With campaign season months away, town Democrats have already begun to fundraise and announce their intentions to run in the fall.
There will be two Town Board seats open next year, along with the supervisor position. Incumbents John Clarkson, supervisor, and Councilwoman Joann Dawson both said they planned to run again for their seats, but Councilman Jeffrey Kuhn announced his first term would also be his last.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve on the town board,” said Kuhn. “I’ve enjoyed my time and interactions with town residents, employees and fellow board members, but I have, for a variety reasons, decided not to run again.”
Kuhn was elected to office in 2011, along with Clarkson, after former town board member Mark Hennessey opted not to seek re-election. The following year, Kuhn was voted chairman of the town’s Democratic Committee, winning the position in a weighted vote over longtime chairman Matthew Clyne. Kuhn said he plans to serve-out his term until it ends in 2016.
“This town is lucky to have a very deep bench of candidates, with a population of intelligent and civic-minded citizens,” said Kuhn.
The endorsement process for the Democratic Committee has already started. Those looking to be interviewed for any elected position in the town or county should submit their applications by March 25. The committee plans to make endorsements for the positions of supervisor, town board, highway superintendent, town clerk, receiver of taxes and five county legislature seats.
Kuhn said anyone is able to submit their resumes and interview for an endorsement, and it is not necessary to be a member of the Democratic Committee. Endorsements will be announced on April 23 at the Bethlehem Public Library. The meeting is open to the public.
“One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is learning about all the substantive issues that goes into the management of the town,” said Kuhn. “There’s fiscal issues, budgeting, efficiency, making local laws, the technical issues of water and sewer systems, and labor. These are a multifaceted positions, and the ideal candidate would be someone who cares passionately about the town and is willing to learn about a variety of topics.”
Clarkson and Dawson said they intend to run, and both hope they will be backed by the party until April. The supervisor has already announced his first fundraiser will be held on Thursday, March 19, at Normanside Country Club.
“I’ve been telling people since the beginning of this year, both publicly and privately, that I would likely run for town supervisor again,” said Clarkson. “Although I don’t expect to begin campaigning until the fall, it’s the time of year when local political parties begin their designating process, and it’s also a good time to let your supporters know that you are going to run.”
Clarkson said serving as supervisor “is a great privilege,” and he hoped voters would view his record favorably.
Dawson said she felt similarly. She is running for her third term on the Town Board after serving for eight years.
“I think it’s important to run again primarily because people on the Town Board are charged with responsibilities that go beyond year-to-year decision making,” said Dawson, who plans to run as a Democrat this term, instead of an Independent. “Personally, I have found it helpful to have some background about how things have been done and for what reasons.”
She also said that just because the board has been predominately Democrat in recent years does not mean all members feel the same way about issues, or vote similarly.
“Just because we’re now all from the Democrat party doesn’t mean we all think and act the same way. One of the advantages is having people from different backgrounds. We’ve had issues we’ve disagreed on, and there have been times we’ve had split votes,” said Dawson. “I feel there are times I’ve articulated some positions or points of view that have not been the majority, and yet there are some things that are obvious people in the town are feeling and I’m just expressing their viewpoints.”
Kuhn said he is unsure how many people have submitted their resumes for his soon-to-be empty seat, and it was too early to name any frontrunners for the position.
“All I know is I care deeply for the long-term well-being of Bethlehem and ensuring it’s a wonderful place to live and work and raise a family,” said Kuhn. “I intend to remain fully engaged.”
The Democratic Committee has also announced its own fundraiser for the year. Instead of the annual Spring Jefferson-Jackson fundraising reception, the committee will be hosting a new event called Taste of Bethlehem. Held on Thursday, April 16, at Normanside Country Club, restaurants from throughout the town will be on hand to offer appetizers and small plates. The event is open to the community, with the recommended contribution at $50.
“It’s a way for residents to sample some of the different culinary opportunities that can be found throughout the town, and hopefully it will draw some new people who want to learn about the committee,” said Kuhn.
