BY: Keith S. Shikowitz, Editor in Chief/Investigative Reporter
The candidates for Clarkstown Town Council just finished up an election season 4 months ago, but due to a new, New York State law making all elections happen during even years, they have to do this all over again this year instead of in 2027. As such, they need to raise money for this campaign. Mike Graziano kicked off his 2026 campaign at Fire and Cork on Wednesday March 4. There were about 150 people there to help Graziano get the campaign started.
Councilman Bob Axelrod from Ward 4 made the first speech of the evening.
“I am, Michael’s running mate and teammate and friend, and I just wanted to say a couple of words, introduction. I know Mike for a number of years. I’m just proud to be his partner on the town board. He started out in 2019 on the board, I’m really proud to say that I helped him get, get in office because I really believe in him. I believe in him as a person that does so much for the town, for the people of Clarkstown, he has a tremendous record in terms of volunteering. He’s volunteered on a number of committees, works with youth groups in terms of sports, but most of all, as a firefighter, 38 years on the Congers Fire Department. I’m so impressed and, and, and awed by what he does. ”
He compared Graziano’s work with the Congers FD to the show 911 about the California firefighters, and the work that they do, and it’s just amazing. “I think of Mike and all the people that he’s actually worked for and helped and saved, and he’s gotten himself, in terms of harm’s way.
He handed the mike over to Al Maroni, George Hoehmann’s chief of staff, to say a few words on behalf of George Hoehmann.
“He is currently Albany as we speak with our great Senator Weber and he is working to try to bring more money back to the Town of Clarkstown, and he specifically asked me to stop by and just say a few words about Mike. He considers Mike to be the basic component of a winning team in Clarkstown. Next year and for years to come and so on behalf of the supervisor, I want to just say to you all thank you for being here. The supervisor, thanks you for being here and I am wishing that Mike Graciano will be with us for a very long time. ”
“What can I say? I don’t know if you hear me back there, but I hate microphones, and you know, I speak with my hands and I can’t keep the microphone still. I want to first thank my family, thank my wife Denise. My children here with Alice, Christina, and Rosario. Francesca’s working at Columbia, so she couldn’t be here. I’ve got my grandson here, little Kenny, nice to be here as well.
“I just want to thank John Valentino, in town council for us Ward, 1. Don’s over here, Ward 3, that’s correct, and so you know we’ve got the teams here 1,2,3,4, you know, it’s a great team. We have a great partnership. As I mentioned, George Hoehmann couldn’t be here, but he’s been great to work with. He’s a great steward, leading the town, leading the charge. So, you know, he’s, he’s just a really great leader that we work around. ”
He introduced and thanked a number of people who are a part of the team and representing other elected officials who could not be in attendance for this event.