Voting is one of the most important things we can do as citizens. 

November 4, 2025 is a smaller election, but it’s no less important. The following are statements from some of our candidates, outlining what they hope to accomplish, what they’ve already done, and how public service matters to them. 

And I can’t improve on the words of columnist Greg Triggs, so will just refer you to Narrowsburg News, page 11, for the reason we all need to head for the voting booths or file our mail-in ballots.

Annemarie Schuetz
Copy editor, River Reporter 

James Cordaro, Honesdale Borough Council

James Cordaro

Dear Honesdale Neighbors,

I am reaching out to humbly ask for your support and your vote in the upcoming election. As someone who cares deeply about our town, I am committed to providing clear, honest and effective representation for everyone in Honesdale.

Honesdale is a special place, rich in history and community spirit. I understand both the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead. My campaign is focused on working collaboratively with all members of our community to ensure progress and prosperity for everyone.

I will prioritize fixing our aging infrastructure, including the crumbling stormwater system, to protect our homes and our environment.

I am dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the unique, historic character of Honesdale while welcoming thoughtful improvements.

I have developed practical and achievable plans to address these key issues. By working together with residents, local organizations and businesses, we can bring about the positive changes our town needs.

I am excited about the opportunity to serve as your councilmember and to work side by side with you to build a brighter future for Honesdale. Your voice matters, and your vote is vital to shaping the direction of our community.

Thank you for considering me as your representative. Together, we can make Honesdale an even better place to live, work and grow.

John Pizzolato, Supervisor, Town of Highland

I want to thank each and everyone in the Town of Highland for your support in my first term as your supervisor. We’ve accomplished so many of our common goals, and I have kept every campaign promise I made in 2023. This election represents a crossroads for our community and the choices couldn’t be any clearer. We have the opportunity to hire a skills based board in our Lifting Neighbors bipartisan slate, or chose a candidate who has only represented chaos and destruction and has established an adversarial relationship with all of the other candidates and sitting board members. We have yet to hear a single goal she has set for our community and her criticisms reveal a lack of understanding for how local government works and thrives. What has she ever done for Highland? We have brought in over $700,000 in grant funds to secure our town’s infrastructure, technology, and security, and have successfully executed our 2024 and 2025 budget with no increase in taxes and more to show than ever before.  I vow to keep our taxes as low as possible and look for opportunities to enrich the lives of all residents, regardless of party or personal gain. 

Pat Resti, Council member, Honesdale Borough

Pat Resti

My name is Pat Resti, and I am a resident of Honesdale. I decided to run for Borough Council with the idea of using my experience in construction infrastructure to assist other council members and our DPW in their efforts to improve some problems that Honesdale is experiencing. 

My main motivator for running is that I have enjoyed raising a family here in town. Now that my children have grown up and moved on, I have the time to dedicate to giving back to Honesdale Borough. 

I’ve been asked to talk about the biggest issue and how I would address it. Every town has numerous issues to work on, and Honesdale Borough is no different. I alone cannot address any of the issues without the support of fellow council members. If I am elected to Borough Council, I will help to identify what the issues are, large and small, and give my best efforts to help address and solve these issues. I would like to take this opportunity, if elected, to serve our town, our residents and our businesses to the best of my ability.  

Derek Williams, Mayor, Honesdale Borough

Derek Williams

Contributed photo

I’m walking for mayor again to build more local leadership capacity. Most of my time is spent listening to neighbors and offering encouragement. Shared understanding and neighborly relationships can create a foundation for positive change and community progress.

I am sincerely inspired by this potential being realized. From creative placemaking projects to folks paying the emergency housing costs of those in need, the past four years have given me a lot of hope for the future.

While Honesdale’s biggest issues are likely our aged stormwater infrastructure, our challenges with holding the water from storm events, and our need for public investment and comprehensive planning to address these realities, I’d like to speak about street safety.

Safely crossing the street has been an issue for 15 years. This is a symptom of design. We’ve tried many things to address it. Something new, based on years of collective action, has led us to a generational opportunity. We now have plans in place, partnerships, the issue’s heart squarely in mind, and grant money in the bank to break ground on transformational streetscape redesigns.

Maintaining focus on changing our systems in support of livability is my plan. That and advocating for a skatepark.

James Hamill, Council member, Honesdale Borough

James Hamill

Contributed photo copyright Eileen Noelle, White

Public service is real work: being the voice of reason, advocating for sound policies, leading with empathy, solving problems and delivering lasting results. It can be humbling, frustrating and rewarding. I hope you’ll support my re-election to Honesdale Borough Council so that we can complete generational projects like safer streets, improved infrastructure, parks you can be proud of and public safety that works for the community.

I have experience enhancing our parks: a new dog park, mobile stage and trail systems made possible mainly through grants. As chair of Parks, our pool has thrived. Collaboration with nonprofits and civic groups is at an all-time high. I led the modernization of the borough website for better public accessibility as well.

Honesdale faces a leadership crisis. We need to be responsive to voter needs through transparency and clear communication. We can achieve this by fostering open relationships on council, rejecting special interest-driven behavior, and working harder for our community.

As a dad of two, my wife and I adore Honesdale. I am involved in coaching youth sports, volunteering with local organizations, and serving as Vice President of the Rotary Club of Honesdale—living by our motto, “Service above Self.”

James Hamill, Mayor, Honesdale Borough

I’m damn proud to be part of this community where I grew up and am raising our family. I’m also running for council, but if given the opportunity, I would humbly serve as mayor to help lead Honesdale.

A new 160-page study, which provides a roadmap for the future, is clear: the mayor’s role is “chiefly centered on supervising the daily operations of the police department.” I am qualified and committed to see the job done, and done well.

No gimmicks: I will prioritize real-time transparency and accountability, listening to residents and setting expectations for the department. I will set standards to proactively address crime, pedestrian safety and a culture that deters potential hires. I’ll make it a priority to update the Standard Operating Procedure (2017). We will use data and technology to improve efficiency, and build better relationships to serve and protect. 

I am committed to being Honesdale’s biggest cheerleader. I have coached youth sports and volunteered with numerous local groups, leading cleanups and projects. 

Our biggest problem is that we’ve lost the public’s trust. We need to earn it back by leading with integrity and humility

Mary Ellen Carney, Supervisor, Town of Highland

Mary Ellen Carney

My name is Mary Ellen (Mell) Carney and I’m running for Supervisor of the Town of Highland. I’ve been a part-time member of the community my entire life and full-time since 2013. I have my Accounting degree from Le Moyne College in Syracuse and worked for 30 years in the Accounting Department at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, a NYC law firm. I spent 10 years as the Chief Financial Officer of the Child Abuse Prevention Program, a NYC not-for-profit.

I began to pay close attention to Supervisor Pizzolato because there were too many instances where his version of the truth was discovered to be false, and a number of his decisions were illegal. He shared information with the local papers that was inaccurate.

The biggest issue currently is our town finances. Payables were omitted from this year’s budget and grants receivable were included as revenue. 

He has begun numerous projects without a Board vote, by obtaining verbal grant approvals—none have been included in the budget, and completed applications are not available to the public. He has weaponized local government to target his adversaries and benefit himself. His business debts make him a financial liability to the town.

Kevin McDonough, Town Council, Town of Tusten

Kevin McDonough

My name is Kevin McDonough, and I am running for reelection to the Tusten Town Council. 

Over the past four years, I have tried to bring a level of common sense and collegiality to the Board as we have addressed challenges ranging from parking to water and sewer issues and recreational facilities.  

During my decades of service on the Tusten Zoning Board of Appeals, the Board of Trustees of the Western Sullivan Public Library and now on the Town Council, I have found that boards function best when they focus on the business at hand. We must never forget that Tusten is a small town with a limited tax base. What we choose to do and choose not to do must reflect that reality.  

It’s no small accomplishment that at a time when media and social media have put a premium on political theater and partisan rancor, our board has managed to conduct business in an atmosphere of mutual respect. I strongly believe that addressing issues and anticipating future challenges in a thoughtful and neighborly manner is the best leadership a board can provide.  I would be proud to earn your vote on November 4.

Frank Monteleone, Town Board, Town of Highland

I’m running for the Town of Highland Board because I care deeply about our community and want to take an active role in shaping its future. 

One of the reasons I’m running is to contribute directly to the Comprehensive Plan, which is guided by the Town Board and defines how Highland grows, protects its environment, and supports local residents and businesses.

As the Vice Chair of the Planning Board, I’ve seen firsthand how important thoughtful, balanced decision-making is to maintaining the character and integrity of our town. Highland is a wonderful place to live—stable, safe and neighborly, and my goal is to help keep it that way through responsible planning, collaboration and transparency. 

I bring hands-on knowledge and a practical approach to solving problems. I’m running to ensure Highland continues to move forward responsibly—protecting what makes it special while planning wisely for the future. Together, we can preserve the community spirit and quality of life that define the Town of Highland.

Greg Triggs, Town Board, Town of Tusten, NY

Greg Triggs

Contributed photo

I love our town. I’m ready to continue serving Tusten by preserving our strengths while embracing the town’s growth and improvements with respect. It’s my intention to represent everyone and listen to the community, because we are better together.

I strive to improve communication between the Tusten Town Board and the community. As part of that goal, I completed the E-Cornell New York State Public Health Professional class, which advocates for responsible, timely and factual community reporting.

In my first four years of being on the Town Board, I’ve been an active member of the Water & Sewer Committee. I have proudly served as the Chairperson for our Building, and Parks and Public Spaces Committees. 

As a small business owner, I embrace fiscal responsibility. Let’s continue to improve public spaces and create inter-generational programming. Let’s advance partnerships supporting critical health and wellness needs. Let’s advocate for responsible economic development that creates jobs and keeps revenues in our community.

I am not running against anyone. I’m running to work with people to maximize the potential of our community.

Please feel free to reach out to me via email at GregTriggs@gmail.com, and remember to vote on or before November 4, 2025.

Joseph Krist, Town Council, Town of Highland

Joseph Krist

I am Joseph Krist and am running to be a Town Councilmember in the Town of Highland.

I have been a Greater Upper Delaware Valley homeowner for over 30 years, and a member of the National Federation of Municipal Analysts and the Municipal Analyst Group of New York, regularly quoted on municipal credits in the industry and national press.  I authored a chapter of “The Handbook of Municipal Bonds,” and currently publish a weekly newsletter on municipal bond issues.  

I have decades of experience with the economic, financial, development and land use issues, which are central to the development and execution of the Town’s comprehensive plan. I have been on both sides of approval processes at entities ranging from the biggest states to places of less than 500, working with people from all walks of life. That background offers experience and perspective as we address the complex issues the Town faces. 

I want to foster an environment where younger residents have a place to live – reasonable housing costs, a good school and access to healthcare. These are not partisan or tribal issues 

Let’s move beyond the personal politics of the past and focus on the issues that confront our future as a Town. I ask for your vote to do just that.

Paul Salzberg, Town Board, Town of Cochecton

Paul Salzberg

My name is Paul Salzberg and I am running for the Cochecton Town Board.  I’ve lived in Lake Huntington for 40 years and raised my family here.

I am a Board Certified Family doctor and have taken care of many people in the community.  I may even have taken care of you or a family member.  It has been my pleasure.

In the past, I served on the Cochecton Town Board for six years.  Sadly, our Town Board meetings are poorly attended.  If elected,  I will encourage greater inclusiveness and participation in our local government.

Right now I’m knocking on doors. I want to hear your ideas on how we can make our town better.  The future will no doubt bring new business and growth opportunities to our area.

I will work for positive change while preserving our town’s natural beauty and rural identity.  Health and safety will always be a priority. Your vote will make a difference.

Sonia M. Kidney, Town Clerk, Town of Highland

Sonia M. Kidney

Noah Kalina

Running for Town Clerk was never part of my plan. Others turned down the chance to run because of the hostility, the division and the political climate. I was not asked, I offered. I couldn’t sit by and watch the people of Highland be left without a choice.

I am running because accountability matters. As a Town Councilperson, I’ve seen how much trust depends on accurate records, complete minutes, and a Clerk’s office that treats every resident with respect. When those things break down, so does faith in local government. That is the biggest issue facing Highland today—restoring confidence through professionalism, transparency and timely work.

My goal as Town Clerk is to bring structure back to the office, ensure records are properly maintained, and meet every legal and ethical standard required by law. Residents deserve consistency, accuracy and respect from their government, and I intend to deliver it.

I am Sonia M. Kidney.

From the town, STILL for the town.

Timothy Dymond, Sullivan County Sheriff

My name is Tim Dymond, and I am a write-in candidate for the position of Sullivan County Sheriff.  

I was born and raised here in Sullivan, and I currently reside with my family in Grahamsville.  I spent the past two decades working in Law Enforcement, and retired in January as a Senior Investigator for the NY State Police and as the elected President of NYSPIA, the labor union representing all NY State Police Investigators.  

I am running for Sheriff to bring accountability and credibility back to the Office.  More police work, less politics.  I believe we deserve better as a county.  The biggest issue in our locale currently is the opioid crisis, and it is tearing the county apart.  It is the root of so much of the violent crime, property crime and broken communities.  I plan to seek state accreditation for both the Patrol and Jail Division, as well as a comprehensive body camera program.  This will help verify that the Office has policies that are effective and that the Office operates professionally. 

Let’s make Sullivan County a place our children want to come back to after college.  

I would be honored to have you write in Tim Dymond for this year’s Sheriff’s election.

Rita Sheehan, Town Clerk, Town of Bethel

Rita Sheehan

I am running for re-election to the position of Bethel Town Clerk. I have been Town Clerk since 1998. 

I am a member of the Orange-Sullivan Town Clerk’s Association, where I have served as President for four years, Vice President, Secretary and Corresponding Secretary (I was just elected again as President); the NYS Town Clerk’s Association; the International Institute of Municipal Clerks; and the New York State Association of Local Government Records Officers. 

I recently purchased Artificial Intelligence software, to assist in transcribing the Town Board minutes, and FOIL tracking software. Both of these software programs will assist my office in technological advances to make my position more efficient. 

I am transitioning to a paperless office through records management best practices by scanning documents, making them searchable, secure and eventually available in an online portal using electronic document management software. This is all possible with the continued financial support of the Town Board and Records Management Grants through the NYS Archives Local Government Management Improvement Fund.

I will leave you with a quote from Steve Jobs: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

Thank you for the opportunity to continue serving you. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Adam Gold, Council Member, Town of Bethel

Adam Gold

Contributed photo

My name is Adam Gold, and I am running for Councilman on the Bethel Town Board. I am a lifelong Sullivan County resident, and I was raised with the values of small-town community involvement. My wife, Courtney, grew up in Smallwood, and we now live in White Lake with our two children.

I own and operate Sullivan Fire Protection Corporation. Through Catskills Real Estate Management, I manage more than 30 residential and commercial properties, several within Bethel. I currently serve on the Bethel Zoning Board of Appeals and the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee. My interest in sustainable planning, zoning and economic growth led me to seek elected office.

I envision a Bethel where future generations can live, work and raise families. Achieving that goal requires careful attention to planning, environmental stewardship, and maintaining our rural character. 

As Councilman, I will advocate for:

Expanding the use of the Duggan School for youth and residents.

Support local businesses and attract year-round opportunities.

Advocate for resources that advance smart growth and environmental protection.

Strengthen support for emergency services and first responders.

Pursue the NYS Local Waterfront Revitalization Program for White Lake.

I have been endorsed by the Republican and Conservative Committees. I respectfully ask for your vote.