Last Saturday was the beginning of early voting for Newburgh’s general election. On the ballot are three city council positions. In addition, the mayoral seat is up for contention.

Running for the council at large seats are Anthony Grice, Omari Shakur, Christine M. Bello, Steven Majano, and Michele Basch.

Grice is the current councilman-at-large, and the incumbent. In addition to working as a councilman, he works as a school teacher for the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. Grice is running on the Democratic and Working Families line. Grice is interested in issues like the protection of watersheds, drinking water, improving transportation, and investment with no displacement. “In my mind they’re all connected,” said Grice.

Shakur is also running on the Democratic and Working Families line. He is also running on the Independence line. Shakur has run for office and lost in the past. Shakur is known for being an outspoken community activist. Shakur is interested in increasing access to affordable housing, jobs, and economic development. Shakur and his team are currently working on a 100-day plan that will work with the final City Manager budget for 2020. “We empower the city,” said Shakur. “We’ve registered over 3,000 people, all the other candidates come looking for the vote. We make sure people have votes.”

Like Shakur, Basch is also running on the Independence line. Basch is the owner of The Wherehouse restaurant on Liberty Street. “The biggest issue in this city is the fluctuation in taxes,” said Basch. “The tax structure in my opinion needs to be addressed.” Basch believes that all service costs, like public safety, need to be put into fees. She believes that these fees should be shouldered by nonprofits.

Bello contrasts from her opponents as she is the only Republican candidate. Bello currently owns a floral shop and was a councilwoman in the past. “My platform is focused on quality of life, public safety, transparency, a responsible budget,” said Bello. “The key issue focused on expanding our tax base.” Bello believes her past term was highly successful, and would like to see more accountability from the current council. “Some members of the council think that the work sessions are optional,” said Bello. “They’re not. It’s an honor and a privilege to sit at the council table, to be elected by the people, and to be entrusted with their money.”

Majano is running on the Green Party line. Majano couldn’t be reached for comment. In the past Majano was a former campaign aide to Sen.James Skoufis. In addition, he is a native of Newburgh. According to his website, Majano is interested in economic development, taxes, water, infrastructure/transportation, and community building.

Robert Sklarz and John N. Giudice are the Ward 3 city council candidates.

Sklarz is the incumbent running on the Democratic line. Sklarz became the Ward 3 city council man this past January after former Councilman Jonathan Jacobson was elected to Assemblyman. Sklarz formerly worked at the New York State Office of Mental Health as the Director of Human Resources for the Middletown, and Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Centers. Sklarz would like to continue to advocate for a responsible budget, fair housing policies, better roads, clean water, and increased generating of revenue.

Giudice is running on the Republican and Conservative line. Giudice formerly served on the Newburgh Enlarged City School District Board. Giudice has also ran for office in the past and lost. Giudice’s platform focuses on public safety, senior citizens, taxes, and water rates. “I lived here my whole life,” said Giudice. “I’d be pretty good for them, if I get elected.”

Ali T. Muhammad and Mayor Torrance Harvey are running for mayor. The official election day is November 5, but early voting will continue until November 3.