Annabi Confirms Run for Putnam Valley Supervisor
It may not be much of a surprise considering the volume of chatter throughout Putnam County, but Republican Jackie Annabi confirmed she’s indeed running for Putnam Valley supervisor this year after more than five years on the town board.
In an interview, Annabi said she’s ready to take a more active role in Putnam Valley as she goes up against Democrat and former county legislator Sam Oliverio. As petition season starts in less than a month, this will be Annabi’s third run for public office after two successful town board campaigns. Her goal is to “bring Putnam Valley back.”
“I don’t want to be the corner of Putnam County anymore,” Annabi said. “I want to be the center.”
Now that Republican and current supervisor Bob Tendy is making a run for Putnam County District Attorney, Annabi knew this was the right time to step into a new role.
Putnam Valley has a myriad of issues that Annabi wants to see tackled if elected supervisor. The lifelong Putnam County resident said she wants to continue to work with local businesses to boost economic development, keep taxes at bay, and sort out water and infrastructure needs.
During this past budget season, while Putnam Valley voted to pass a budget that surpassed the tax cap, Annabi, the deputy supervisor, was the only councilmember to vote against going beyond the tax cap. (Councilwoman Wendy Whetsel and Annabi both voted against the final budget, but Whetsel was in favor of exceeding the cap.)
Annabi said the town must focus on spending more wisely and explore parts of town government that can be consolidated.
As for working to promote a lively business environment, Annabi knows first hand the difficulties of owning a small business because her parents owned a business and many of her siblings own businesses. She said she understands the “hardships” businesses deal with and why it’s important to support one another in Putnam Valley.
Annabi said her relationship with the rest of the town board is a cooperative one, as she noted while they don’t agree on everything, there is a sense that the group works together to move the town in a positive direction.
“In a small town like this, (political) party doesn’t matter,” Annabi said.
Annabi also said she knows officials from Putnam County government all the way up to New York State government, which could be beneficial to Putnam Valley. Annabi currently works for NYS Sen. Sue Serino’s office.
“I want to stay with my residents, work with my residents,” Annabi said. “I think I proved in the two terms that I’ve been there that when something is asked of
me, it gets done, and it’s done with all my heart and I know I can continue to do more.”
When reached for comment, Oliverio, the Democrat and lifelong Putnam Valley resident running, said that he considers Annabi a friend and good councilperson. He doesn’t see it as two campaigns waging a battle between each other, but rather “two individuals with different visions.”
Oliverio said he is concerned over recent cuts to volunteer organizations, proposed zoning ordinances, and the lack of a Master Plan passed by the town board.
“In these very trying times though, experience and knowledge of our Town’s needs (in a proactive not reactive manner) is of utmost importance,” Oliverio said in an email. “With my experience as both a former Town Councilperson and Legislator, as an educator in our schools for over 30 years and as a life long resident of Putnam Valley; I know that if the people of Putnam Valley elect me as their next Town Supervisor, I will never let them down.”
