February 7, 2022 / Mahopac, NY: On Saturday, February 5th Assemblyman Kevin Byrne joined his wife Briana and son Braeden to address a packed audience at his in-person campaign kick-off for Putnam County Executive. Over 100 supporters attended the event despite an ice storm touching down on the region the day before. The attendees included prominent elected officials, representatives from organizations endorsing Byrne, and supporters throughout the county.
Prior to his remarks, numerous guest speakers were invited to address the attendees and speak on behalf of Byrne. This included an invocation from long-time Mahopac resident Peg Doherty, the Pledge of Allegiance by Putnam County Conservative Party Chairman James Maxwell, remarks from former Putnam Deputy County Executive & Carmel Town Supervisor Frank Del Campo, and a surprise presentation from FDNY Firefighter Justin Byrne (no relation to the candidate) who read a letter from Uniformed Firefighters Association of New York City President Andrew Ansbro offering Byrne the full endorsement from New York City’s Bravest.
Chairman Maxwell introduced Byrne and informed attendees that the Conservative Party is proudly backing Kevin as their sole candidate for Putnam County Executive. “No one is better or more qualified for the job” Maxwell stated.
Byrne entered the event led by bagpiper Robert Krause, formerly of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Dept. Pipe Band, creating a raucous standing applause from the packed audience.
Throughout his remarks, Assemblyman Kevin Byrne outlined his background and experience as well as his vision to lead Putnam County forward to a brighter future.
He spoke of his feats from the public, private and non-profit sectors, but honed in on his legislative know-how and leadership from serving in the Assembly. He depicted his ability to stand up to former disgraced Governor Andrew Cuomo when few others would, specifically when it pertained to his COVID-19 nursing home and book deal scandals.
“We were told repeatedly by naysayers that nothing would ever happen, but something did. Andrew Cuomo did not leave office willingly. Make no mistake: it is because of our voices, advocacy, and determination that he is no longer Governor of New York. Rest assured, I will take that same passion, dedication, and vigor to work here in Putnam County as your next County Executive.”
Byrne also contrasted Putnam County from New York City and pledged his clear opposition to any potential renewed effort by the extreme Left to make Putnam County a “sanctuary county” and said he would continue his work to protect our elections by pledging only American Citizens would vote in Putnam County’s municipal elections (last year New York City passed a law permitting 800,000 non-citizens to vote in its local elections).
Providing his vision for the future of Putnam County, Kevin added that “As your County Executive I will work for limited government, priority-based budgeting, transparency, stand up for active military, veterans and first responders, and we will support all of our Constitutional freedoms–including our First & Second Amendments.”
Byrne outlined specific proposals and initiatives to better improve the efficiency of County Government. Starting by supporting priority based budgeting, placing a cap on new discretionary county spending, introducing and passing a Taxpayer Bill of Rights which would require ANY tax increase be approved by a ⅔ majority vote of the legislature, placing a freeze on pay-raises for politicians, increasing transparency and enhancing access to the County Executive’s office by conducting annual constituent forums as he does in the Assembly, and improving morale among the county workforce by showing respect, by updating the county’s mission statement, and by providing mission statements for each county department.
Byrne closed his remarks by also addressing the elephant in the room. He acknowledged that there is indeed an entrenched establishment working against his candidacy, but made it clear he would not be intimidated and continued to offer his promise to better Putnam County.
“If you haven’t noticed by following this race, there is an establishment that’s working against us, but I want you to know I will not be dissuaded by those in power or others who are creatures of the establishment. I took on the establishment in Albany and if I have to take it on in my own backyard- I’ll do that too … I am running for Putnam County Executive to improve our county, protect our families, and ensure our amazing county continues to prosper. We will do this together, and we will win.”
Other endorsements of Byrne’s candidacy that were highlighted at the kick-off included the following:
Environmental Police Benevolent Association (EPBA)
Westchester County Correction Officers Benevolent Association (WCOBA)
Westchester County Corrections Superior Officers Association
New York State Young Republican Chairman Peter Giunta
New York State Teen Republicans
Former Deputy County Executive & Former Town of Carmel Supervisor Frank DelCampo
Former Putnam County Clerk Dennis Sant
Fmr Chief of Staff Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino & Fmr Chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, George Oros
Former Putnam County Legislator Roger Gross
Town of Southeast Councilman Eric Larca
Town of Putnam Valley Councilman Christian Russo
United States Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis
Former U.S. Congresswoman Nan Hayworth
NYS Assemblyman & Candidate for U.S. Congress in Putnam County, Colin Schmitt
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As a candidate for county executive, Kevin brings a diverse background of knowledge and management experience from his time working in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Prior to his three terms in the state Assembly, Kevin worked in healthcare administration for New York’s largest private multi-specialty medical group. He also served as a regional director for the American Heart Association, deputy district director to former Congresswoman Nan Hayworth, member of the Putnam Valley Town Planning Board, and emergency medical technician for Westchester EMS and the Kent Volunteer Fire Department, where he served three terms as president. Kevin earned an M.P.A. with a concentration in healthcare administration from Marist College, and he holds a B.A. from the University of Scranton.
Kevin Byrne is a lifelong resident of Putnam County and resides in Mahopac with his wife, Briana (Messina) Byrne, and their son Braeden.
To learn more and to get involved please visit www.Byrne4Putnam.com