Politics & Government

Sant, County Clerk, Not Running for Reelection

He is recommending Michael Barolotti for the position.

Editor's note: The following comes from Putnam County Clerk Dennis Sant.

To the residents of Putnam County:  
Please accept my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the strong support and friendship I have always received from you during my tenure at Putnam County. I have been honored and humbled over the past 37 years to first serve as deputy county clerk for 24 years; and, for the past 13 years, to serve as county clerk.  I could not think of anything else I would have rather done in life than to serve the residents of this beautiful county.


Now, with mixed emotions, I have decided not to seek re-election for Putnam County clerk in 2014. I leave with a peaceful mind and a full heart. The Putnam County Clerk’s Office enjoys an excellent reputation in New York State nary a scandal or blemish on my administration. Like most elected officials, we are only as good as those we appoint to oversee that our citizens are being served in a professional and courteous manner. I take great pride in those I have appointed and would like to take this opportunity to thank my staff: Michael Bartolotti, Christine Woolley, John Gallo, Susan Crawford and Lorrie Pelliccio.

During my tenure, I have challenged two New York State governors on proposed measures which would have adversely affected the citizens of Putnam County -- the proposed issuance of New York State drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants; and, a controversial plate exchange program for the sole purpose of increased state revenues. Unlike other county clerks throughout New York State, I have stood against a storm of media protests refusing to release pistol permit holders’ personal information that would cause an unwarranted invasion of our citizens' personal privacies placing them in harm’s way. Rockland and Westchester County clerks gave up their residents’ information which was then published in the media and plotted on an interactive google map for the world to see. This created a firestorm throughout this nation. Will the next county clerk take such a stand and build on the programs that are already in place?

For example, will Putnam County continue to have a county-run DMV to serve the people of Putnam County and surrounding areas; a records management officer to oversee the record center and archives; and, the FAVOR program created to thank our veterans for their valuable service by offering discounted prices to them from participating merchants, while at the same time adding to the merchant’s customer base? Will the next county clerk continue the important programs we have developed and instituted throughout my administration?

In 2002, I appointed Michael Bartolotti as first deputy county clerk. Michael has been a vital part of every single program that has been started under this administration. In 1996, Mike was hired as a high school intern by then County Clerk Joe Peloso. He continued as an intern throughout his college and law school years working in each department of the county clerk’s office. I could not have asked for a better second-in-command. As an attorney, Mike has a clear understanding of the laws that govern the county clerk’s offices throughout NYS. He is an expert in civil, municipal and real estate laws; and, is constantly requested by other clerks throughout the state for his legal opinion. He enjoys the utmost respect and admiration of his colleagues, department heads and elected officials. He is a true gentleman while interacting with the public and employees alike. I’ve never heard a discouraging word from anyone; however, compliments never cease. Mike is committed to expand the FAVOR program for our veterans and merchants; to maintain our DMV as a county run office; and to continue our stand against the unwarranted invasion of privacy of our citizens keeping them out of harm’s way.

With unparalleled experience and expertise, Mike has expressed his desire to be your next county clerk.  Please give Mike the same support that you have given me all these years. I wholeheartedly endorse and recommend Michael Bartolotti as Putnam County’s next county clerk and I’m proud to call him my friend.

Thank you, once again, for the honor and privilege of serving as your county clerk.

Dennis J. Sant, Putnam County Clerk


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here