Power & Politics: Republican primary for Carmel town supervisor
News 12 spoke with both incumbent Michael Cazzari and challenger Frank Ciano.
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There is a Republican primary for Carmel town supervisor for the third straight election cycle.
Incumbent Carmel Town Supervisor Michael Cazzari is seeking his third term against challenger Frank Ciano.
The Carmel Republican Town Committee endorsed Cazzari in this race.
Cazzari, the town's former police chief, won this seat for the first time back in 2021 when he defeated seven-term former town supervisor Ken Schmitt. Cazzari won again in 2023 in a rematch after Schmitt tried to regain his seat.
Cazzari is hoping to keep the winning streak going.
The incumbent said he's running again to continue the work he started in his first two terms, like installing cameras to go after illegal dumping and cleaning up blighted properties. He said his focus, if re-elected, is on infrastructure, public safety and economic development.
"What you need is someone who can not just motivate but also deal with the crisis with a calm hand," Cazzari said.
His opponent, Frank Ciano, is a longtime construction worker and vocal government critic who frequently attends local meetings.
He said he decided to run after feeling like the town board hadn't done enough to address community concerns.
Ciano said his platform includes improving the water system, speeding up town-led projects and rooting out corruption.
"I see what goes on in the meetings and I think it's ridiculous and it's got to stop," Ciano said. "There's a lot of nepotism in this town."
The winner of this race will face off against 32-year Carmel resident Democrat Jean Hopper in November.
Other races in Carmel
Three Republicans are running for two seats on the Carmel Town Board. Incumbent Michael Lugo is running for reelection against former supervisor Ken Schmitt and former councilman Robert Schanil.
16-year town councilwoman Suzanne McDonough announced last year that she would not seek reelection.
Voters in Putnam County's 5th legislative district will have another primary race to vote on.
Lifelong Carmel resident and construction firm project superintendent Jake D'Angelo is challenging county legislature Deputy Chair Greg Ellner on the Republican line.
The district includes the eastern half of Lake Carmel and the hamlet of Carmel.
