Low-key election will decide GOP committee person in District 31

Warwick — This Tuesday is primary day throughout New York state. Not much is happening here in Warwick. Yes, Conservative Party members will decide their candidate for judge — however, both Richard Farina and Peter Barlet are on the ballot in November anyway as Democrat and Republican, respectively. There is one Republican primary on Tuesday as well — voters in district 31, which is located in the Village of Warwick, off South Street Extension, will choose their representative for county committee. It is a four-way race. Anthony Portelli has held the position for the past dozen years. The 25-year resident of Hilltop Lane in the village is being challenged by Brenda Pender, Frank Bellomo and John Moore. All three challengers live elsewhere in the town, not in district 31. But, as Town Clerk Karen Lavinski noted, that is not a requirement. "The committee person does not have to live in the district," she said. That may be, but Portelli, who has served as a town councilman and village trustee and mayor, thinks it is better to live in the district you are representing. "The best representation you can hope to receive is from a neighbor," Portelli said. That will up to the voters. Voters will select two committee members, the second place vote-getter will serve as an alternate. Committee members attend meetings, fundraisers and other local events. Their main official duty is to select candidates to run for office. No one expects this election to draw out many voters. A little more than 300 Republicans in the district are affected and with no other races happening, not many are expected to come out. The polling place is at the Town Hall on Kings Highway, instead of the district's usual polling place at the fire station. Polling hours are from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. at the Town Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 13.