Cochecton candidates denied Independence Party endorsement

By CHARLIE BUTERBAUGH

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — The Sullivan County Board of Elections determined that Town of Cochecton democratic candidates, including incumbent supervisor candidate Sal Indelicato, filed a petition to receive endorsement from the New York State Independence Party without adequate paperwork.

The Independence Party is one of eight constituted parties in the state. A candidate may file a petition with the board of elections to seek a party’s endorsement only after it is completed by individuals registered in that party, Commissioner Fran Thalman said.

While Sullivan County does not have an established Independence Party, Dietrich Werner, chairman of the Ulster County Independence Party and associate of Indelicato, thought he could help the candidate obtain cross-endorsement from the state executive committee through the Wilson-Pekula bill.

“Unfortunately, we have no man power in Sullivan County, and nominations have to come through the county’s board,” Werner said.

According to a notice of determination from the board, “on July 8, 2003, a Petition of the Independence Party, Town of Cochecton, was filed in the office of the Sullivan County Board of Elections, purporting to nominate Salvatore Indelicato for Supervisor in the Town of Cochecton.” The board determined that authorizations did not exist to support such an endorsement.

Joe Manaseri, Republican candidate for Cochecton Supervisor, filed an objection to Indelicato’s petition on July 11. He claims Indelicato told county commissioners that he and his Democratic Party members were ready to be endorsed on the November 4 ballot under false pretenses.

“We never did that,” Indelicato said. “We sought the endorsement, but because the party does not have representation in Sullivan County, it could not endorse municipal candidates. After the petition was filed, I asked to have it withdrawn,” he said.