Lloyd Republicans packed the St. Augustine School gymnasium on Tuesday, June 14 for an electrifying, polarizing caucus that sent one incumbent packing by a vote of more than 2:1. Paul Hansut received 174 of 245 votes cast to become the party’s nominee for Town Supervisor. Hansut is a City of Poughkeepsie Detective and two-term Ulster County Legislator and Majority Leader who opted not to compete for a seat under a recently approved redistricting plan (to 23 single-representative constituencies, eliminating ten representatives).

Hansut was nominated by former councilman Mike Horodyski, who touted the candidate’s ability to build consensus and accomplish goals.

“Paul has the unique ability to bring people together. When the time comes and tough decisions need to be made, Paul will stand out front and make those decisions.

Good leadership takes character and a strong will, both qualities I think Paul Hansut represents. Looking at politics as a ‘the ends justify the means’ mentality is not the [right way to run a town],” said Horodyski.

Councilman Jeff Paladino seconded the nomination.

Hansut was the sole supervisor candidate endorsed on the Lloyd Republican Committee slate. Republican John Mazzetti, who nominated incumbent supervisor Ray Costantino, admonished the committee’s decision.

“I am totally perplexed by how our Republican Committee did not find it in their conscience to give the same courtesy to Ray as longtime incumbent supervisor as they will give to the three men who are running for highway superintendent,” said Mazzetti.

He lauded Costantino for his vision, determination, business savvy and love of community. He chided an elite faction of the Republican Party for clandestine machinations resulting in Costantino’s exclusion from the slate.

“Few people who are deeply submerged in political skulduggery have made that decision... They, together, had the audacity to endorse one candidate and not the other, and it stinks. That really stinks,” said Mazzetti. “I urge you to join me in voting for Ray Costantino so he can continue the great job he’s been doing for all the people. Let’s get the leaders of our town Republican Party out of the back rooms.”

Ben Bragg Jr. seconded the nomination. Costantino received 71 votes.

The gymnasium morphed into an official polling place, with a single line snaking its length. Voters’ names were checked against county enrollment rolls. Only registered Lloyd Republicans were eligible to vote. The process took approximately one hour, and the room buzzed with conversation throughout.

“Just know there’s no skullduggery,” said Horodyski, in response to Mazzetti’s claims.

After the results were announced, caucus chairman John Wadlin accepted nominations for town council. Councilman Herb Litts III, currently serving the remainder of a term vacated by Horodyski, was nominated by Mike Serini and seconded by planning board member Brad Scott. Litts, an engineer, project manager and adjunct professor, was named New York State Southern Region Engineer of the Year, 2009-2010. He is a former zoning board of appeals and planning board member.

Scott complimented Litts’ lifelong commitment to serving the Highland community.

“I don’t know many people that came out of college that year (1977) and joined community service. Young Herbie joined the Lloyd Planning Board. [He is] community-minded and, above all, fair. Every party in this town will vote for someone like that,” said Scott.

Matt Smith nominated Alan Van De Bogart, a businessman with a strong community service roster: member of the Water and Sewer Study Committee, Highland Rotarian, member of the Hudson Valley Rail Trail Association, Walkway Over the Hudson, and former member of the Lloyd Economic Development Committee. Mark Elia seconded the nomination.

“As a past councilman, Alan Van De Bogart and I had our moments. We went toe to toe and let me tell you: there’s a man who does his homework... It is with my great pleasure that I second that nomination,” said Elia.

Also nominated was businessman and Highland native William Robinson, who received 60 votes. With only two seats up for election, Litts, 150, and Van De Bogart, 113, became the party’s nominees.

Three committee-approved candidates vied for the opportunity to compete for the seat of the Ulster County Highway Superintendent, Frank Lombardi, who will retire at the end of his current term. Leonard Auchmoody was nominated by Charles Fiscella, seconded by Paladino.

“He will be a great calming and stable force as highway superintendent. With 39 years of experience in the construction industry at Rebena Construction and as owner of Leonard Auchmoody & Sons from 1983 to present,” said Fiscella.

Ulster County Planning Board and ZBA member Marion was nominated by Franco Zani, seconded by John Zani. Charles Meuser was nominated by Ben Bragg Sr., seconded by Charles Busick.

Auchmoody won the nomination with 93 of 185 votes. Marion and Meuser each received 46 votes. The results gave Auchmoody a majority of one vote, eliminating the potential for a revote.

The Republican party also voted to support incumbent Town Justice Eugene Rizzo, a registered Democrat. Along with Eleanor Gallagher of the Town of Marlborough, Rizzo is Ulster County’s longest-serving justice (since 1986).

The nominated candidates thanked the crowd for their support.

“My fellow Republicans, I would like to thank you for your support his evening. As we move into January 2012, [we will foster] a government that’s open and transparent, that’s going to include the community in our decision making,” said Hansut.

Republican Party Chairperson Nancy Hammond, who is not seeking reelection after her fifth four-year term, said it had been an honor to serve the Town of Lloyd. Throughout 20 years on the town board, Hammond oversaw the evolution of Lloyd’s world-class recreational facilities, business and light industry development and a growing population.

“There are many challenges ahead. I would urge you to attend town board meetings. Be informed on what’s going on in your community. Ask questions. Let your elected officials know your thoughts and feelings. They work for you,” said Hammond.