By Nathan Mayberg
MONTICELLO — April 15, 2005 – The Sullivan County Republican Party announced its candidates for countywide office Wednesday evening.
The committee, with 119 voting members, endorsed Stephen Lungen for a seventh term as District Attorney, Sullivan County Legislator Leni Binder for Treasurer and former New York State Trooper Michael Schiff for Sullivan County Sheriff.
“They are all excellent candidates,” said Sullivan County Republican Party Chair Greg Goldstein.
Detective Don Starner, who works for the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, said he will consider whether to run in the primary. Those interested in running in the primary may begin circulating petitions in June.
Sullivan County Treasurer Olga Parlow is retiring, said Goldstein.
Binder said she has been interested in the issue of real property for a long time. The legislator, whose district includes part of the Town of Fallsburg, noted that she is the only elected county official to sit on the New York State Real Property Alliance. She was appointed to that post by the Association of Counties. The organization deals with the issues of assessments in municipalities.
She believes her experience with the political process will be advantageous.
Binder said she has been offered job opportunities and had been considering a move into human services or business. But she did not want to leave her office in mid-term. If not elected as treasurer, she said she would then consider whether to run for re-election as a legislator in 2007.
“I don’t assume it is going to be an easy race,” she said. “I do believe I have the qualifications.”
On the Democratic side, the field is more crowded. The Sullivan County Democratic Party met on Wednesday and heard presentations by those interested in running for office.
At least six individuals are vying for the position of Sullivan County Sheriff, according to Sullivan County Democratic Party Chairman Timothy Hill. Among them is Sergeant Luis Alvarez, who works for the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department.
At least three individuals are seeking the party’s nomination for Treasurer: Town of Fallsburg Councilman Arnold Seletsky, Town of Liberty Councilman Sean Hanofee and Liberty businessman and former legislative candidate Kevin Hopkins.
Former Sullivan County Attorney Ira Cohen is considering a run for the post but will make an official announcement on Monday.
Hill said he expects to field a candidate for DA.
“The voters deserve to have a choice,” he said.