UPDATE: Voters in Athens, NY are gearing up for a pivotal election on November 7, 2023, as incumbents face formidable challengers for key town positions. The race for town supervisor is heating up, with incumbent Democrat Michael Pirrone defending his seat against Republican contender, Town Board Member Anthony “Tony” Paluch.
The stakes are high as Pirrone, who has served for four years, emphasizes his achievements in enhancing town communications and modernizing government operations. “I am committed to continuing our progress,” Pirrone stated, seeking re-election on both the Democratic and One Athens Party lines.
Paluch, a seasoned town board member since 2015, is stepping up to challenge Pirrone. Although he declined to comment directly, his campaign biography highlights his extensive experience in local governance and community service, including his role with the West Athens Lime Street Volunteer Fire Company. Paluch aims to bring his leadership skills to the supervisor role if elected.
The battle doesn’t end there. Four candidates are vying for two town board seats, including incumbent Democrat Karen Haas, who was appointed earlier this year. Haas, a long-time Athens resident, is focused on fostering community engagement and positive development. “I want to learn about the issues and work on solutions for Athens,” she stated.
Challenging Haas are two Democrats, Brittany Palmateer and Mary Hodor, along with Republican Ian Palmateer. Palmateer, a local business owner and vice chair of the Athens Democratic Committee, is passionate about sustainable development while preserving the town’s charm. “I want to foster a deeper sense of community,” she expressed.
Hodor, a teacher’s assistant, emphasizes her dedication to understanding community needs. “I’m ready to be a voice for our community on the Athens Town Board,” her biography states. Meanwhile, Ian Palmateer, with deep local roots and military background, also seeks to maintain Athens’ small-town character.
With such a diverse slate of candidates, the Athens community is poised for an impactful election. Residents are encouraged to engage with candidates and stay informed about their platforms. The outcome on November 7 will shape the future of Athens for years to come.
Stay tuned for updates as we approach this crucial election day.
