Sennett Sends Note To Town Party Chairs

Dear Town Chairs,

Tomorrow at 11 a.m. at City Hall in Kingston, located at 420 Broadway,
committee members of the Ulster County Democratic Party will gather to vote on
a waiver to allow a non-enrolled candidate primary against me--the currently
endorsed Democratic candidate for Ulster County District Attorney. 

At issue is a key question: Should we allow a candidate to force a primary
against a candidate already endorsed by the Democratic Party? The non-enrolled
candidate was given full access to participate in candidate forums and the
June 4th convention. He lost in an uncontested event. 

A primary can be a very costly undertaking, which in this case may not be
necessary. The non-enrolled candidate has stated his intent to run against the
Democratic Party candidate, on both the Conservative Party and Independence
Party lines, if you reject his request for a primary. 

The vote on Saturday focuses on a section of the New York State Election Law
known as a Wilson-Pakula Waiver. The intent of this waiver is to permit a
party to select its own candidates and protect the principles and integrity of
the party. It also permits a party to run a candidate for office when it has
no enrolled member of its own. As an enrolled member of the party, I proudly
accepted the Democratic nomination on June 4. 

The election process for Ulster County District Attorney is in essence a
protracted job interview: First with committee members and then with voters.
You are reviewing my skills and talents for a job that requires careful
examination of the law and responses leading to equal delivery of justice for
all in Ulster County. The district attorney will link the law enforcement
community with schools, churches and essential support services.

The Wilson-Pakula Waiver vote goes beyond selecting a candidate for this
particular race. Some have argued it circumvents the well-established
candidate selection process. This decision could impact the party with legal
and financial implications for years to come. We run the risk of having the
county committee's decision second-guessed in favor of someone not a member of the party.

As the candidate fortunate enough to receive your endorsement at the original
convention, I merely ask that you carefully weigh this decision, vote your
conscience and act in the best present and future interest of the Democratic
Party and the people of Ulster County. 

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully, 

Jonathan R. Sennett 
District Attorney Candidate