The speculation about which Democrats will run for Town of Hyde Park offices in the November election are over.
At its caucus on Wednesday, the Hyde Park Democratic Committee selected seven of its members to challenge their Republican rivals for the eight town offices up for election on Nov. 8.
The headlining race, the supervisor position, will feature former Democratic Supervisor Pompey Delafield against incumbent Republican Supervisor Yancy McArthur for the two-year term position.
These two candidates are not strangers when it comes to the supervisor race. They’re squaring off for the third time in four years, with Delafield winning in 2001 by 330 votes and McArthur winning in 2003 by 40 votes.
Delafield said he expects another close election against his rival.
“It’s a divided town,” Delafield said. “It always was and always will be, but that’s what makes it stronger.”
Delafield beat out former Dutchess County Clerk Richard Anderson in the caucus to officially become the Democratic candidate.
Delafield said he feels that Hyde Park residents are ready to see a more open and inclusive town government. Delafield encouraged each of the nearly 90 Democrats at the caucus to bring with them to the polls in November a town resident who does not normally vote.
“This election is not a shoe-in,” Delafield said. “We need your help. Get involved. Don’t be afraid to call us with your ideas. I need you to tell your neighbors I am a credible candidate.”
The Democrats unanimously nominated incumbent Democrat Councilman Robert Linville to run for re-election to the Ward 1 Town Board seat, and unanimously chose newcomer Carol Lally Metz to run for the Ward 2 seat. Former Democratic Councilman Robert Kampf is running for the Ward 3 seat, and newcomer Sharon Piraino-Buko is the Democrat running for the Ward 4 seat.
Linville’s Republican challenger is Mike Athanas, and Republican Sal Incorvaia is squaring off against Lally Metz. Incumbent Democrat Ward 2 Councilwoman Victoria Kane is not seeking re-election.
Kampf’s Republican opponent is incumbent Republican Councilman Angelo Targia, and Piraino-Buko is facing incumbent Republican Councilwoman Barbara Potter.
For the Highway Superintendent position, the committee unanimously nominated newcomer Tim Burns to challenge incumbent Republican Walt Doyle. The committee also selected Christopher Johnson to challenge incumbent Republican Carol Clearwater for Town Clerk.
The Highway Superintendent and Town Clerk positions both carry two-year terms.
The Democrats did not select a candidate to challenge incumbent Republican Judith O’Hara for Receiver of Taxes.
The Democratic candidates acted upbeat at the caucus, and many feel the races will be close.
“I’m looking forward to an interesting election,” said Kampf. “Angelo (Targia) will be very competitive.”