22-03-2025
City of Plattsburgh Dems announce candidates
PLATTSBURGH — The City of Plattsburgh Democratic Committee has made its endorsements for city and Clinton County races this year.
In a news release Tuesday, City Democrats Chair Kim Hartshorn announced the committee was endorsing Julie Baughn for City Councilor Ward 1, James 'Jim' Evans for Ward 2 and Jennifer Tallon for Ward 4.
All three candidates are incumbents in their respective races.
WARD 1
Baughn, the committee's pick for Ward 1, has represented the district since 2023. The committee said Baughn brings 'a wealth of experience to the position as a long time contributor to the life of our downtown.'
Baughn was appointed mayor pro tem this year under new Mayor Wendell Hughes.
Baughn said she decided to run again because she is 'really enjoying the new, more positive work environment' and 'proud to serve Ward 1.'
'I have many ideas and am excited for the future in the City of Plattsburgh. Some of those ideas are focusing on Ward 1's South Acres park. We are hoping to get a new roof on the historic red barn, possibly restore indoor activities, and improve the playground equipment,' she said.
'As mayor pro tem this year, I have had the opportunity to be involved in different elements of City government and have found it rewarding. One of those new experiences was participating in Local Government Lobby Day in Albany. It was amazing and I learned so much.
'If elected for a second term, I am looking forward to serving Ward 1 and being a part of some wonderful future plans that Mayor Hughes and the Council have for the City of Plattsburgh.'
WARD 2
Evans, an IT engineer in the IT department at the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital for the past 35 years, understands 'project management and is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility,' the committee said. He is their choice for the Ward 2 seat on the ballot again this year.
Evans is new to the council, having been appointed to the seat by Mayor Hughes in early January after former Councilor Jacob Avery resigned late last year.
Avery was elected to a three-year term for the Ward 2 seat in November of 2023.
Following Evans' appointment to the council in January, he said there are some obvious issues in his ward he hopes to help resolve as councilor, with the biggest issue being the rain storms that hit Waterhouse Street residents' homes hard last summer and left their basements flooded with raw sewer water.
WARD 4
Tallon is seeking a third term to continue her work and has been endorsed by the City Democrats because 'Jennifer is committed to the life and future of our city and is seen at every City event.'
Tallon has been the city councilor for Ward 4 since 2021 and is involved in many civic organizations in the county. She served as mayor pro tem in 2023.
'I decided to run for a third, and final term, because I really believe that as a part of the Hughes Administration, our team will keep our city moving forward in a direction of continuous improvement. Here's what I mean by that:
'We need to make sure that broken or failing infrastructure gets fixed or replaced.
'We need to make sure that the City takes advantage of grant opportunities for repairs and new projects whenever possible.
'We need to show that we believe in our city, and that we are welcoming to opportunities for positive development. More housing will only become available when developers agree to build here. It's the same with business development.
'We need to keep letting people know that their voice matters, and if there is an issue that cannot be resolved directly, and quickly, that all are welcome to share their concerns at our Common Council meetings.
'Like many of my constituents, I am a property-owning taxpayer too, so I know how it feels when my assessment goes up. I want to help keep the City affordable to live in. We can keep making the tax cuts, from the finalized budget, a priority.
'I am grateful to serve the city I was born and raised in, and I try to show that whenever I can with my support of community events and local businesses.'
COUNTY SEATS
Additionally, the committee endorsed two candidates for the Clinton County Legislature.
The committee endorsed Ron Deragon to represent County Legislative District 8, which includes the south side of the city. Deragon has extensive background in real-estate which informs his concerns regarding property taxes, the committee said.
So far, Brandy McDonald has also shared his intentions to run for the Area 8 seat as a Democrat, possibly setting up a primary in June. Republicans have not announced a candidate for the Area 8 seat, yet.
City Democrats also endorsed David Kerr for the Area 10 seat to follow in the steps of long-time Democratic Legislator Bobby Hall. Kerr earned an MBA from Northeastern University and works as a Site Financial Controller for a major local company.
Republicans have endorsed Brandon Wallberg for the Area 10 seat.
'Our candidates will be walking our neighborhoods over the next few weeks to meet and listen to their potential constituents and to gather signatures on their Designating Petitions. These five candidates will lead our City and County to a strong and viable future with your support,' the committee said.
REPUBLICANS
David Souliere IV, the city Republican Party chairman, said they don't have official candidates for the Common Council races yet.
'We are continuing to explore and vet candidates for City Council that will work productively with the current City Council and Mayor to bring recreation opportunities, safe communities, and a solution to the City's long-term debt issues,' Souliere said.
'The City can no longer spend its way out of debt, and we must reject overly progressive City candidates this election cycle.'
