TOWN OF HIGHLAND, NY and TOWN OF COCHECTON, NY — On Tuesday, Nov. 3, voters in the towns of Cochecton and Highland cast their ballots in support of local leadership stability. 

In Highland, voters supported incumbent town supervisor John Pizzolato in his rematch with challenger Mary Ellen Carney, with Pizzolato taking 53.14% of the vote to Carney's 46.67%. 

In Cochecton, where three challengers were running for Gary Maas' vacant seat, voters favored the long-standing deputy supervisor Ed Grund to replace him. Grund took 52.93% of the vote, with challengers Leanna Ballester and Scott Goodman taking 24.81% and 21.95% respectively. 

All numbers are unofficial numbers taken from https://www.sullivanny.gov/Departments/Elections. Final numbers are subject to change as the results of the election are certified. 

Highland

In the Town of Highland, John Pizzolato was making his second bid at re-election, after winning election in 2023 and re-election in 2025. 

In 2025, he fended off a challenge from Mary Ellen Carney, taking 54.38% of the vote to Carney's 45.62%, with 914 ballots cast between the two of them. Their 2026 rematch went along similar lines; Pizzolato took 53.14% of the vote to Carney's 46.67%, with 1033 ballots cast. 

During his campaign, Pizzolato emphasized the work he had been able to accomplish over the past three years in office. Accomplishments he mentioned included securing over $900,000 in grants for the town, delivering a budget 4% under the tax cap, restarting the Highland Constables Department and initiating the Highland Health Initiative. 

Carney emphasized the need for transparency and fiscal accountability in the town, taking fault with the way many of those projects had been accomplished. 

During a candidate forum hosted by Radio Catskill and the River Reporter, Carney said, "I do admire all the changes that have been made in the town hall and the streamlining in efficiency. My question is always, how does it impact us financially… all of these things are great projects, and he should be proud of them, as long as we don't have to pay for them for aeons to come," she said. 

Speaking with the River Reporter, Pizzolato thanked everyone for participating in the process again. He said that voters showed that dedication and hard work and love for your community is what matters most of all. 

Speaking with the River Reporter, Carney said, "Of course, I'm very disappointed in the outcome of this election." She said that Pizzolato worked hard for his win, because he had to.

Cochecton

In his campaign for town supervisor, Ed Grund emphasized his deep roots in the community of Cochecton. During a forum held by Radio Catskill and the River Reporter, Grund said he was born and raised on a dairy farm in Cochecton, a farm that's been in the family for 100 years. 

"I served on the town board for 17 years, 16 as deputy supervisor. In February, I took over duties of supervisor when Gary became hospitalized," he said. "Having 16 years deputy supervisor, I was ready to step up."

Ballester and Goodman each emphasized the changes and challenges the town faced in their election bids. Ballester emphasized the priorities of protecting Cochecton's farmland, keeping Cochecton rural, spending wisely and keeping government open. Goodman emphasized "protecting our farms, rivers, lakes, open spaces and town through thoughtful economic opportunities, transparent budgeting and public discussion" as the cornerstone of his campaign. 

Speaking with the River Reporter, Grund said that Cochecton had a really good turnout, and that he and his opponents were all friendly, and had nothing against each other. 

At the candidate forum, people spoke about keeping Cochecton rural, he said. "We've been doing that for the last 100 years, and I plan on seeing that continue for another 100."

In a statement provided to the River Reporter, Goodman congratulated Grund on his victory, and thanked both Grund and Ballester for their commitment to the town. 

"Thank you to everyone who participated in the process, and a sincere thank you to all the neighbors who put their trust in me on the Cochecton United Independent line," Goodman said. "Your support throughout this campaign has been deeply appreciated."

In a statement provided to the River Reporter, Ballester said, "I want to congradulate Ed. I know how much he cares about this town. But the work doesn't stop with the end of a supervisor race. Change is coming to Sullivan County whether we're ready or not, and there are outside interests who see our land as something to profit from, not something to protect."

"It's going to take all of us, staying vigilant about our democracy and standing up for what's most precious to us: our land, our people and the Cochecton we want to leave for the next generation," she said. 

Turnout

The fervor of the national races on the ballot may have boosted turnout in Highland and Cochecton, as well as in voting precincts across the country. 

Speaking with voters outside the Town of Highland polling place, many focused their comments on national issues. Highland residents Susan and Phil said they were concerned with higher prices; Phil, a Democrat, said that anything would be better than Trump in office. Barryville Emporium owner Jihan Heasman said, "I came to vote to stop that guy from starting World War III."

Asked why he came out to vote, Highland resident Gerard Finn said, "We have local reasons and we have national reasons."

Finn said he prioritized integrity and fiscal responsibility on both the local and national level. He trusted different parties to deliver those aims on each level. Finn said he had a major issue with the way the Highland town budget was prepared, under the watch of Democrat town supervisor John Pizzolato. However, he said, apart from local races, he voted Democrat all the way up the ballot: he was embarrassed by the current state of national leadership, he said, and hoped that the country can get somebody to hold the White House in check as a result of the mid-terms. 

Cochecton voters leaving the polls also spoke largely of national or state-wide issues. One voter said that it was important to get rid of Donald Trump: "There's gotta be a change somehow," he said. Another said that it was important to keep New York State blue to ensure gay rights. A third said there needed to be a change in the New York State Governor. 

One voter, speaking with another voter, said, "Pretty busy here—you think it is the Presidential election, or what?"