Kathy Schoonmaker gave the nomination for Highland native Joseph Indelicato to be a Democratic candidate for one of the two open positions on the Town Board. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him since he was in elementary school. He then went on to graduate from the Culinary Institute of America and move out to California, where he met his beautiful wife and had a son. He chose to move back to Highland to give his son the opportunity he had of growing up in place with such a strong sense of community. It was my pleasure to nominate him for town council.”
In a surprise twist, Vito Dispensa nominated Frank Lombardi, the retired 28-year supervisor of highways for the Town of Lloyd — the longest consecutive highway superintendent in New York State history — to be the Democratic candidate for the second open seat on the Town Board this November. “He has already given this town so much public service, and he never asked for anything,” said Dispensa. “When he was running his construction business and I was on the town council years ago, he was always someone I’d go to seek advice from. His input was invaluable. He cares deeply about this community, and it is my great pleasure to nominate him.”
That nomination was seconded by John Decker, who served as the town supervisor of Lloyd in the 1970s and 1980s. “Frank has been serving this community for as long as I can remember, and he is an excellent candidate. He knows this town inside and out, and I know he will do us proud, do the community proud,” said Decker.
These two Democratic candidates will face off with two Republican Town Board incumbents: councilman Kevin Brennie and deputy supervisor Jeff Paladino.
Rosaria Peplow, the veteran town clerk for Lloyd, was nominated by Marilyn D’Angelo. “Rosalie has diligently and successfully run our town since she was first elected in 1986. Although she’s a Democrat, she’s often been cross-endorsed in the past. She is a great town clerk, the treasurer of the Highland Historical Society, a board member of the Highland Landing Park, a member of the Ulster County Association of Town Clerks, a member of the St. Augustine’s food bank and, most importantly, a mother of two and a grandmother of two.”
Peplow is being challenged by a Republican candidate for town clerk, Sally Bellacicco.
Incumbent highway superintendent Rich Klotz, a Democrat, was also nominated by Dispensa, who said, “He and I and his Dad go way back. We’ve knocked down a few beers together in the past. But I have to say, Richie has done an incredible job with our roads, with our water and sewer service. I know he learned a lot from Frank Lombardi and it shows. Our roads are in great shape because of him, and I’m proud to nominate him for reelection.”
Klotz is being challenged by Republican candidate Lenny Auchmoody.
Each candidate got up after the non-contested nominations and thanked the local Democrats for their support and promised to hit the pavement, knock on doors and “bring balance” to the elected town positions.
