Town of Montgomery Supervisor Brian Maher (R,C) intends to formally announce his intentions to run for the 101st District of the New York State Assembly on Sunday.
Maher, who ran unopposed for a second term this past November seeks to replace Brian Miller, (R,I,C-New Hartford) who would lose the Wallkill Valley and surrounding communities in the residtricting process. Miller plans to run for re-election in the new 122nd Assembly district, which includes parts of Oneida, Herkimer, Madison and Otsego Counties.
Maher is seeking to serve in the 101st Assembly District which includes the Orange County Towns of Montgomery, Crawford and Hamptonburgh, and the Ulster County Towns of Shawangunk and Wawarsing. The district also includes the Orange County town of Blooming Grove and parts of the Town of Goshen. The district then flows north similar to its current makeup to include parts of Ulster County (Town of Wawarsing, Town of Rochester, Town of Denning, Town of Hardenburgh), Sullivan County (Town of Neversink), Delaware County (Town of Andes, Town of Hamden, Town of Franklin), Otsego County (Town of Otego, Town of Laurens, Town of Morris, Town of Pittsfield, Town of Edmeston) and Madison County (Town of Brookfield).
. Assemblyman John Salka, who resides in the Town of Brookfield in Madison County, which is part of the new 101st District, has made the decision not to run, making this an open seat.
“Continuing to represent my hometown, along with twenty other towns throughout six counties of New York State, is something I am ready for and have the energy for,” said Maher. “Due to my experience being a Village Mayor, serving in the State Legislature with Senator Bill Larkin, and now as a Town Supervisor, I believe I am uniquely qualified to represent this district effectively and to be an advocate for communities that will be dealing with a variety of issues, each unique to their own location and makeup. This was not an easy decision to make because I truly love being a Town Supervisor and am proud of the accomplishments our team has made over the past two years, however, I believe I can make a positive and profound impact as a state representative. I am ready to continue my service advocating for every community in the 101st Assembly District.”
Maher was elected Mayor of the Village of Walden in 2009 at the age of 23. During his three-terms, he worked to address major infrastructure issues, established a municipal youth employment program, and updated the Village Comprehensive Plan. During his time as Mayor, Maher also helped to establish many charitable organizations, including the Hudson Valley Honor Flight.
Maher decided not to serve a fourth term as Mayor and instead took a position as an Aide to long-time New York State Senator Bill Larkin. During those six years, Maher rose in ranks from Constituent Services Aide to Director of Communications and Spokesman, with a focus on special projects impacting local municipalities, Veterans’ issues, infrastructure and healthcare. Maher credits much of his leadership and political development to the late Senator.
Upon Senator Larkin’s retirement, Maher worked as the Executive Director of the National Purple Heart Honor Mission. During his tenure, the organization went through a complete re-branding period which focused on a new program established by Maher called the Purple Heart Patriot Project. This initiative brought Purple Heart recipients from all across the country on an all-expense-paid trip to visit their National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Museum located in Orange County. During their visit they also visited West Point, General George Washington’s Headquarters and received surprise tributes along the way, thanking them for their service and sacrifice for our Country.
During his time with the National Purple Heart Honor Mission, Maher also made the decision to enlist in the United States Naval Reserves. Logistics Specialist Petty Officer 3rd Class Maher is currently assigned to a Seal Team based out of Virginia.
In 2019, Maher made the decision to run for Town of Montgomery Supervisor, unseating the incumbent Rod Winchell in a hotly contested three-way race. After winning the election and taking office on January 1, 2020, Maher was immediately tasked with responding to the global pandemic. Working quickly with his staff, Maher helped to create the TOMSTRONG (Town of Montgomery Strong) Community Response Team, partnering with the Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan. Through this public/private partnership, Maher and his team of volunteers were able to help those individuals and businesses who were most impacted by the pandemic. During this time, Maher also updated the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, worked to find a long term solution to EMS services, established a Double A Bond Rating, lowered town taxes in his first two budgets, ended lifetime health benefits for part-time elected officials, and established a COVID-19 Business Relief Program, which injected more than $80,000 into dozens of small businesses who were hit hard by the pandemic.
Maher and his wife, Becky, have two daughters, Mia, age 7, and Isla, 11 months, and reside in Walden