District 1

Rob Doherty (R) (C)

I am asking for your support in my campaign for re-election to the Sullivan County Legislature.

In representing the community, I have focused on financial stability, responsible growth, reduction of frivolous expenditures and burdensome debt, maintenance of the rural character of my District, and pushing for change that is necessary albeit uncomfortable at times. I have been a strong and fervent advocate for the Delaware River and the communities within her corridor; supporting projects like the Highland Access, the reinvigoration of Fort Delaware, investment in Minisink Ford Battleground Park and entities like the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway that seek to preserve the beauty of the river. Appropriate and sustainable growth is the biggest challenge facing our communities. My opponent seeks to add high-density, low-income housing units to District 1, crippling an already delicate infrastructure and destroying the environment and character of the community. Instead, I will continue to invest in our County roads and bridges, work to create opportunities for our youth to prevent the brain drain exodus (e.g. free tuition at SUNY Sullivan and investment in trades), and continue to be accountable to the taxpayer, not the back-room dealmakers and political dynasties who seek personal benefit.

Matt McPhillips (D) (Sullivan United)

I believe we must do better for the residents of District 1, as well as all of Sullivan County. We must improve some of the worst health care outcomes in the State. It is unacceptable to be ranked among the worst counties year after year. 

Our economy must grow and diversify to provide opportunities for our workers and to keep our children from leaving the area. Those workers must have quality, reasonably priced housing. With the highest opioid death rate in the State, we must use the funds we’ve been granted to save lives and families. Sadly, we each know a neighbor who has been affected by this scourge.Our people are our greatest asset, and we must provide quality care for the elderly, opportunities for those in poverty and youth programs for our children. We must protect and preserve our environment with thoughtful development and careful planning.  

It is time for a change of leadership for our County Legislature. For four years, the legislature has been marked by conflict that is so toxic that we cannot work on the issues that must be addressed.

District 2

Joanne Conway Jasper (R)

I was born and raised in Sullivan County and have lived here most of my life. I have raised my family here, and now my children are raising their families here. The county has seen better days, but we are finally on the way back. The problems we are facing now are substantial, but they can be solved—if we work together. My father was fond of saying, “There’s a way to do it; find it.” We won’t find the solutions by complaining and obstructing, but by working hard, not just on the days of the meetings, but every day, to analyze problems and effect solutions. Most of the problems Sullivan County faces don’t stand alone; they are linked to other problems, and solutions can’t be piecemeal; they need to be holistic, part of an overall plan. 

If I’m elected, you will finally have a legislator who understands that. You will finally have a legislator who is present, positive and diligent, who works for you every day, because I am one of you. One of us. For all of us.

Nadia Rajsz (D) (Sullivan United)

My name is Nadia Rajsz and I am the Legislator for District 2, a Health Care Professional and Educator, and a member of the teacher’s union NYSUT. I have been a Legislator for two terms. There is so much more to do in combating the opioid crisis, housing crisis, homelessness, our health rank, and care for our seniors and veterans, our most vulnerable population.I support the agencies that promote the economic well-being of our county.

I am a strong supporter of Law Enforcement in our county. We must properly fund the DA’s office so we can protect the safety and well-being of Sullivan County residents. 

I also support all of our dedicated and hard-working employees, whom I believe do not get enough recognition for all that they do. When reelected, I will continue to advocate for better salaries and benefits. I have the experience to work with everyone regardless of party affiliation. People need to be treated with respect and dignity. We must conduct ourselves with integrity and honesty.

We have one mission—to improve the quality of life for all residents of Sullivan County.

District 3

Mike Brooks (R) (C)

Brian McPhillips (D) (People Over Politics)

I am a three-term Councilman for the Town of Liberty, Facility Manager for New Hope Community and a Realtor for Keller Williams. My wife Jennifer and daughters Kristen, Emily and Keira reside in Parksville, where we just recently built our home. We love this area and we are determined to see it through its potential. 

Let’s be honest with each other. It is incredibly hard to find work and raise a family here. We are then hit by a lack of services, lack of representation and rising tax rates. We are not properly supporting our youth, we are not properly supporting our seniors. We are almost last in County Health rankings, in the middle of an OPIOD epidemic whose grip is getting tighter, and yet while all this should be solvable, we are more focused on politicalizing monies to help solve these issues and claiming individual greatness than being humbled enough to look in the mirror and realize we are failing. 

We can and must do better. We must do this together. This is my top goal as your Legislator.

District 4

Nick Salomone (R) (People First)

Maryallison Farley (D) (Mamakating First)

I’ve lived for more than 30 years in Mamakating, a community that I love. I spent 25 years working here in Sullivan County—at the local Hospital and at the County Government Center. I love our rural lifestyle, with the outdoor recreation, the slower pace of life, and the strong community ties. I never planned to run for political office, but in the last few years, I have watched the Sullivan County Legislature get bogged down in personal politics, bullying and fighting. I decided that it’s time for me to step up.

As a Legislator, I will speak up on behalf of the needs of the residents. Specifically, I will work for more good paying jobs with benefits, along with diversification and growth of our economy in a way that still protects our natural resources. In addition, I will work for better health care services and facilities in Sullivan County.

District 5

George Conklin (R)

I am a lifelong resident of District 5 and a graduate of Delaware Valley Central School. For the last 35 years, I have served the community in various capacities in emergency services. I was a New York State EMT for 15 of those years. 

Currently, I serve on the Sullivan County Legislature. I am the Chairman of the Management and Budget Committee; I am also the Chairman of the Public Works Committee. I want to continue with our accomplishments, such as keeping taxes low and paying off debt. Public Safety is very important, and we need to fund law enforcement to the best of the taxpayer’s ability. I also would like to fund DPW to continue our aggressive investment into infrastructure.

I think it is very important the people in government remember that tax dollars are not theirs. The money belongs to the people. That is why you must think like a taxpayer, not a tax spender.

Catherine Scott (D) (Sullivan United)

I grew up in Fremont, learning the value of honesty and hard work. I graduated from  Delaware Valley Central School and SUNY Sullivan and made my career here, first in  health and human services addressing alcoholism and addiction, then as a small business strategist. I’m now Director of Customer Experience for Callicoon-based  Meadow Energy. I know firsthand the issues facing the people of Sullivan County and have seen how the current legislature is failing to address those needs. 

My platform is simple. I will return honest dialogue and civility to the legislature. I’ll work to return fiscal responsibility, protect our health care resources, revitalize community services, and address economic opportunity and affordable housing. 

The challenges we face have gone unaddressed these past three years. County positions, for instance, even those addressing our health and well-being, are chronically unfilled.

I will reengage with all the available resources, including state-level, available to us. I will return professional operations to our county, bringing fiscal responsibility and putting the needs of our people first.

District 6

Luis Alvarez (D)

District 7

Joseph Perrello (D) (R)

District 8

Amanda Ward (R)

I’m excited to share my journey and my vision, as I run for County Legislator in District 8. My passion for community service is deeply rooted in my family. My mother, Sonia Ward, dedicated her career at Fallsburg School District, while my father, Roland Ward, served our community as a police officer for four decades. With a law degree from Hofstra University, I served as the Town of Fallsburg Justice for five years. For over a decade, I’ve worked as an adjunct professor at SUNY Sullivan.

If elected District Legislator, I would work to create a strong, equitable and financially stable Sullivan County and ensure open communication and accessibility for all constituents.

Justin Picciotti (D) (Sullivan United)

I was born into a blue-collar family in South Jersey, raised by a union electrician father and registered nurse mother. They gave me the tools that have helped me be successful in life: hard work, integrity and loyalty. In my previous career as a photographer, I learned the value of working with diverse teams in order to creatively solve problems. Today, I’m a local home inspector who prides himself on educating home buyers about their investments for the future. These roles have given me the skills to work together with various personalities, while continuing to be respectfully opinionated. I never intended to get into politics or run for office, but the deplorable state of our current legislative body and the rampant corruption throughout this county has prompted me to get involved. We desperately need and deserve a change in the quality of our leadership. We need to work together to improve our health services, job opportunities, and to tackle our housing crisis.

I pledge to work with anyone who is truly committed to improving the lives of Sullivan County residents. We have the talent and we have the resources; now we need true leadership to bring us a brighter future.

District 9

Terry Bernardo (R)

George Nikolados (D) (Sullivan United)

State Supreme Court, Third Judicial District (Vote up to three)

Dana Salazar (R) (C)

Dana graduated summa cum laude from Albany Law School, has practiced law for 17 years, and is a founding partner of Salazar and Erikson, LLP. Dana’s experience ranges from complex commercial litigation to advocating for children. This breadth of experience gives her a balanced approach to legal issues. She has represented landowners and municipalities, plaintiffs and defendants, employers and employees, parents and children, businesses as well as individuals. This balanced experience in front of the bench will assist her while on the bench. She understands the issues facing business owners, landowners and farmers. Dana has balance in experience, balance in her approach, and balance on the scales of justice.

Richard Rivera (D) (Working Families)

Sherri J. Books-Morton (D) (Working Families)

Daniel C. Lynch (D) (Working Families)

District Attorney

Brian P. Conaty (D) (R) (C)

County Clerk 

Russell Reeves  (D) (R) (C)

Sullivan County Coroner 

Alan Kesten (R) (C)

Born and raised in the Village of Monticello and currently residing in the Town of Forestburgh, I have served as one of Sullivan County’s elected County Coroners since 2008. I’m now seeking reelection to a fifth term.

The position of County Coroner is detailed with the responsibility of investigating and certifying certain deaths within the boundaries of Sullivan County. I am involved in numerous other activities around Sullivan County. For almost 40 years, I have been a Licensed NYS Funeral Director. I am an active volunteer firefighter/EMT with the Monticello Fire Department, Forestburgh Fire District Commissioner, Vice Chairman of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of Landfield Avenue Synagogue and Board Member of WSUL Heart-A-Thon and St. Jude Radiothon. I am currently the Town of Forestburgh Republican Chairman and on the Executive Committee for the Sullivan County Republican Committee.  

I have been endorsed by the Republican and Conservative Committees in the current election cycle.

Read full election 2023 roundup here