Anagnostakis savors ‘historic’ win

By Connor Linskey
Posted 6/30/21

The official result of the Orange County Legislator, District 17 Republican Primary are now in, giving  Mike Anagnostakis a commanding victory over challenger Patricia Maher.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Anagnostakis savors ‘historic’ win

Posted

The official result of the Orange County Legislator, District 17 Republican Primary are now in, giving  Mike Anagnostakis a commanding victory over challenger Patricia Maher.

With absentee ballots counted, the Orange County Board of Elections results report that Anagnostakis received 732 votes while Maher has earned 280. There was also one write-in ballot.

The 17th Legislative District encompasses the entire Village of Walden as well as parts of the towns of Montgomery and Newburgh. Excluding the absentee votes, Anagnostakis received 281 votes from the Town of Montgomery and 205 votes from the Town of Newburgh. Maher earned 205 votes from the Town of Montgomery and 64 votes from the Town of Newburgh. The one write-in ballot was cast by a Town of Montgomery resident.

The final tally grew to  72.3% for Anagnostakis, versus 27.7% for Maher, after he garnered 246 of the 257 absentee votes cast and counted.

“Last Tuesday, the people of Montgomery and the Town of Newburgh spoke loudly and clearly: they rejected the baseless attacks against me, validated the work I’ve done to always put my constituents first, and we won in a huge landslide,” Anagnostakis said. “The result was both gratifying and a testament that the people are eager to have a county legislator fighting for them against corruption.”

“The election should be a wake-up call to Republican insiders who have been so eager to follow the dishonorable and incompetent Steve Brescia -- of IDA infamy -- who initiated this failed effort to oust me for the ‘crime’ of fighting his corruption,” Anagnostakis said. “I don’t care what party the corruption against the taxpayers comes from: I’m always going to stand up to it.”

Anagnostakis is thankful for the support he received from constituents in this election. He is eager to face all the challenges that lie ahead.

“I am both humbled by these results and re-energized, and vow to fight even harder for what’s best for all the people -- and never the political insiders!” Anagnostakis said.

Despite the outcome of the election, Maher is happy with her efforts.

“Running in this primary election was quite a journey,” she said. “As someone who has always been more comfortable working behind the scenes, I went outside my comfort zone and challenged myself to be a strong voice for the greater good. I saw a need, felt a calling and took the risk. As a Hispanic woman and a mother – I am proud of that.”

Maher noted that she defined her campaign as one of integrity, work ethic and family. She tried to stay positive and moral throughout her campaign.

“I stayed positive from the beginning to the end even though my opponent did not go that route,” Maher said. “While I am discouraged that so many false statements were made, it did not stop me from calling and congratulating my opponent on election night. I teach my kids to always try to be the best version of themselves and although I was frustrated by my opponent’s lies and mistruths during the campaign, it was important to me that I wished him well.”

Maher told the Wallkill Valley Times that she does not plan to campaign for the legislator election, even though she will be appearing on the Conservative line this November. Maher plans to go back to work behind the scenes by volunteering in her community as well as serving local families and veterans.

“I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all those who supported and voted for me,” she said. “I look forward to continuing my service as a Village of Walden trustee and plan to stay active serving our community. “