CARMEL – It appears that Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne, who ran unopposed four years ago, succeeding Mary Ellen Odell, now has a real fight on his hands in his reelection bid.
In addition to the Democrats nominating Brett Yarris to oppose the incumbent, the Putnam Conservative Committee, which for years has always supported the Republican candidate, has nominated former Putnam County Attorney William Spain for county executive.
Spain’s brother Compton, who chairs the committee, is Putnam’s current county attorney.
Attempts to reach Compton Spain were unsuccessful.
The only comment from the Conservative Committee appears on its website: “These candidates represent strong leadership and a commitment to fiscal responsibility, public safety and protecting the values of Putnam County.”
An email sent to Byrne requesting a comment resulted in a statement being issued by Joe Nickischer of Patterson, Grassroots Campaign Manager of the Byrne for County Executive Committee. “County Executive Kevin Byrne has a proven record of real leadership and real results for Putnam County taxpayers.”
He said since taking office, Byrne has cut taxes by more than $10 million, eliminated the county sales tax on clothing and footwear, and reduced long-term county debt by 58 percent.”
“Our campaign is heading toward November with a broad coalition of support from Republicans, Conservatives, independents, and common-sense Democrats,” Nickischer said.
The campaign spokesman said Byrne has outperformed every candidate on the ballot in every election he has run, and we’re confident this year will be no different. As we head toward November with a strong Republican ticket, our campaign will continue reaching voters in every community across Putnam County.”
Other candidates endorsed by the Putnam Conservative Committee include:
Congressman Mike Lawler, State Senator Rob Rolison, Sergio Esposito who is challenging State Senator Peter Harckham, Assemblyman Matt Slater, County Clerk Michael Bartolotti, Putnam Coroner Dr. Michael Nesheiwat, Coroner John Bourges, Christian Russo who is running for the Putnam Legislature seat being vacated by Bill Gouldman; Joseph Cunningham who is seeking the Putnam Legislature seat being vacated by Toni Addonizio and Tanner McCracken who is seeking the Putnam Legislature seat being vacated by Amy Sayegh.
According to the Putnam County Board of Elections there are 26,101 registered Republicans in Putnam; 1,798 registered Conservatives, 23,412 registered Democrats while 22,476 residents are unaffiliated or are registered as blanks—individuals who will decide winners and losers on Election Day.
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