The Bethlehem Republican Committee has endorsed a slate of candidates belonging to multiple political parties for the November local elections under the banner of “Bethlehem United.”
Republican Committee Chairman Fred Di Maggio said the coalition came together this spring after it was announced a referendum would take place to decide if the town should abolish the elected position of highway superintendent and place those responsibilities under the commissioner of public works. The referendum failed 3,086 to 1,969.
“It was because of that catalyst that we effectively got to know each other, and became friends, and realized the potential for this coalition,” he said. “Our slate is unique and historic because it includes candidates from across the Town of Bethlehem and across the political spectrum.”
The announcement was made at Selkirk Fire Department No. 2 in Glenmont on Thursday, May 30.
Di Maggio is running for town supervisor. He has been chairman of the Republican Committee for the past 18 months and lived in Bethlehem for 28 years.
“This is something other than politics as usual,” he said. “I think people are disgusted by the fact that politicians can’t seem to work together, but this is three parties working with the same goals in mind.”
Bethlehem United’s stated goals include creating a “pro-business atmosphere” to attract new businesses to town, eliminating the hiring of outside consultants to perform jobs that can be done by town employees, development of the Vista Technology Campus into a “true technology park” and “establishing open and honest budgeting practices.”
Other candidates endorsed by the GOP include Linda Jasinski, a Conservative, and Dan Cunningham, a member of the Independence Party. Cunningham had previously interviewed this year with the town’s Democratic Party to be endorsed for a Town Board run.
“We obviously did not endorse him,” said Bethlehem Democratic Committee Chairman Jeffrey Kuhn. “But at the time, he told us he was dedicated to the ‘principles and ideals of the Democratic Party.’”
Cunningham, who is the brother of former supervisor Jack Cunningham, said he was running not because he ever planned to be a politician, but because he isn’t afraid to voice his opinion when he feels differently on an issue. He was involved in the “Keep the Vote Bethlehem” campaign against the highway referendum and also said he wants to see more oversight of the town’s Industrial Development Agency in ways that would help broaden the tax base.
“This coalition is really just six people who looked at each other and said, ‘we can do better,’” Cunningham said.
Other endorsements include Terry Ritz (a member of the Independence Party) for superintendent of highways, and Republicans Melanie Calzone for town clerk and Dale Desnoyers for town justice.
While members of the slate played up the multi-party approach, Kuhn described it as disingenuous.
“When Fred became chairman last year, he said it was a major mistake by the party to cross endorse Kyle Kotary for supervisor,” said Kuhn. “Now he has chose to endorse six candidates, only half of which are Republicans. I think the voters in Bethlehem sort of rightfully expect their political leaders to have a set of values that won’t be abandoned at the drop of a hat, and to not take part in backroom deals, which I think this is.”
Some members of the Republican Committee are also not happy with the selections.
Republican Committee member Jared King said he plans to primary Di Maggio on the Republican line for the position of supervisor.
“The coalition is not committed to the goals of the Republican Party. I think Fred very rarely means what he says and this is a wonderful example,” said King, citing Di Maggio’s previous statements that his main goal as a party leader is to get Republicans elected to office.
King, who made an unsuccessful bid for the County Legislature in 2007, said his goals as supervisor would be to reduce taxes by at least 5 percent with no reduction to services. He believes taxes could be reduced an additional 20 percent with a few minor reductions.
“Win or lose, I believe my running will improve the quality of the campaign’s debate,” he said.
Di Maggio said the candidates are waiting on endorsements on the Independence and Conservative lines. Candidates can begin walking petitions this week.