COPAKE—At their September 8 caucus, Copake Democrats chose candidates for three seats in the November 5 local election. The slate was announced by Rose Aulino, chairwoman of the Copake Democrat Committee, following the caucus.
According to a press release, caucus participants chose incumbent Town Justice Brian Herman for re-election, and for two Town Board seats, incumbent Jeanne Mettler and political newcomer Matt Cain.
In her speech nominating Justice Herman, Ms. Mettler emphasized his many years of experience as a sitting judge and the importance of selecting a candidate with formal legal training. “When you’re in the courtroom, either as a defendant or a complainant, you want to make sure that the person on the bench knows the law and doesn’t need to call on someone else for legal advice,” the release said.
Matt Cain, a 17-year Copake resident, said in the release that he believed his experience as a certified public accountant along with his passionate commitment to the goals of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan would serve him well on the Town Board. “As a homeowner in the heart of downtown Copake, I am committed to supporting and encouraging small business development, promoting agriculture and farmland preservation efforts and ensuring that Copake receives its fair share of available public and private funds for municipal services,” Mr. Cain said in the release. He and his wife Ingrid helped spearhead the successful campaign to restore the Copake Town Clock, among other volunteer activities.
Councilperson Mettler has been deputy supervisor since January 2012 and a member of the Copake Town Board since April 2012. She was chair of the Comprehensive Plan Committee from 2008 to 2011. As a member of the Town Board, Ms. Mettler has been instrumental in implementing the Comprehensive Plan, the release said.
