PLATTSBURGH — The head of the City of Plattsburgh Republican Party wasted little time in kick-starting the general election campaign for the mayoral race, issuing a strong statement.
“The City of Plattsburgh Republican Committee congratulates the winners of the Democratic Primary in the City of Plattsburgh. Our mayoral candidate, former two-term Mayor, Don Kasprzak, has been very busy the last couple of months, spending much of his time going door to door throughout the city. We have heard directly from the people, and their main concern is that experience must make a return to City Hall,” David Souliere IV, the city Republican Party chairman said.
Souliere’s comments came less than 24 hours after Tuesday’s Democratic Party primary in the city that featured three races — the mayoral tilt, and races for the Ward 3 and Ward 6 seats.
Wendell Hughes, a Clinton County legislator, handily won the mayoral primary over Daniel Lennon, a local attorney. Hughes will now face Kasprzak, the Republican candidate in the November election.
Kasprzak served as a city councilor from 1990 to 1994 and as mayor from 2007 to 2014.
In Ward 3, incumbent Elizabeth Gibbs won the Democratic Party primary over current Mayor Chris Rosenquest by a solid margin of 138 to 60. Rosenquest opted not to run for mayor again this year and instead chose to take on Gibbs in Ward 3.
In Ward 6, incumbent Jeff Moore was defeated by challenger Amy Collin by a close count of 68 to 51.
TELLING
Souliere said the result from the Ward 3 primary was telling.
“Only around 60 people voted for the current mayor in his bid to unseat Elizabeth Gibbs in the Ward 3 Primary,” Souliere said.
“This a referendum on Mr. Rosenquest’s failed administration, and his inability to provide a transparent government, and that maintains effective communication with their council, and the constituents at large.
“Mr. Kasprzak looks forward to returning experience, transparency, and effective communication back to City Hall. We look forward to working with the council to deliver a pro-development, pro-recreation, and a pro-business agenda that is ultimately “Pro-Plattsburgh.”
“Experience Matters. Let’s return it to City Hall.”
City Democratic Party Chairwoman Sue Moore said the party was thrilled to celebrate Hughes’ victory in the primary.
“Wendell brings a wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to the City of Plattsburgh,” Moore said.
She pointed to Hughes’ career of 32 years as a state corrections officer with roles as a supervisor, union leader and his service as a county legislator, which includes serving on several committees, as great experiences to prepare him for the job of mayor.
Beyond his governmental roles, Moore said, Hughes is also very busy volunteering for many local nonprofit groups as well as the president of the Noon Kiwanis Club and airport coordinator for North Country Honor Flight.
Moore said Hughes, who has gained support from several city councilors, has, “consistently emphasized his unwavering dedication to fostering transparency, cooperation and consensus with the Council.”
She also was critical of Rosenquest.
“It is important to note that he (Hughes) stands in stark contrast to Mr. Rosenquest and has no inclination to perpetuate an administration marked by lack of transparency, unwillingness to collaborate with the Council, and unsuccessful endeavors,” Moore said.
“Given Wendell’s track record, I firmly believe that he will bring integrity and ethical governance to the office, aligning with the desires and aspirations of the citizens of the City of Plattsburgh.”
DEFENSE
Rosenquest defended himself.
“In my life, I’ve found that those who feel the need to criticize others often haven’t produced results that can stand on their own,” he said.
“I’ve kept myself out of this mayoral race because I’m not a candidate. I imagine that’s why the candidates have left me out of their race because of that same reason. Unfortunately, the ‘leadership’ of these parties, who don’t seem to be speaking for their candidates, must be concerned their candidates can’t stand on their own and need to criticize me to gain political favor with voters.”
Rosenquest said the results of his administration over the past four years stand on their own.
“The lowest tax rate since early 2000, millions in general fund balance, historic investments in parks and infrastructure, unprecedented levels of public outreach for major improvement projects, multiple years of balanced budgets, millions in grant funding, renewed relationships with state agencies, secured contracts for the working families of our city ... The list goes on,” he said.
“Needless to say, the city is in excellent financial and operational condition for the next administration. I wish all the good luck to the candidates in November.”
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