TOWN OF NEWBURGH – Republicans Leigh Benton and Scott Manley have announced their candidacy to run for Town of Newburgh Supervisor in November.
A Democrat has yet to enter the race to replace Supervisor Gil Piaquadio, who is retiring at the end of year after 23 years of service to the Town of Newburgh, including the last 12 as Supervisor. Piaquadio has endorsed Manley, his Deputy Supervisor, to succeed him.
“(Manley) has the experience and knowledge, and I have confidence in him to run the Town on a day-to-day basis,” Piaquadio said.
The Town of Newburgh Republican Committee will endorse its candidate on Feb. 18 with a primary set for June.
“I am honored to have Gil’s trust and endorsement, as well as the confidence of the residents of the Town of Newburgh,” Manley said. “Gil has taught me a lot about strong leadership, and I am ready to hit the ground running on day one. Between my own ideas and what Gil has taught me; I will continue to make Newburgh a great town to live in and raise a family.”
Manley, a former Town of Newburgh police officer, has served as Deputy Supervisor since 2017, playing an integral role in navigating the community through the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been a member of the Town Board for more than a decade. Manley began his career with the police department in 1983 and retired as a sergeant in 2008.
Benton, a former Orange County Legislator and Town Councilman, cited his knowledge of budgeting, his deep understanding of local government and his commitment to responsive government as some of the reasons for his candidacy. He is the former Majority Leader for the Orange County Legislature.
“During my years in the Legislature, I worked with three County Executives, multiple Legislature Chairs and Legislators from both sides of the aisle to twice improve the County’s Moody Bond rating to AA+ (the second highest in NYS) and foster true economic development, keeping jobs here in Orange County,” Benton said. “I believe sustainable economic growth, excellent emergency services for public safety and strong infrastructure have made Orange County the envy of the state. I want to bring my experience to my hometown of Newburgh.”
Benton also criticized the Town of Newburgh’s 2026 salary increases, which he said included an eight percent raise for Piaquadio (from approximately $133,000 to $145,000).
“Today, with all the pressures facing Town taxpayers, another raise for elected officials is unwarranted and I will pledge to return the recent Supervisors increase by donating those funds to benefit the Town of Newburgh community,” Benton said.