Latest news with #MichaelCashman
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Town supervisor to seek nomination for assembly seat
PLATTSBURGH — Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman announced his candidacy Thursday for the Democratic nomination in the upcoming 115th Assembly District Special Election. The assembly seat is being vacated by long-time Assemblyman Billy Jones, the lone North Country Democratic state lawmaker who recently announced his decision to resign from office at the end of August. 'After thoughtful consideration and conversations with neighbors across Clinton, Franklin and Essex counties, I'm stepping forward to continue a tradition of people-first public service,' Cashman said in an announcement Thursday. 'Billy Jones has been a tireless, trusted leader for this district. I'm proud to call him a friend and inspired by the example he's set. If nominated, I will work every day with the same integrity and energy, while bringing my own vision for the North Country's future.' Cashman, supervisor for the town of Plattsburgh since 2016, is the only candidate to come forward as of Thursday. However, last Thursday afternoon, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, released a statement throwing her support behind Malone Mayor Andrea Dumas for the 115th Assembly District seat. 'I am proud to endorse Andrea Dumas to be our Republican and Conservative candidate in the upcoming special election for NY's 115th Assembly District covering Clinton, and parts of Franklin and Essex Counties,' Stefanik stated in the news release. 'Andrea is a hardworking and effective local elected official who is well known and widely supported across the entire region. As a family member of a Correctional Officer, Andrea has been strong and outspoken against Kathy Hochul's war on our COs. She is strong on Northern border, small business, agriculture, tourism, law enforcement, and economic development issues.' Stefanik also noted Dumas' support for veterans and seniors, as well as the 2nd Amendment. 'I have spoken to numerous committee members, county leaders & chairs, elected officials, the Republican State Assembly leaders, the New York State Conservative Party leaders, the NYGOP, and all are very excited about Andrea's strong candidacy,' Stefanik stated in the news released Thursday. 'Andrea will flip this seat Republican and defeat whatever Kathy Hochul rubber stamp Democrat is nominated. I look forward to campaigning with Andrea in the coming weeks.' As of press time Thursday night, Dumas had not officially announced plans to run for the seat. There is no petition process for this election, according to David Souliere, Clinton County Republican Commissioner. It's a County Committee Chair nomination between the three chairs (Franklin, Clinton and Essex). Each chair has a weighted vote based on how many Republicans voted in the last gubernatorial election, which was in 2022. Clinton County has over 50% of the weight. This nomination meeting cannot officially occur until Jones' vacancy being, which is Aug. 31. The process is the same on the Democratic side. 'At this point in the process candidates would be seeking the nomination of their respective parties,' Souliere said Thursday evening via text message when contacted by the Press-Republican. 'Assuming resignation is effective end of August; the meetings would be held in early September as they have to be within 10 days after the vacancy and then filed with the NYS Board of Elections. 'Once the Governor officially proclaims the election date, we will be able to provide more info.' SPECIAL ELECTION Cashman, now 44, was the youngest person ever elected Plattsburgh town supervisor at 34 years old. He said declaring his candidacy for the assembly seat was a decision 'not taken lightly.' 'That's why I did my due diligence to engage in lots of thoughtful conversations,' he said. 'But, I think it's also important to declare the intent, understanding that there's a process and the (county) chairs are going to choose the candidate.' With Jones still in office until Aug. 31 — when his resignation is effective — Cashman said the chairs can't interview or pick a candidate until after then. The special election is then expected, but not confirmed, to coincide with the Nov. 4 General Election. This time frame leaves a small window for candidates to campaign in the geographically large, rural 115th district that spans across Clinton, Franklin and Essex counties, more than 40 communities and over 140,000 residents. Still, Cashman said he plans on getting out and talking to as many residents as possible. He also acknowledged that elections bring noise and distractions away from 'what matters.' 'What matters most is showing up, listening and delivering for the people you represent,' he said. 'I've worked with leaders from both parties standing shoulder-to-shoulder when the moment called for it, and pushing back when necessary. That's the kind of balanced, pragmatic leadership the North Country deserves.' ALBANY In the past 10 years as supervisor, Cashman said he has built valuable connections in Albany and made sure the North Country always had a voice there. He listed being elected vice president of the New York State Association of Towns by his peers, which champions local government priorities including infrastructure, housing and rural resources and leading bipartisan Clinton County delegations to Albany to advocate for local needs as examples of his statewide leadership. If elected as the next 115th assemblymember, Cashman said this advocacy would only continue but on a larger scale. 'I believe in a mantra of listen, learn and lead. The 115th District spans more than 40 communities, so it's making sure that there's a representative who listens to the constituents. They deserve a strong and clear voice in Albany who understands the opportunities and the challenges that we face,' he said. 'I think it's also critical to have somebody in the majority that can be in the room, that will be listened to as well.' Cashman is now almost two years into his third four-year term, which he previously said would be his last because he believes strongly in term limits at all levels of government. Many speculated whether or not Cashman would eventually seek higher office after his time as supervisor was over, but the opportunity for him to do so came sooner than expected. 'I think that every elected official always ponders what's next, but I had no thought that my good friend Billy would vacate the seat now, or that I would necessarily run,' he said. 'I really believe in a thoughtful process for this and if another candidate arises that is a better candidate, and I'm not the candidate, I will completely support them as well … but I believe I have skills and abilities that will benefit the district.' 'RECORD OF RESULTS' In his time in office, Cashman said he has a 'proven record of results' and listed these accomplishments as examples: — Fiscal stewardship: Delivered tax-cap-compliant budgets every year as town supervisor while making strategic investments in public safety, infrastructure, and community amenities maintaining fiscal discipline without sacrificing services. — Transforming key assets: A lead collaborator for the redevelopment of the former Clinton County Airport/Clinton County Business Invocation Gateway into a thriving commercial corridor unlocking new opportunities for job creation, education, private investment and long-term economic growth. — Veterans advocacy: Partnered with the Clinton County American Legion to establish the Battlefield Memorial Gateway and served as a North Country Honor Flight leader. — Community engagement: Founded events like Michigan Fest, bringing thousands together to celebrate North Country pride and support local businesses. — Cross-border cooperation: Spearheaded the 'Declaration of Friendship' with Cornwall, Ontario, strengthening economic and cultural ties between the North Country and Canada. 'This region has my heart,' Cashman said in closing. 'I'm honored to seek the nomination to serve the people of the 115th. I will bring energy, experience, and a track record of building partnerships that deliver results. These aren't abstract goals, they come from living here, listening to you, and working hard every day as your public servant.' Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Supervisor praises community response to Cliff Haven fire
PLATTSBURGH — The unsung hero of Wednesday's house fire on Champlain Drive in the Town of Plattsburgh's Cliff Haven neighborhood was the water department, a township supervisor said. As the fire engulfed the house and firefighters put stress on the water system to put it out, a water main break occurred and disrupted service for 47 Cliff Haven households. 'Without hesitation, our Water Department mobilized, isolating the issue and initiating repairs,' Town Supervisor Michael Cashman said Wednesday night. 'These moments are never easy, and solutions take time but I have no doubt in their priorities: Public health, safety and restoration. Their commitment is quiet but profound, and today it deserves to be celebrated as well.' The several local departments that showed up to put down the blaze as quickly as they did need their flowers as well, Cashman said. Cashman said the South Plattsburgh Fire Department led the charge with automatic aid quickly arriving from the Plattsburgh City and Peru fire departments. 'Their swift response was joined by a network of mutual aid from District #3, Morrisonville, Beekmantown, and Keeseville Fire Departments, with Cumberland Head and Keeseville standing by to cover the region,' he said. 'Emergency medical support from CVPH, support from CCOES Car 7 and investigators and crucial coordination from NYSP, NYSEG and Town Code Enforcement helped keep operations running smoothly and safely.' No injuries were reported in the blaze that displaced two adults. Volunteers with the American Red Cross provided immediate emergency aid to two people, organizers with the Northeastern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross said. According to Red Cross leaders, financial assistance has been provided two adults to be can used for shelter, food and clothing. Volunteers also offered health services, comfort kits containing personal care items, and blankets. Both residents are eligible for Veterans' services, officials said. In the coming days, Red Cross staff and volunteers will remain available to help those affected by the fire. Cashman said earlier this week, he attended a joint fire training session with several of the local departments that left an impression on him. 'Watching those men and women commit themselves to readiness left a lasting impression and today, their training was put into action. The outcome speaks for itself,' he said. 'As thick smoke filled the air this morning, I stood alongside first responders and watched as our region's did what it does best respond in times of crisis.' On scene Wednesday, Cashman said the fire was called in by a local resident. 'Early calls save lives. Community vigilance is one of our strongest defenses. Today was difficult, but it was also a powerful reminder of what makes this community special. Volunteers. Public servants. Neighbors. All stepping forward in unity,' he said.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Town, City of Plattsburgh Memorial Day parade to honor fallen veterans
PLATTSBURGH — Plattsburgh's rich military history, in both the town and city, made holding the upcoming joint Memorial Day parade together May 26 an easy choice. Town Supervisor Michael Cashman and city Mayor Wendell Hughes said during a news conference Wednesday the parade was another way in which the region can honor its veterans. 'Our community and our region does it best by continuing to celebrate and to honor these individuals,' Cashman said. 'I think we have a moral and ethical responsibility to continue to highlight the ultimate sacrifice that our veterans have contributed.' 'To be able to have a parade to honor all of our fallen veterans and — Clinton County has so many veterans and this is the 30th year of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base closing — to do this with the town's partnership is such an honor for me to stand here,' Hughes said. The parade will begin at noon Monday, May 26 at the West Side Ballroom, located in the Town of Plattsburgh, proceeding right onto New York Road, entering the traffic circle and continuing straight on New York Road before concluding at the U.S. Oval in the City of Plattsburgh. Following the parade, attendees are invited to gather at the U.S. Oval for a ceremony at 1 p.m., for a performance of the National Anthem by the Plattsburgh High School a cappella group Encore. Several food trucks will also be serving up food and drinks. To maintain the focus on honoring veterans, businesses will not be permitted to participate in the parade, city officials said. This is to ensure the event remains a respectful tribute rather than a promotional opportunity. Nonprofit organizations, schools and community groups not affiliated with the military were welcome to register and show their support. The deadline to register was May 15. Deputy Town Supervisor Chuck Kostyk, who went to Hughes in January and pitched the idea of a parade on a 'whim,' said a parade in Plattsburgh was something that needed to happen. 'It was a missing piece in an area that was so steeped in history, so steep in the love of country and the love of the veterans groups throughout the county. and really, we have to remember this day, to me, is really a civics lesson, and a parade should be a civics lesson,' Kostyk said. 'We have to put aside partisanship. We have to put aside any divisiveness. It's about recognizing those that made that ultimate sacrifice. We are so pleased from the town to be able to work with the City of Plattsburgh and make sure that we put on an event that we truly hope is going to grow and grow and grow.' The parade is among Plattsburgh's latest efforts to honor its veterans. In recent years, the town has made significant progress on its large Battlefield Memorial Gateway project. The town was also named the North Country's first Purple Heart Town. Greg Lee, an advocate for the local Disabled American Veterans Chapter 179, said the DAV will host a ceremony at the Plattsburgh Barracks Veterans Park, which the chapter has been caretakers of for almost 20 years, on the U.S. Oval after the parade. 'We'd just like to have everybody come out, show their support, honor our fallen,' he said. 'That's what it's all about.' Barrie Finnegan, executive director of the North Country Honor Flight, which, since 2013, has taken more than 900 area veterans on 59 flights to Washington to visit the war memorials of each conflict the nation has been involved in over the years, praised the town and city's collaboration efforts on the parade. 'A lot of conversations take place, and nothing ever happens. To have a conversation take place and see this thing come together and come to life is a great thing,' Finnegan said. 'The North Country of New York has the highest population of veterans in the state, and per capita has got some one of the highest considerations of everybody in the country. So for us to get a chance to memorialize on Memorial Day, all the people that didn't come home out of that population, is a great sense that we should we should all take pride in so we hope this comes out really well.' Joe Patnode, representing the American Legion as the fourth district commander for New York, similarly called the parade an honor. 'It's an honor to be able to take part in the first Memorial Day Parade we've had in Plattsburgh in many, many years,' Patnode said. 'I'm hoping that it turns out to be an educational moment for our youth, because people tend to forget Memorial Day is to honor our fallen. Veterans Day is to honor our veterans. So hopefully we can make this a learning evolution and keep our young people informed and keep people in tune of where we need to be.' Cashman said it's possible the parade may spur more collaboration and events between the town and city going forward. 'We're one large region, and I think it's important not to just create new initiatives for new initiative sakes,' Cashman said. 'You have to be strategic. It has to be purposeful and you have to also identify the resources.' The cost of the parade will be shared by both the town and city, he said. 'As it grows, we will probably have to recalibrate the expectations moving forward, but right now, low impact, high honor,' Cashman said.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Town of Plattsburgh approves dog tether law
PLATTSBURGH — The Town of Plattsburgh has approved its own dog tethering law after a local woman's efforts to get a Clinton County-wide law have yet to be successful. According to the town law, dog tethering or tying a dog outside during a weather event that poses 'an adverse risk to the health or safety of a dog based on breed, age or physical condition' for longer than 15 minutes is now prohibited; this includes tethering during temperatures above 85 degrees and temperatures below 32 degrees. However, the temperature aspect is dependent on the 'breed of dog' and its 'tolerance to the heat or cold.' Town Supervisor Michael Cashman said the town's law was modeled after the one put forth by Jennifer Jewett, a long-time advocate for a county-wide dog tether law that would ban tying dogs outside 24/7. The town's law, though, did not outline a 24/7 tether ban or any specific time limit beyond the 15-minute ban during a weather event. 'We are extremely grateful that Town Supervisor Mike Cashman and his board members took the time to create and approve their own Dog Tether Law,' Jewett said. 'There are so many ways to write a dog tether law. Some are stricter than others, but if a tether law provides added protection for chained dogs, we'll accept it as a win. We do hope that in the future the Town of Plattsburgh will tighten up their law, so that it stops 24/7 dog tethering.' Cashman said he had hoped the county would pass a tether law, so each of the 17 municipalities in the county would have the same, uniform law, but when that didn't happen, he knew the town would get its own done. 'It is a means by which to further protect man's best friend or person's best friend,' he said. 'I jokingly said a number of times … what do you call a dog? A North Country doorbell, because everybody's got one. So this law ensures that dogs have the habitat and resources, and that they're not susceptible to all of the conditions where they could be harmed.' The law now states that it will be unlawful in the town of Plattsburgh to: - Endanger such dog's health, safety and well-being. - Limit the movement of such dog because it is too short for the dog to move around or for the dog to urinate or defecate in a separate area from the area in which it must eat, drink or lie down. - Deny such dog the opportunity to exercise and engage in normal social interactions on a regular basis. - Leave any dog tethered to a fixed point, attached to an overhead dog run, or trolley system or placed in a dog enclosure unattended on vacant or abandoned property. - Leave a dog without access to shade, food, clean, fresh and potable water, shelter and dry ground without becoming entangled. There are also specifications on tethering restraints and enclosures including: - A dog shall not be tethered to a fixed point, running line, pulley or trolley system or any other system by means of a pinch collar. - A tethered dog, or dog confined to an enclosure must have access to appropriate shelter that will allow the dog to remain dry and to be protected from the elements. According to the law, a violation of any provisions of it can carry fines and eventually even jail time, with increasing consequences for each offense: - First offense carries a fine of $250 and/or an educational component at the judge's discretion. - Second offense carries a fine of $500 and/or an educational component at the judge's discretion. - Third offense carries a fine of $1,000 and/or imprisonment for no more than 15 days, or both, surrender of the dog, if ordered by the court, and costs of investigation and prosecution. Being the biggest municipality in the county, Cashman said he hopes other towns, which may still be hesitant to pass a law, will eventually follow the Town of Plattsburgh's lead. 'It is a milestone, but again, it goes back to … we would have wished for a county-wide law,' Cashman said. 'We were asked, and it didn't occur, but we had an opportunity to act, so we did that. As everybody knows, I'm a dog lover. I have three dogs myself.'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NY announces plan to revitalize Plattsburgh waterfront
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44) – Plattsburgh residents may be looking at a very different landscape downtown within the coming years. The New York Department of State (NYDOS) announced Monday that a plan for the future of Plattsburgh's waterfront has been completed. The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) plan identifies 31 potential projects ranging from additional signage and art displays and a seasonal ice rink to a new fishing pier. The plan also recommends improvements to a trail on the shore of Cumberland Bay. With the completion of this plan, the city now can apply for funding from the state to implement any of the recommended projects. The full plan is available on the NYDOS website. Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman called the plan 'a big step forward not just for the City, but for the entire region.' Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, was enthusiastic about the city's progress. He said, 'The completion of the city's waterfront revitalization plan is a major advance. 'It positions Plattsburgh for substantial new progress toward enhancing our connections with Lake Champlain and the Saranac River as major assets for the community's future economy and quality of life.' Any town in New York State with a waterfront, whether on a river, lake, or ocean, is entitled to begin the planning process for an LWRP project. Towns that already have such plans approved include Saranac Lake, Malone, Wilmington, Essex, and Whitehall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
