Eli Ruiz | Democrat From left, Town of Mamakating Justice Cynthia Dolan, Councilman Matt Taylor, Supervisor Bill Herrmann, Councilwoman Brenda Giraldi and Highway Superintendent Riley “Buddy” Platt.

New ruling class takes over in Mamakating

Story by Eli Ruiz
WURTSBORO — January 7, 2014 — New Town of Mamakating Supervisor Bill Herrmann, a Democrat, was tired of the status quo in his town. That is why he ran for the top position in two straight elections, besting incumbent Harold Baird last November.
“It’s way past time for change here,” said the candidate in an interview with the Democrat before the elections. “One thing I plan on is promoting responsible economic development that will expand the town’s tax base and will provide existing and future residents with a range of business and employment opportunities while ensuring effective and efficient use of tax dollars.”
On Sunday, Herrmann and four other Democrats – three of whom have never held public office – were sworn in at Town Hall in Wurtsboro.
Newly elected town councilmembers Matt Taylor and Brenda Giraldi, as well as new Town Justice Cynthia Dolan, joined Herrmann as New York State Supreme Court Justice Stephan Schick swore the newly minted public officials into office.
Incumbent Highway Supe-rvisor Buddy Platt rounded out the slate of five sworn in Sunday.
“Thank you, and I can assure you that your trust and faith in our team, which I am so proud of, has not been misplaced,” said Herrmann, addressing Sunday’s capacity crowd.
“We are not politicians,” he added. “Politicians do things to get reelected and elected. Elected officials do the job of the people and that’s exactly what we intend to do.”