A change in leadership on Pine Plains Town Board

PINE PLAINS — After listening carefully to candidates about their vision for the town’s future, Pine Plains voters were eager to get out to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 2, to cast their ballots in this year’s election.

Incumbent Democratic town Supervisor Darrah Cloud ran for her third term in office against political newcomer, Pine Plains Hose Co. Fire Chief Brian Walsh, who campaigned and won under the Republican party line.

For the two Town Board positions, one-term Councilman Matthew Zick (NOP) ran for a second four-year term in office; he was cross-endorsed by both the Democratic and Republican parties.

Two newcomers competed a spot on the Town Board. Republican Robert Ambrose earned the second spot, while Democrat Diana Woolis lost the race.

Current Town Justice David Humeston ran uncontested for his second four-year term in office under both the Democratic and Republican party lines.

Assessor Lynda Wisdo likewise campaigned for her second four-year term unchallenged; she was previously elected in 2018 to fill the unexpired term of former Assessor Robert Cordella.

Polls were open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Pine Plains Town Hall on Route 199.

BOE unofficial results

According to the unofficial election results posted on the Dutchess County Board of Elections (BOE) website, www.elections.dutchessny.gov, late Tuesday evening, Nov. 2, 779 ballots were cast in the town of Pine Plains.

Out of those, Walsh received 410 votes to helm the Town Board, while Cloud received 349 votes. There was one write-in ballot cast.

While he stressed the results aren’t official yet and there are still absentee ballots to be counted, Walsh said, “I appreciate all the support by the townspeople and everyone that backed me.”

“I’m incredibly disappointed,” Cloud said. “I had so many projects going forward that have taken four years to get to this critical point and I wanted to continue for one more term to see them to fruition.”

For the two open seats on the Town Board, Zick received the plurality of votes at 644, followed by Ambrose with 406 votes while Woolis garnered 334.

“I’m very happy that the voters decided to stick with me for another four years,” Zick said. “I’m happy to be elected and excited to see what these next four years bring.”

Humeston was elected to another term as town justice with 679 votes while Wisdo was elected to another term as assessor with 668 votes.