Two seek re-election in New Windsor

By Alberto Gilman
Posted 3/1/23

Councilwoman Sylvia Santiago and Town Clerk Kelly Allegra of New Windsor will be seeking reelection this coming fall. Both candidates will be running on the Democratic line and are the only announced …

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Two seek re-election in New Windsor

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Councilwoman Sylvia Santiago and Town Clerk Kelly Allegra of New Windsor will be seeking reelection this coming fall. Both candidates will be running on the Democratic line and are the only announced candidates from the party at this time. They have both each received endorsements from the Democratic Committee of New Windsor.

In the upcoming New Windsor election, Santiago will be seeking the town board seat alongside new candidates Charlie Broe and Veronica McMillan as current Councilman Stephen Bedetti will be seeking the town supervisor position held currently by George Meyers. Allegra will be seeking her current seat of clerk against first time candidate Patricia Clarino, who previously served as a deputy clerk several years ago. Each candidate had the opportunity to share their own thoughts on the reelection campaign and process and are prepared to begin petitioning in the coming weeks.

“Our two candidates work for everyone,” said New Windsor Democratic Chair Betty Yarus. “What you have are two people who excel in their performance and their service responsibilities to the people of New Windsor”

Sylvia Santiago
For Councilwoman Santiago, who will be seeking a new four year term, she shared she is excited for the campaigning process and for the opportunity to serve New Windsor again.

“I ran for town council because I wanted to serve and be an advocate for the community. Working for the Town of New Windsor is just one way to fulfill that goal,” said Santiago. “When there was a chance to work with George Meyers, I knew that with him I could add value, fairness and my financial experience to the administration of New Windsor.”

Santiago’s political journey started when current Assemblyman Christopher Eachus stepped down from his former Orange County Legislator duties several years ago, Santiago decided to run for the seat but lost in the election. From there she attended more town planning board meetings and then when an open seat was available, she chose to run and won.

Santiago received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. John’s University and works within the digital marketing field as a financial controller. Within this role, Santiago is responsible for company finances, reporting and information systems. She has also served in various administrative positions and has also served on an executive board that was responsible for company budgeting and forecasting. Santiago and her husband Victor of over 31 years have lived in New Windsor for the past 22 years and all three of their children are alumni of Newburgh Free Academy.

Santiago was appointed Deputy Supervisor from July 2021-Dec 2022, served as the senior citizen and Newburgh Enlarged City School District liaison, served on the New Windsor Police Department Community Advisory Panel and also served on the town’s planning committee.

Santiago has also been involved as a member of the Member Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Post 1796, New Windsor, Boy Scout Troop 4028 New Windsor, (she is a current Merit Badge Counselor and Committee Member) Orange County Office of the Aging Volunteer, Friends of Newburgh Crew Board Member, former President and served as a Vails Gate School Health and Safety Committee Member. She was also instrumental in bringing the town’s first farmers market.

“While I learned much in my first three years as town council member, the most significant lesson after 3 years serving on the Town Board has been the experience gained from working with the current Supervisor, George Meyers,” said Santiago. “As a result of his guidance, I believe I am prepared to deal with issues faced by residents, infrastructure, legal matters, and contractual obligations. Serving as his Deputy gave me a firsthand look at these issues and enabled me to be part of the discussions to resolve them.”

Kelly Allegra
With a newly-announced candidate for town clerk, Allegra is looking forward to conducting her door knocking and meeting residents throughout her petition process.

“I ran for this position in 2019 because I wanted to bring fresh ideas and positive solutions to the Town of New Windsor by running for Town Clerk. I wanted to contribute to the progress the town would make moving forward,” said Allegra. “I believe as a result of my actions the role of this position has been enhanced. I believe we provide a warm and friendly office serving the needs of all of the town residents. I have taken this position seriously and have worked hard to improve its stature in the community.”

Allegra has been a resident of New Windsor for the past 20 years and is married to her husband Benedetto Allegra of 24 years. The couple raised their daughter Gabriella in New Windsor. Allegra’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College completed in 1990 and additional education from the College of Financial Planning from Denver, Colorado. She received her Certified Financial Planner Diploma in 2003 and was a member of the Leadership Orange Class of 2007.

Allegra’s professional background includes her role as owner and chief executive of Bella Cleaning Services, A Financial Analyst and Planner for American Express Company, JP Morgan Chase & Co, Smith Barney Citigroup, and a Manager of Shareholder Operations and Supervisor of Shareholder Operations and Dealer Services Depts.. for Neuberger Berman
Allegra has been involved in several organization and served in several roles such as the former chair of National MS Society, a past board member of the Orange County MS Walk, a member of the Cornwall Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, a past Family Selection Committee Member of Independent Living, Newburgh NY.

Allegra, Santiago worked during the on-going COVID pandemic addressing community needs and working with the board to run the town through an unknown period of time. If reelected she looks forward to continuing the work her office has done and serving the community each day.

“I wanted to run for office in the Town of New Windsor, because I knew myself, Sylvia and others had a common cause, a goal that we wanted to see change in the community,” said Allegra. “I love the job. I love working with the people on a daily basis and I’m grateful to continue to help serve the community.”