Andrew White?s quest to reestablish the Democratic Party in Stephentown, begun about a year and a half ago, appears to have borne some fruit. Former Elections Commissioner Tom Wade said then that he had worked with White before he became the new Chairman of the Town Democratic Committee and knew him to be a person who sets goals and accomplishes them.
Democrat Party Rises From Ashes In Stephentown
11/11/05
By David Flint
Upset winners in Tuesday?s election for Town Council in Stephentown are Democrats Chris Demick (left) and P.J. Roder. (David Flint photo)
Andrew White?s quest to reestablish the Democratic Party in Stephentown, begun about a year and a half ago, appears to have borne some fruit. Former Elections Commissioner Tom Wade said then that he had worked with White before he became the new Chairman of the Town Democratic Committee and knew him to be a person who sets goals and accomplishes them.
In Tuesday?s election the two Democratic candidates for Town Council, Chris Demick and P.J. Roder, were far and away the top two vote getters, Demick with 473 votes and Roder with 439. Incumbent Craig Chittenden followed with 274 votes and Brad Humphrey trailed with 243. The two will join Cyril Grant, re-elected without opposition to a third term as Town Justice, as the only elected Democrats among Town officials.
Demick said he was overwhelmed by the results of the election. ?I believe the town residents feel it?s time for a change and the incredible turnout was proof enough for me,? he said. ?The road ahead will be a great challenge, one that I look forward to with excitement and optimism. I?ll do my best for all the residents of Stephentown. Thank you all.?
Roder was also encouraged to see the large turnout of some 700 voters. ?It doesn?t stop with the election, though,? he said. ?I hope to see the same enthusiasm at upcoming Town Board meetings. The residents? insights will be most valuable and we hope to hear their concerns on various issues facing the town.? He expressed thanks to all those who supported them. Roder felt that the time they spent getting out and seeing the townspeople, talking face to face, was what influenced the voter turnout and led to their success in the election. ?And the nice weather didn?t hurt,? he added.