GOSHEN – Paul Ruggiero is expected to retain his Town of Newburgh Council seat after an Orange County Supreme Court Judge ruled on Thursday that 14 of his opponents’ ballots in November’s election are invalid.
“Now that the Court has ordered all invalid ballots to be removed the count, Paul Ruggiero will be the second highest vote getter in this election for two candidates,” Ruggiero’s attorney, Adam Fusco, said. “While this race has taken several months to sort out, it is imperative to have accuracy over expediency. We look forward to the Board of Elections certifying Paul Ruggiero as winner for Newburgh Town Council.”
Two town board seats were initially won by two Democrats, Mary McLymore, who received 3,292 votes, and Mary Lou Carolan, who garnered 3,226 votes. Ruggiero, a Republican, finished with 3,224 votes. However, after the election, Ruggiero filed an Order to Show Cause (OSC) in Orange County Supreme Court seeking to determine the accuracy of the canvass of Carolan’s ballots in November’s election.
According to Fusco, the election had “been plagued by irregularities and inconsistent rulings.”
Supreme Court Justice Sherri L. Eisenpress listened to arguments from both sides in January, February and on Thursday ruled that the Orange County Board of Elections should retally the ballots, including the 14 ruled invalid, and return to court on April 13 when Ruggiero, an incumbent, is officially expected to be declared the winner over Carolan.
“I want to thank all of the voters for their support,” Ruggiero said. “I am excited to get back to work and serve the great people of Newburgh.”
Carolan has served as a Council member since January, attending meetings. Ruggiero is expected to take over for her after April 13’s court appearance.
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