With Doctor, Family Backings, Mazzei Calls It Quits

Surrounded by family, friends, town board members and other officials, longtime Town Clerk Ruth Mazzei announced plans to say goodbye to the politics of Southeast Thursday.

She delivered the "bittersweet" news that she will not make a sixth run for town clerk at a 5 p.m. press conference in front of 1 Main Street in the Village of Brewster. She cited her physical and mental health, which she linked to "continuous harassment and intimidation," as the primary reason for the decision.

Take a look at the video at right for Mazzei's exact words, which included references to Supervisor Michael Rights and Councilman Dwight Yee's alleged actions.

Rights did not pick up his cell phone when Patch called around 5:40 p.m. Thursday. His voice mailbox was full.

Yee would not comment on Mazzei's statements, only speaking of criticism he said she received from the state comptroller's office last year.

He had not heard the news prior to speaking with Patch.

Deputy Town Clerk Michele Stancati confirmed that she is running for the position. 

Other Election Updates

The Southeast Republican Committee met Wednesday and voted to nominate Putnam County Legislator for Southeast Supervisor, as well as incumbent Roger Gross and Edwin Alvarez for councilmen. The body is also backing Stancati.