CARMEL- Legislators Paul Jonke and Greg Ellner addressed their colleagues by thanking them for their support during the final regular meeting of the year of the Putnam Legislature.
Before a handful of residents and a group of students from Brewster High School attending the session for a social studies class assignment, Jonke who will be retiring after serving nine years on the governing body described his tenure as pleasurable reminding his colleagues that the legislature is a “separate and independent branch of government. Future legislators must protect the integrity of this body. It is critically important that we maintain this independence.”
Jonke decided against seeking reelection in November. He will be succeeded by Tom Regan who narrowly defeated Thomas Sprague to represent constituents in the greater Southeast area in 2026.
Ellner, who lost a GOP primary last fall to the eventual winner on Election Day Jake D’Angelo, also thanked his colleagues and constituents for allowing him to serve residents of greater Carmel during the past three years.
“I was elected to serve and I am proud of what we accomplished including paving an additional 10 miles of road throughout the county this past summer,” he said.
Ellner wished everyone a “happy and safe holiday and good health. It’s been a pleasure serving with you all,” he said.
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