CARMEL- Barbs continue to fly between Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne and County Attorney Compton Spain regarding an assertion made by the chairperson of the Putnam Democrats, Jennifer Colamonico, who accused Byrne of making a false accusation that she made a promise to retain Spain, should the Conservatives endorse Brett Yarris which she called “completely untrue.”
Byrne is seeking reelection in November against Democrat Brett Yarris and Conservative candidate Tatiana Brahimi.
Spain charged that Byrne was entitled to “his political beliefs. He is not entitled to manufacture facts.”
Spain added: “Rather than spending the remaining months of his administration advancing unfounded accusations, mis-information and personal attacks against those with whom he has political or professional disagreements, the county executive would be better served focusing on the responsibilities of the office he currently holds and the people of Putnam County he was elected to serve.”
On Friday, Byrne lashed out at Spain: “My earlier statement regarding Compton Spain’s claim of being ‘offered’ re-nomination by the Democratic Party Chairwoman if he assisted Brett Yarris was made by me and distributed by my campaign—not county government or my office. I stand by those words. They are the truth, and Spain knows it.”
Byrne added: “What is now at issue is the apparent misuse of a government position and taxpayer-funded time and resources—including official county personnel, letterhead, government email and distribution lists—to develop and distribute partisan campaign messaging as a personal political attack.”
Byrne called Spain’s action “entirely unacceptable, and the matter is under review.”
Earlier Spain reminded Byrne that the County Attorney’s Office was “not a political bargaining chip. We are a professional law office whose attorneys and staff serve the entire county government, not anyone elected official, political party or administration. My staff should not be dragged into political disputes or have their reputations diminished for political purposes. I will not permit Mr. Byrne to falsely portray this office or the professionals who serve within it, otherwise.”
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