CARMEL – Putnam County’s executive race is one of its most contentious in years, pitting Republican County Executive Kevin Byrne against Democrat Brett Yarris and Conservative Tatiana Brahimi.
The contest reached new heights Sunday when two of the candidates drew weapons and took part in a Trap Shoot Out hosted by the Putnam County Firearm Owners Association.
Yarris and Brahimi exchanged rounds with their weapons while Byrne missed the event.
Sunday evening, Byrne told Mid-Hudson News that he was a “a longtime member, but the organizers scheduled and announced it without any coordination with me or my team. As soon as they put it out, we told them I was unavailable — my wedding anniversary and the Columbus Day parade. They went ahead anyway. Later, again without checking with us, they moved their shoot earlier in the day, apparently to fit other candidates. I was already locked in for the Kent Turkey Shoot that morning and early afternoon.”
“Politics may be what brought the candidates together today, but sometimes it’s just about getting together, enjoying spirited competition, sharing some laughs and appreciating good sportsmanship,” Yarris said.
He added that he “really enjoyed the afternoon and appreciate everyone who came out and made it happen.”
Attempts to contact Brahimi after the event were unsuccessful.
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