Speeches were short and to the point, with Burkhardt talking about how much she loved her work on the town council, Boggess speaking about his conservative tendencies and business skills, and Sofranko mentioning how Democrats numbers had been slipping of late, with more people needed “under this tent.”
Sofranko ended up as the big winner, with 143 votes, while Burkhardt lost her bid with 97. Boggess will be the Democrat’s second candidate, winning 111 votes.
Town clerk
For Rozzelle’s soon to be vacated position of town clerk, Leifeld nominated Horner, noting her work on the town’s website, work as the town’s welfare officer, grantwriting ability and successes in bringing in relief for the town’s losses due Tropical Storm Irene. Rozzelle nominated 24-year court clerk Dawn Giuditta for her ability to be both assertive and confidential, and her need not to take center stage.
“If you liked me there for the last 31 years as town clerk you’ll like Dawn,” Rozzelle said.
Horner spoke about the need for a modern-day clerk to deal with websites, reaching out to the public, and accountability…and how Democrats should stick together. Giuditta talked about having lived in Olive her whole life, and being able to work well with Rozzelle.
After voting, it was clear that the majority on this night was riding high with Rozzelle. Giuditta easily won the spot, 152 to 49.
Supervisor
Finally, for town supervisor, Leifeld nominated his deputy supervisor of many years, Bruce LaMonda, in what he described as “a bittersweet thing for me…part of me wants to leave, the other hurts. And on one side here tonight I see friends, while on the other I see friends, as well.” Local musician Ben Rounds seconded. For Rozzelle, Bert Silvestri started by thanking Leifeld for his years of service and then described the longterm town clerk as “the heart of this town.” Those seconding described her people skills, her ability to “see a bigger picture.”
In her speech, Rozzelle said she was “asking for a job evaluation…ask yourselves what you can expect of me.” She noted her knowledge of fiscal process, town history, and being ready for the position. LaMonda thanked Leifed for teaching him the ropes over the past 25 years, listed his many accomplishments for the town, and noted how he had “the energy and the background for this job.”
Ballots, cast into a cleaned-out cat litter box, had Rozzelle soaring to the Democratic nomination for supervisor.
“I hope the unity we see here today lasts,” Leifeld said, leaving the room after Rozzelle begged off any comments for the night. “I’m concerned about that.”
Republicans
In the wings, Republican councilman Peter Friedel noted that yes, he was running for supervisor. As for an Olive Republican caucus, he hadn’t heard of a date yet, although it seemed former candidate Craig Grazier would be running again.
But more on that side of things in the coming weeks.
