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A special election is underway in Catskill to fill a vacant seat on the Village Board of Trustees. Democrat Thomas Boomhower is the sole candidate on the ballot, but voters have the option to write in a candidate. The seat became vacant after Jeff Workman resigned in June due to increased job demands. If Boomhower wins, he will serve the remainder of Workman's term, which ends in March 2027.
Boomhower, 29, has lived in Catskill since 2019 and holds a Master's degree in history from the University at Albany, SUNY. He currently works as the senior director of program management at the Upstate Capital Association of New York. His campaign focuses on addressing housing shortages and enhancing youth programs in the village. He also aims to improve government transparency by implementing an email alert system for residents.
Polling stations are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Catskill Fire House. The board, currently operating with four members, anticipates that Boomhower's addition will bring diverse perspectives and aid in decision-making for upcoming resolutions, including those related to the Hudson Valley Power Authority and the Rent Emergency Stabilization Act.
Board President Natasha Law expressed enthusiasm for Boomhower's potential contributions, highlighting his economic development experience. Board member Dan Ward emphasized the importance of having a full five-member board to ensure diverse viewpoints in decision-making.