Supervisor Michael Sweeton launches campaign for County Executive

WARWICK —On Aug. 30, Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael P. Sweeton told a crowd of more than 300 supporters from across the political spectrum that he will seek the Republican endorsement to run for Orange County executive in 2013.
The event, where guests were treated to dinner, live music and dancing under the stars at Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery, raised more than $75,000 for the campaign.
Sweeton expressed his disappointment that current County Executive - and fellow Republican - Ed Diana appeared to have done an excellent job for the first ten years in the office but that over the past two years his administration had been marred by serious missteps.
“Our county needs a new style of leadership,” he said, “leadership that respects different points of view; leadership that allows free and open discussion and tries to reach the best decision after hearing all relevant facts; leadership where we have respect for one another.”
Diana has not announced whether he will seek another four-year term.
Another Republican, Chester Supervisor Steve Neuhaus, also has made it known he is considering a run for county executive.
Sweeton spoke of his thirty years running his own business and more than ten years running the government of Orange County’s largest town as evidence he’s up to the job despite what many say is his quiet low key style.
“I’m banking on the fact that the reasons that you support me here in the Town of Warwick will earn me that same kind of support throughout Orange County,” he said. “I believe that the people of Orange County will come to the conclusion that my quiet, just get the job done, style is what Orange County needs right now. We don’t need more of the same type of politics that so often characterizes our ambitious politicians.”
If elected, Sweeton promised honest, open government in which political cronyism is a thing of the past; a commitment to devote all of his energy and ability to governing and his best effort to keep taxes down to the lowest level possible while still delivering essential services.
“On each of these,” he said, “you have my solemn pledge.”

By Roger Gavan