership, Thompson has expanded from one park to several, including the 140-acre Lake Ida Park in Rock Hill and a river access park in Neversink. “Parks are forever,” Rieber said. “Once you protect that land, it’s there for everyone.”

Rieber pointed to roughly $65 to $75 million in ongoing water and sewer projects and credited his administration for securing federal infrastructure grants and keeping the town on strong financial footing. “We’ve had 11 straight years of tax reductions,” he said.

Looking ahead, Rieber wants to finish work on the Comprehensive Plan and continue improving recreational spaces, including a new dog park and pavilion for family gatherings. He said managing growth remains a challenge: “Everybody wants affordable housing, but nobody likes a crowd. Finding that balance is key.”

Rieber said he’s running on experience and consistency. “I’ve been here all my life,” he said. “I know this community, and I care deeply about where it’s headed.”

Thompson Councilman Scott Mace is running again for Town Supervisor, facing incumbent Bill Reiber Jr. in a rematch this November.

Mace, a longtime board member and pharmacist, said his campaign focuses on saving money, improving communication, and fixing old infrastructure. “We’ve benefited from the casino for years, but that money is starting to go down,” he said. “We need to plan ahead and make sure Thompson stays affordable.”

He said he wants to see cleaner neighborhoods, stronger code enforcement, and more work on the town’s parks and recreation areas. “If we’re going to be a tourism spot, we should look like it,” Mace said.

Mace also talked about the need for more cooperation in the community. “There’s too much division,” he said. “We need more honesty, kindness, and real conversations to move forward.”

He said he continues to share ideas for the town’s Comprehensive Plan, even though he wasn’t chosen for the committee. “If we’re not growing, we’re falling behind,” Mace said.

If elected, Mace said he would serve as a full-time supervisor, promising “honesty, fairness, and hard work.”

Election season is in full swing, and early voting is already underway across Sullivan County. Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Dan Hust, Sullivan County’s Director of Communications, about how the Board of Elections ensures a smooth, secure, and transparent process for voters heading to the polls this November.

The Work Behind the Ballot

Hust says the Board of Elections “works hard all year long” — not just during election season. Led by Commissioners Deanna Sinek and Pam Murin, the bipartisan team oversees every election at the national, state, county, and town levels.

“They are the model of how we’d like to see our political parties work together,” Hust noted.

Their duties range from maintaining accurate voter rolls to staying up to date on state election laws and implementing secure voting systems.

Keeping Your Vote Safe

Concerns about election security are top of mind for many voters, but Hust emphasized that the system in New York State — and in Sullivan County — is built with layers of protection.

“Our Board of Elections takes voter safety and ballot security very seriously,” he said.
Voting machines are not connected to the internet, and all software used is certified by the state. A strict chain of custody ensures results can’t be tampered with, from the moment a ballot is cast to when it’s counted.

Getting the Word Out

As Communications Director, Hust helps the county spread the word about when, where, and how to vote — through paid media campaigns, the county website, and local partnerships.

“We don’t tell you who to vote for — just how and where to do it,” Hust explained.
Voters can access sample ballots, polling site details, and important deadlines on the Sullivan County Board of Elections website
.

Election Night and Beyond

Unofficial results will start coming in after polls close at 9 p.m. on Election Night, but absentee and affidavit ballots will be added in the following days. Official certification happens only after every vote — including mail-ins and challenged ballots — has been verified.

Important Dates

Nov. 3: Last day to apply in person for an absentee ballot

Nov. 4 (Election Day): Polls open 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Last day to postmark or deliver absentee ballots in person

Ballots must be received by Nov. 12 (general) or Nov. 17 (military/special federal)

How to Get Help

Questions about voting? Contact the Sullivan County Board of Elections at 845-807-0400 or visit them in person at the Government Center in Monticello.

And if you want to help keep democracy running smoothly, Hust says they’re always looking for poll workers — or, as he puts it, “election inspectors — the front lines of democracy.”

“Get out and vote,” Hust said. “Your voice matters — especially in local elections. These are your neighbors, your community leaders. Make your voice heard.”

Sheriff Mike Schiff, who has led the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office since 2006, is seeking another four-year term, saying voters should judge him by his record, not politics.

“Judge us by your own experience,” Schiff said. “Are you satisfied with your Sheriff’s Office and how we respond? That’s what matters.”

Schiff faces a write-in challenge from former undersheriff Tim Dymond. He pointed to community outreach programs, such as foot patrols and “Coffee with the Sheriff,” as examples of efforts to stay connected with residents.

Addressing a Times Union report about a gun entering the county jail, Schiff called it a “serious lapse” but said the weapon “never made it onto the jail floor.” He added that the district attorney was notified immediately and that additional training is underway.

If re-elected, Schiff said he’ll continue investing in training, technology, and transparency, including exploring body cameras and drone technology. “The future will demand it,” he said, “but we have to do it responsibly.”

Schiff urged voters to “look at facts, not fog,” emphasizing that his office’s progress and professionalism should speak for themselves.

Retired New York State Police Senior Investigator Tim Dymond is continuing his bid for Sullivan County Sheriff as a write-in candidate, following his loss in the Republican primary to incumbent Mike Schiff.

Dymond says his campaign is focused on accountability and transparency, calling for a new leadership team, an audit of department spending, and the implementation of body cameras across the Sheriff’s Office.

He also addressed an AI-generated video that appeared during the campaign, saying his team had no involvement and calling artificial intelligence “a powerful but scary tool.” Dymond said the best way to combat misinformation is through open, in-person conversations with the community.

“If you think Sullivan County can do better — if you want accountability, transparency, and real change — then I’m asking you to write in my name,” said Tim Dymond.

Mary Ellen “Mel” Carney, candidate for Highland Town Supervisor, spoke with Radio Catskill’s Genevieve Hartnett about her run for office and her call for greater transparency in local government.

Carney said she entered the race out of concern for what she sees as a lack of openness and accuracy in town affairs. “While [the current supervisor] claims transparency, there is none,” she said.

She also pointed to financial discrepancies in the town budget and grant reporting, saying her focus would be on providing residents with “factual information” and managing taxpayer money responsibly.