Hotly Contested Hudson Valley Election Leads to High Voter Turnout
Five villages in Dutchess County had their elections yesterday for the positions of mayor, village trustee, and village justice. The village of Rhinebeck had a few hotly contested races that drew an unusually high number of voters to the polls.
The race for Village Mayor pitted Trustee Gary Bassett against incumbent Mayor Heath Tortarella. The position, which carries a two-year term and an annual salary of $8,000 was won by Bassett who garnered 444 votes compared to Tortarella's 413.
Two seats on the village board were also up for election with four candidates seeking the position which carries a two-year term and an annual salary of $6,400. Incumbent Trustee Howie Traudt kept his seat by receiving 458 votes. The second seat was won by Richard Lewit who received 450 votes. Incumbent Gina Fox failed to keep her seat by coming in third with 411 votes and Sarah Burke finished last with 395 ballots cast in her favor.
The position of Rhinebeck Village Justice had Judge William Sanchez running unopposed for the seat that has a two-year term and an annual salary of $15,000. Judge Sanchez received 803 votes.