Columbia County Republican Committee announces endorsed candidates for the 2023 election cycle
The Columbia County Republican Committee announced its endorsed candidates for the 2023 election cycle. The endorsements were made at the Columbia County Republican Committee’s Nomination Convention held at Kozel’s Restaurant Thursday evening.
The Columbia County Republican Committee’s endorsed candidates for 2023 are Columbia County Treasurer PJ Keeler, Ryan Carty for Columbia County District Attorney, Robert “Bob” Gibson for Columbia County Court Judge, Joyce Crawford for Columbia County Court Judge, and Kevin Marchetto, for Columbia County Coroner.
“Our fantastic Republican team will continue proven Republican leadership that’s delivering for Columbia County by strengthening public safety, protecting taxpayers, supporting local communities, and preserving our special quality of life,” Columbia County Republican Committee Chairman Greg Fingar said.
“From now through Election Day, our Committee will be engaged, active, and working hard for these terrific candidates, delivering a positive message of safer communities, lower taxes, less government, and more jobs. Republican leadership is working for Columbia County taxpayers, and we remain laser-focused on sharing that winning message and keeping Columbia County a safe, great place to live, work, raise a family, and start a business,” Columbia County Republican Committee Chairman Greg Fingar stated.
“Grassroots Columbia County Republicans are ready to work hard and bring home big victories this fall for our outstanding Republican team, who are primed to build on our successes, continue responsible, proven Republican leadership and keep our communities and kids safe. I'm excited for our candidates to get out and reach voters directly with our GOP team, about why the election this fall is so important to Columbia County’s future and public safety,” Columbia County Clerk Holly Tanner said.
The Columbia County Republican Committee’s endorsed candidates for 2023 are Columbia County Treasurer PJ Keeler, Ryan Carty for Columbia County District Attorney, Robert “Bob” Gibson for Columbia County Court Judge, Joyce Crawford for Columbia County Court Judge, and Kevin Marchetto, for Columbia County Coroner.
“Our fantastic Republican team will continue proven Republican leadership that’s delivering for Columbia County by strengthening public safety, protecting taxpayers, supporting local communities, and preserving our special quality of life,” Columbia County Republican Committee Chairman Greg Fingar said.
“From now through Election Day, our Committee will be engaged, active, and working hard for these terrific candidates, delivering a positive message of safer communities, lower taxes, less government, and more jobs. Republican leadership is working for Columbia County taxpayers, and we remain laser-focused on sharing that winning message and keeping Columbia County a safe, great place to live, work, raise a family, and start a business,” Columbia County Republican Committee Chairman Greg Fingar stated.
“Grassroots Columbia County Republicans are ready to work hard and bring home big victories this fall for our outstanding Republican team, who are primed to build on our successes, continue responsible, proven Republican leadership and keep our communities and kids safe. I'm excited for our candidates to get out and reach voters directly with our GOP team, about why the election this fall is so important to Columbia County’s future and public safety,” Columbia County Clerk Holly Tanner said.
Incumbent Columbia County Treasurer and lifelong Columbia County resident PJ Keeler is the endorsed Republican candidate for re-election to continue serving as Columbia County Treasurer.
Elected Columbia County Treasurer in 2011, PJ Keeler has continually proven himself an effective leader and manager, employing fiscally conservative policies that have let put Columbia County in a very sound financial position. PJ Keeler’s efforts and accomplishments as Columbia County Treasurer were acknowledged by Moody's Investor Service Report in November 2021 when they said, “Columbia County benefits from (Aa3) growing reserves, a strong regional economy, and conservative fiscal management. Conservative management has reduced costs and liabilities. The County has successfully grown its available fund balance, a testament to its management team.”
Serving as Columbia County Treasurer, PJ Keeler’s management style is one of inclusiveness, as he believes enhanced employee productivity comes from having ownership in the decision-making process. His record demonstrates his ability to effectively work with all parties to accomplish difficult tasks and achieve common goals.
As Columbia County Treasurer, PJ Keeler has increased efficiencies by reorganizing staff roles and responsibilities, reduced personnel costs by eliminating areas of duplication across County departments, and consolidated business functions into one central Business Office. Additionally, PJ Keeler helped reduce taxed receivable by over $7 million by working with the County Attorney's Office and the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, worked to keep a low tax levy, 8/10 of 1% over the last 7 years, saving Columbia County taxpayers approximately $2.5 million, and refunded high-interest bonds to obtain lower interest rates, saving taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.
Columbia County Treasurer PJ Keeler also created an initiative to help local fire departments cover the costs of a new state-mandated cancer insurance program and did so in a way that would not negatively affect either the County’s or local towns’ compliance with the state tax cap. Furthermore, Treasurer Keeler negotiated with banks to obtain higher interest rates and no banking fees on Columbia County deposits.
By employing strong fiscal management and conservative fiscal policy, PJ Keeler was successful in his efforts to have Columbia County removed from the New York State Comptroller’s Office watch list of municipalities “susceptible to fiscal stress,” an accomplishment achieved through the use of balanced budgets and strong operational oversight, leading to five straight years of budget surpluses.
“Serving as Columbia County Treasurer, I’ve kept my promise to always put Columbia taxpayers first by delivering fiscal responsibility, ensuring accountability to the taxpayers, achieving government efficiencies, protecting local finances, and ensuring essential services are delivered in the most efficient and effective manner possible. I’m proud to report that it’s been promises made, promises kept, and am grateful to receive our Columbia County Republican Committee’s endorsement for re-election,” Columbia County Treasurer PJ Keeler said.
Elected Columbia County Treasurer in 2011, PJ Keeler has continually proven himself an effective leader and manager, employing fiscally conservative policies that have let put Columbia County in a very sound financial position. PJ Keeler’s efforts and accomplishments as Columbia County Treasurer were acknowledged by Moody's Investor Service Report in November 2021 when they said, “Columbia County benefits from (Aa3) growing reserves, a strong regional economy, and conservative fiscal management. Conservative management has reduced costs and liabilities. The County has successfully grown its available fund balance, a testament to its management team.”
Serving as Columbia County Treasurer, PJ Keeler’s management style is one of inclusiveness, as he believes enhanced employee productivity comes from having ownership in the decision-making process. His record demonstrates his ability to effectively work with all parties to accomplish difficult tasks and achieve common goals.
As Columbia County Treasurer, PJ Keeler has increased efficiencies by reorganizing staff roles and responsibilities, reduced personnel costs by eliminating areas of duplication across County departments, and consolidated business functions into one central Business Office. Additionally, PJ Keeler helped reduce taxed receivable by over $7 million by working with the County Attorney's Office and the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, worked to keep a low tax levy, 8/10 of 1% over the last 7 years, saving Columbia County taxpayers approximately $2.5 million, and refunded high-interest bonds to obtain lower interest rates, saving taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.
Columbia County Treasurer PJ Keeler also created an initiative to help local fire departments cover the costs of a new state-mandated cancer insurance program and did so in a way that would not negatively affect either the County’s or local towns’ compliance with the state tax cap. Furthermore, Treasurer Keeler negotiated with banks to obtain higher interest rates and no banking fees on Columbia County deposits.
By employing strong fiscal management and conservative fiscal policy, PJ Keeler was successful in his efforts to have Columbia County removed from the New York State Comptroller’s Office watch list of municipalities “susceptible to fiscal stress,” an accomplishment achieved through the use of balanced budgets and strong operational oversight, leading to five straight years of budget surpluses.
“Serving as Columbia County Treasurer, I’ve kept my promise to always put Columbia taxpayers first by delivering fiscal responsibility, ensuring accountability to the taxpayers, achieving government efficiencies, protecting local finances, and ensuring essential services are delivered in the most efficient and effective manner possible. I’m proud to report that it’s been promises made, promises kept, and am grateful to receive our Columbia County Republican Committee’s endorsement for re-election,” Columbia County Treasurer PJ Keeler said.
Columbia County Assistant District Attorney and Kinderhook resident Ryan Carty is the endorsed Republican candidate for Columbia County District Attorney. Serving under current Columbia County District Attorney Paul Czajka, Ryan Carty has worked in all 21 City, Town, and Village Justice Courts throughout Columbia County, prosecuting all crimes, including misdemeanor assaults, Driving While Intoxicated offenses, as well as property-related crimes.
As Columbia County Assistant District Attorney, Ryan Carty presented felony cases to the Columbia County Grand Jury, resulting in felony indictments being filed with the Columbia County Courts. Indicted offenses included burglaries, possession, and sale of narcotics, grand larcenies, and fraud cases. Ryan Carty has worked on long-term investigations and prosecutions of serious crimes, including homicides and offenses against children, trying numerous cases of murder and child sexual abuse. Additionally, he is a member of the Columbia County Treatment Court Team assisting members of the community battling addiction.
A graduate of Albany Law School where he earned his Juris Doctorate, Ryan Carty attended Syracuse University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Minors in Communications and Rhetorical Studies. Ryan interned with the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office, the Office of Columbia County Court Judge Jonathan D. Nichols and received an internship with the Attorney General’s Office in the Sex Offender Management Bureau. While interning with the Attorney General, Ryan was called back to the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office because of the desire to serve his home community.
Ryan Carty was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2015. In 2018, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation honored Ryan with a Special Services Award for Outstanding Enforcement Efforts, recognized for the successful prosecution of an assault against Environmental Conservation Officer James Davey who was gravely injured.
“It is an honor being endorsed to serve as Columbia County’s next District Attorney. I aspire to live up to the mantle of those who came before me, including my mentor and good friend, our outgoing District Attorney, Paul Czajka. As Columbia County District Attorney I will continue the office’s important work of keeping Columbia County families safe and protecting our communities,” Ryan Carty said.
As Columbia County Assistant District Attorney, Ryan Carty presented felony cases to the Columbia County Grand Jury, resulting in felony indictments being filed with the Columbia County Courts. Indicted offenses included burglaries, possession, and sale of narcotics, grand larcenies, and fraud cases. Ryan Carty has worked on long-term investigations and prosecutions of serious crimes, including homicides and offenses against children, trying numerous cases of murder and child sexual abuse. Additionally, he is a member of the Columbia County Treatment Court Team assisting members of the community battling addiction.
A graduate of Albany Law School where he earned his Juris Doctorate, Ryan Carty attended Syracuse University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Minors in Communications and Rhetorical Studies. Ryan interned with the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office, the Office of Columbia County Court Judge Jonathan D. Nichols and received an internship with the Attorney General’s Office in the Sex Offender Management Bureau. While interning with the Attorney General, Ryan was called back to the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office because of the desire to serve his home community.
Ryan Carty was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2015. In 2018, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation honored Ryan with a Special Services Award for Outstanding Enforcement Efforts, recognized for the successful prosecution of an assault against Environmental Conservation Officer James Davey who was gravely injured.
“It is an honor being endorsed to serve as Columbia County’s next District Attorney. I aspire to live up to the mantle of those who came before me, including my mentor and good friend, our outgoing District Attorney, Paul Czajka. As Columbia County District Attorney I will continue the office’s important work of keeping Columbia County families safe and protecting our communities,” Ryan Carty said.
A local attorney and Kinderhook resident Robert “Bob” Gibson is the endorsed Republican candidate for Columbia County Court Judge. Robert Gibson is a longtime resident of Columbia County and lives in the house in which he was raised.
Robert Gibson has been a practicing attorney since 2000 and presently serves as Columbia County’s Commissioner of Social Services, managing a $38 million budget and 140 employees, and administering programs to benefit residents and keep children and families safe.
Before his tenure as Columbia County Commissioner of Social Services, Gibson served as a prosecutor with the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office handling serious criminal matters, including grand jury presentments, domestic violence, and sex abuse cases, misdemeanor prosecutions in the several town and village courts throughout the County. Gibson also served as the District Attorney’s representative on the Columbia County Treatment Court, an alternative to traditional prosecution for members of the community suffering from alcohol and/or substance abuse and addiction.
A graduate of Columbia-Greene Community College, the University at Albany, and Albany Law School, Gibson has also worked in private legal practice on civil litigation, criminal law, and family law. For over a decade, he represented children and families while serving as a defense attorney in Capital Region courts.
“I’m running for Columbia County Court Judge to help keep our community a safe place for children and families. I would be honored to utilize my extensive legal experience and public sector leadership serving my fellow resident as their next Columbia County Judge,” Robert Gibson said.
Robert Gibson has been a practicing attorney since 2000 and presently serves as Columbia County’s Commissioner of Social Services, managing a $38 million budget and 140 employees, and administering programs to benefit residents and keep children and families safe.
Before his tenure as Columbia County Commissioner of Social Services, Gibson served as a prosecutor with the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office handling serious criminal matters, including grand jury presentments, domestic violence, and sex abuse cases, misdemeanor prosecutions in the several town and village courts throughout the County. Gibson also served as the District Attorney’s representative on the Columbia County Treatment Court, an alternative to traditional prosecution for members of the community suffering from alcohol and/or substance abuse and addiction.
A graduate of Columbia-Greene Community College, the University at Albany, and Albany Law School, Gibson has also worked in private legal practice on civil litigation, criminal law, and family law. For over a decade, he represented children and families while serving as a defense attorney in Capital Region courts.
“I’m running for Columbia County Court Judge to help keep our community a safe place for children and families. I would be honored to utilize my extensive legal experience and public sector leadership serving my fellow resident as their next Columbia County Judge,” Robert Gibson said.
Columbia County Assistant District Attorney and Germantown resident Joyce Crawford is the endorsed Republican candidate for Columbia County Court Judge. Since 2016, Joyce Crawford has served in the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office as Assistant District Attorney where she tried dozens of cases.
Joyce Crawford has specialized training in child physical and sexual abuse cases, presented cases to the grand jury, written, and argued appeals before the Appellate Division, and provided extensive training to local law enforcement on the state’s discovery, bail reform, and cannabis laws, respectively.
Joyce Crawford’s extensive legal experience also includes her work at Polaris Management Partners, and the Law Office of Backes & Backes, LLC. Joyce Crawford is a graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law where she earned her Juris Doctor, graduating cum laude, with a Health Law Concentration. Her extensive academic honors include the ABA/BNA Award for Excellence in the study of Health Law and winning first place at the University of Maryland Carey School of Health Law Regulatory and Compliance Competition. Joyce Crawford earned her Bachelor of Arts, and graduated magna cum laude, in International Affairs and Political Science from Northeastern University, receiving the Excellence Scholarship and the Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship.
Joyce Crawford is admitted to the New York Bar and the New Jersey Bar and served her local community as a member of the Germantown Planning Board from 2015 to 2016.
“I’m humbled to receive the Columbia County Republican Committee’s endorsement for Columbia County Court Judge. My adult life has been dedicated to the law, promoting public safety, and the honest, ethical, impartial administration of justice. I will bring my proven work ethic, belief in the law, and commitment to these values as Columbia County Court Judge,” Joyce Crawford said.
Joyce Crawford has specialized training in child physical and sexual abuse cases, presented cases to the grand jury, written, and argued appeals before the Appellate Division, and provided extensive training to local law enforcement on the state’s discovery, bail reform, and cannabis laws, respectively.
Joyce Crawford’s extensive legal experience also includes her work at Polaris Management Partners, and the Law Office of Backes & Backes, LLC. Joyce Crawford is a graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law where she earned her Juris Doctor, graduating cum laude, with a Health Law Concentration. Her extensive academic honors include the ABA/BNA Award for Excellence in the study of Health Law and winning first place at the University of Maryland Carey School of Health Law Regulatory and Compliance Competition. Joyce Crawford earned her Bachelor of Arts, and graduated magna cum laude, in International Affairs and Political Science from Northeastern University, receiving the Excellence Scholarship and the Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship.
Joyce Crawford is admitted to the New York Bar and the New Jersey Bar and served her local community as a member of the Germantown Planning Board from 2015 to 2016.
“I’m humbled to receive the Columbia County Republican Committee’s endorsement for Columbia County Court Judge. My adult life has been dedicated to the law, promoting public safety, and the honest, ethical, impartial administration of justice. I will bring my proven work ethic, belief in the law, and commitment to these values as Columbia County Court Judge,” Joyce Crawford said.
Valatie resident and 32-year law enforcement veteran Kevin Marchetto is the endorsed candidate for Columbia County Coroner.
Kevin Marchetto is a graduate of Chatham High School and the Zone 14 Police Academy, possessing over three decades of proven, practical, professional law enforcement experience, including 12 years serving as Police Chief for the Town of Greenport, and 19 years’ service as a Columbia County Deputy Sheriff. Kevin Marchetto also served in law enforcement for the Village of Chatham.
Kevin Marchetto’s extensive police background includes crime scene training, accident investigations, and work as a Marine Patrol Specialist. He is a proud, lifelong resident of Columbia County.
“Being endorsed to run for Columbia County Coroner is a genuine privilege and I appreciate the Committee’s trust in my experience and abilities. The position of County Coroner is an incredibly serious responsibility, one that requires compassion, empathy, and concern for the departed and their family. Communicating the loss of a loved one, and offering comfort, it’s the hardest part of any job in law enforcement. Maintaining the integrity, professionalism, and compassion of the County Coroner’s Office will be a top priority for me as Columbia County Coroner,” Kevin Marchetto said.
Kevin Marchetto is a graduate of Chatham High School and the Zone 14 Police Academy, possessing over three decades of proven, practical, professional law enforcement experience, including 12 years serving as Police Chief for the Town of Greenport, and 19 years’ service as a Columbia County Deputy Sheriff. Kevin Marchetto also served in law enforcement for the Village of Chatham.
Kevin Marchetto’s extensive police background includes crime scene training, accident investigations, and work as a Marine Patrol Specialist. He is a proud, lifelong resident of Columbia County.
“Being endorsed to run for Columbia County Coroner is a genuine privilege and I appreciate the Committee’s trust in my experience and abilities. The position of County Coroner is an incredibly serious responsibility, one that requires compassion, empathy, and concern for the departed and their family. Communicating the loss of a loved one, and offering comfort, it’s the hardest part of any job in law enforcement. Maintaining the integrity, professionalism, and compassion of the County Coroner’s Office will be a top priority for me as Columbia County Coroner,” Kevin Marchetto said.