‘We need to abandon customary political norms’

The following is a statement from Warwick town supervisor and candidate for County Executive Michael P. Sweeton:

Ed Diana’s announcement that he will not seek a fourth term as County Executive brings to a close a remarkable political career. If the voters choose to entrust me with this office for the next four years, I will work hard to preserve what’s best about Ed’s legacy.

There will also be many changes.

What got me into the race for county executive this year was not any personal issue, but a series of profound disagreements on policy over the past couple of years. I’ve spent a great deal of time making my views known on how best to resolve these differences, and that has helped the voters of Orange County form a clear idea of why I’m the best choice to lead us to that resolution and beyond.

Ed’s announcement will throw the Orange County political world into chaos for a short time, but also clarifies for the Republican Party and its voters the very clear choice they now have before them.

Three-way races are always difficult.

Now Orange County voters will be able to focus on the very different backgrounds, records and styles of the two remaining candidates.

I am confident that the mature, steady, consensus-building public servant, as opposed to the young and ambitious lifelong politician, will carry the day at the Republican convention next month, and if necessary, in the Republican primary in September.

We need to abandon customary political norms and move to a new level of open government.

Michael P. Sweeton
Warwick