Decisive election for Millerton

The results the Village of Millerton election on Tuesday, June 20, were a decisive victory for the two incumbents, Mayor Jenn Najdek and trustee David Sherman, and for Lisa Erdner, the Democratic candidate for the vacant trustee position. In a record turnout, 208 people showed up at the polls at the Village Hall and another 13 sent in absentee ballots. In the last mayoral election in 2021, there were 147 votes cast.

The unofficial results were not announced until almost midnight after hand-counting the ballots. Edie Greenwood, head of the village Republicans, explained, “The counting had to be done carefully and then recounted.” Democratic Party leader and former Mayor Debbie Middlebrook commented on the turnout: “People had a choice. People were forced to pay attention and knew their vote would count.” Greenwood observed that, “This is democracy in a contested election.”

The mayoral contest was especially contentious with Najdek, the incumbent and Democratic candidate, winning a second term with 129 votes. Kelly Kilmer, the Republican challenger, received 69 votes on the Republican line and 14 on the “Working Together” independent line she created, for a total of 83 votes.

Three candidates ran for two trustee seats, with Republican Sherman, like Kilmer, creating a nonpartisan independent party line: “Common Ground.” Sherman received 134 votes with 105 on the Republican line and 29 on the Common Ground line. Erdner received 132 votes running only on the Democratic line. Ray Nelson, the only candidate who received the endorsement of both the Republican and Democratic parties, received a total of 108 votes, 39 on the Democratic line and 69 votes on the Republican line.

The public election campaign sported colorful yard signs for “Jenn” and “Lisa” designed by Tom Parrett and paid for by the Democratic Committee, letters to The Millerton News supporting the candidates, letters to voters, social media posts and door-to-door campaigning. Republicans, except for Nelson, had traditional campaign signs, with Kilmer’s often appearing in yards with “Support the MPD.” The scheduled debate just before the election was canceled due to a death in Kilmer’s family.

There was also, as usual in village elections, a “whisper” campaign. The biggest mystery of the campaign remains unsolved: Who wrote the anonymous four-page letter signed by “A Coalition of Concerned Neighbors” with a fictitious Millbrook address postmarked in New York City and mailed to some, but not all, residents of the village?

Kilmer went on record as not having anything to do with the letter, which was titled “Concerns Regarding Mayor Jenn Najdek’s Performance.” One village resident found the tone and allegations of the letter so unsettling that he ripped it up in disgust. His wife had to tape it back up to read it. She said, “It made me ashamed for the village.”

Post-election reflection

The Millerton News asked all the candidates to comment after the results were in. Nelson, who has lived in the village for 23 years, was out of town on family business and had only a few days to campaign before the election. “I had a blast campaigning,” Nelson said.  “I met people I have never seen before and gave them a list of my priorities. I was surprised that people were fully aware of the issues.” As for the Millbrook letter, he stated he had no idea who wrote it but, “I thought it was pretty accurate.”

In keeping with his fiscal conservatism, Nelson did not print any campaign signs: “It seemed like overkill in our tiny village.” Nor did he wage a social media campaign. All in all, it was a positive experience for Nelson, who said of his trustee opponent, “Lisa Erdner is great, very nice. I wish everyone luck.”

The Millerton News questioned Dave Sherman, who received more votes than any other candidate, while mowing his backyard on Main Street two days after the election. “I campaigned carefully, going door to door focusing first on active voters and leaving my campaign card,” explained the reelected trustee and veteran of past elections. “With the support of the Republican Party, I printed street signs and my hand card. Also, supporters wrote letters to the editor in favor of my candidacy. I am not on Facebook and many political mailings are wasted, just ending up in the recycle bin at the post office.”

Asked what he thought the election was about, Sherman said. “I could not pick just one word to describe what this election is about.  I think that varies upon the individual candidates, what they stood for and what was presumed by voters that candidate stands for, and the qualities the candidate is perceived to have or lack. As for myself, I believe I am a reliable person, experienced in government. I strive to be fair-minded and, in being reelected, provide continuity in the management of the village.”

Erdner is a newcomer to village politics and very involved in many community organizations. “I think and hope I won because people have seen how active I’ve been in the community and how much I care about Millerton and seeing it continue to improve,” she said. “From what I heard when campaigning people thought I was very friendly and liked that I was a young, fresh candidate. I’ve also had some people say that they like that I’m savvy with technology and seem like a smart, levelheaded person. I worked really hard the week before the election to get out and personally meet our residents.”

Both candidates for mayor provided written statements for the paper. Najdek provided a brief comment: “It was great to see that so many people got out to vote. I am honored and humbled by all of the support throughout the campaign and to be reelected as the mayor for the next two years.” 

Kilmer provided a lengthy response: “I am proud of what I accomplished in this election. I put myself out there and hopefully gave the people of this a village a voice. I am happy with the turnout of voters and am elated that more people are now taking the time to listen to what is happening in our village. Even though the outcome was not what I would have liked, I do not feel defeated, I feel like I have just opened the door to a new path. Many people like me might feel that it’s not their place in politics for one reason or another and that is simply not true. Where you come from, what your education status is, or who you are affiliated with should not matter as long as you are willing to take pride and dedication in what and who you stand for. You sit with a board of four other individuals that all bring something to the table and work together for the good of the village. I wish the best to the Village board and hope that everyone in Millerton stays vigilant to what is happening in their hometown.” 

Each candidate and political party was uncertain about the outcome of Tuesday’s election. Everyone knew that there would be a big turnout and that the election was about unsaid issues like the Millerton Police Department, the cost of the wastewater system, and the profile of the candidates. The contested election  was hard-fought and the results were an endorsement of the priorities of incumbent Mayor Najdek and the board of trustees.