Orange County Libertarian Party (New York)
| Orange County Libertarian Party | |
| |
| General Information | |
| Jurisdiction: | Orange County, New York |
| Established: | July 21, 2019 |
| Chartered: | July 28, 2019 |
| Status: | Active |
| Officers | |
| Chair: | Juan Ayala |
| Vice-Chair: | Pietro S. Geraci |
| Secretary: | Nicole Hewson |
| Treasurer: | Daniel Serritello |
| Media | |
| Website: | Website |
| Facebook: | |
The Orange County Libertarian Party is an affiliate of the Libertarian Party of New York.
History
The Orange County Libertarian Party was established in 2019 after it was organized by Pietro Geraci. Since then, the affiliate has become increasingly active: advocating against towns and cities opting out of legal cannabis sales, most notably in Middletown, tabling at community events, and running candidates for office. The affiliate is a constant thorn in the side of the Middletown city government, holding officials accountable for their injurious policies. The affiliate also stood up for a local tavern owner in 2024 after the Town of Newburgh alleged he did not obtain the proper permits prior to installing electric vehicle charging stations at his business. A petition urges the Town to drop the charges was displayed at the Town of Newburgh Community Day for passersby to sign, and this petition was presented to the Board a few days later.
The affiliate previously ran Pietro S. Geraci for Newburgh Town Council in 2020, and Juan Ayala for Middletown City Alderman in 2021 and Middletown School Board in 2022, and will be supporting Juan's candidacy for Mayor in 2025.
Leadership
Current
- Juan Ayala, Chair (since December 15, 2022)
- Pietro S. Geraci, Vice-Chair (since December 15, 2022)
- Nicole Hewson, Secretary (since June 29, 2023)
- Daniel Serritello, Treasurer (since October 20, 2024)
- Andy Finnegan, Member At-Large (since October 21, 2021)
Former
- Chair
- Pietro S. Geraci (July 21, 2019—December 15, 2022)
- Vice-Chair
- Richard Lomnitzer, Vice-Chair (July 21, 2019—November 18, 2020)
- Maggie Rose Holmes (November 18, 2020—December 15, 2022)
- Secretary
- Joseph P. Candela II, Secretary (July 21, 2019—May 30, 2020) - resigned
- Michael Buffamante (May 30, 2020—June 30, 2023) - resigned
- Treasurer
- Chris Vondras (July 21, 2019—April 2022) - resigned
- Eamon McAuliffe (April 2022—January 2023) - resigned
- Becca Gente (June 29, 2023—October 20, 2024 - resigned
- At-Large
- Ray Wasnieski, At-Large (May 30, 2020—September 23, 2021) - resigned
- Steering Committee
- George KyDon, Chair of the Steering Committee (2019)
Conventions and Meetings
- July 21, 2019 (officers took office immediately)
- September 12, 2020 (officers took office November 18, 2020)
- October 8, 2022 (officers took office December 15, 2022)
- October 4, 2024 (meeting)
- October 20, 2024 (convention)