Putnam County executive race inches closer to Election Day
Voters say one key issue on the ballot is affordability. It's a topic each candidate recently told News 12 that they also have on their radar.
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It's a three-way race for Putnam County executive. Republican incumbent Kevin Byrne is going up against Democratic candidate Brett Yarris and conservative candidate Tatiana Brahimi.
Voters say one key issue on the ballot is affordability. It's a topic each candidate recently told News 12 that they also have on their radar.
Brahimi said she's not a politician, but a taxpayer, mother and wife. She says one of her top priorities is to tackle high taxes. She also mentioned addressing infrastructure.
"We have failed infrastructure. We have many businesses that are not thriving. We have empty storefronts and yet, we're paying out of our behinds. And what are we paying for? Our roads are terrible. People can't afford to pay and live here anymore," said Brahimi.
If elected, she says she wants to stop "the backdoor deals," declare a tax holiday and cut her own salary.
"I will not take the $180,000 salary. I am going to take $80,000 and take that $100,000 of the next four years, $400,000, and give it back in property tax cut," Brahimi told News 12.
Democrat Brett Yarris also doesn't come from an extensive political background. He's worked in special education and business. He says his top priorities are focused on investing in the future of Putnam County.
"The dollars you've already paid that this administration has hoarded and done nothing with, we're going to invest back into you," said Yarris.
Yarris says he wants to bring more opportunities to the area, like a community college or trade school.
"Not only are we going to look to create these pathways for young people to thrive and have opportunities to afford to live here, work here, raise their families here, but community colleges are actually the economic engines," Yarris told News 12.
Republican incumbent Kevin Byrne has been in office since 2022.
Throughout his time in the position, he says he has implemented new cost-saving initiatives and brought down taxes.
"I've been able to give direct relief to taxpayers. We've been able to prioritize our spending, settle our contracts and deliver consistent tax cuts," Byrne told News 12.
If re-elected, he told us he plans to expand public transportation options on the west side of the county and more tax cuts.
"We are now able to plan for more tax cuts in the future. We've given the biggest property tax cut in Putnam County history, but in 2027, we're going to blow that out of the water. The No. 2 and 3 top priorities has always been health and safety," said Byrne.
