The race for Putnam County Legislature District 9 pits Republican incumbent Erin Lee Crowley, who is vying for her second term, against Democrat Lenny Harrington. We asked each candidate the same set of questions about their motivation for running, the balance between the legislative and executive branches of county government, and their priorities and strengths as candidates. While summarized in places, their responses appear unedited.
Republican incumbent Erin Crowley is completing her first term after being elected in 2022, when she unseated then-incumbent Neil Sullivan. A Putnam County resident for more than a decade, Crowley—who works in constituent services as U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler’s deputy district director—said helping residents navigate federal agencies and resolve issues involving government programs has given her insight into how government operates and where it can be improved, fueling her approach to work on the county level.
“My path into public service started because of a safety issue,” Crowley said. “A few years back, our first responders were dealing with major problems in their radio communications, and it was putting lives at risk. I started going to meetings, asking questions, and trying to understand why it wasn’t being fixed. The more I got involved, the more I realized we needed people who were willing to speak up, get answers, and follow through. That’s what pushed me to run for the Legislature—to be that voice and get things done.”
In her first term, Crowley has often been seen as an ally of County Executive Kevin Byrne. Asked how she sees the legislature/executive balance, she said her focus is on “making county government more open and accountable.”
“I codified livestreaming and public comment so residents can see what’s happening and have a say,” Crowley said. “I also worked to share sales-tax revenue with our towns for the first time ever, giving them the ability to invest in their own infrastructure and community projects without having to raise local taxes.
“Putnam County now has the lowest county tax rate in nearly two decades, and that’s something I’m proud of,” she added. “I’ve never voted to raise taxes, and I’ve never taken a raise myself. Every year I’m offered one, and every year I send a letter refusing it. For me, this isn’t about a paycheck—it’s about public service.”
In addition to fiscal responsibility, Crowley puts public safety high on the priority list.
“When I think about the years ahead, my top priorities remain public safety, fiscal responsibility, and protecting the character of our towns,” she said. “We have to make sure our first responders have the best tools and communication systems available, because public safety is the foundation for everything else. We also need to plan smart growth—supporting housing that fits our communities and helps young families and seniors stay here, without overdeveloping or changing what makes Putnam special.
“We need to plan for smart growth that balances affordability with preserving our small-town character,” she added. “That means supporting housing that fits our infrastructure and helps families and seniors stay here without overbuilding or straining resources.”
On infrastructure, Crowley said investment must focus on safety and sustainability.
“We have to ensure our first responders have reliable communication systems and modern equipment. Infrastructure investments should focus on safety and efficiency. By sharing sales-tax revenue and seeking outside grants, we can support local projects without adding to the property-tax burden.”
Crowley believes strong cooperation between towns and county agencies can save money while maintaining local control.
“Shared services between towns are another area where we can save money without losing control,” she said. “When it makes sense—like sharing equipment or emergency resources—I’m all for it. But I’ll never support any plan that takes decision-making away from our local governments.”
As for renewable energy and the recent controversies surrounding solar farms and a proposed grid-scale battery storage system in Mahopac (which led to a ban on such large-scale facilities), Crowley called for local control.
“On energy, I take a common-sense approach,” she explained. “We need reliable, affordable energy that works for everyone—not policies handed down from Albany that don’t make sense for our towns or the county. I support responsible innovation, but projects like battery farms and large solar fields must be safe, properly sited, and fully transparent. Local residents should always have a voice, because no one knows this county better than the people who live here.”
On why voters should choose her, Crowley reiterated her commitment to low taxes and public safety.
“I’ve never voted to raise taxes and have consistently fought to keep spending under control. I believe in protecting taxpayers while making government more transparent and accountable for every dollar it spends,” she said. “At the end of the day, what drives me is simple—I love this county and the people in it. I’ve worked hard to make government more transparent, to protect your tax dollars, and to make sure your voice is heard. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but there’s still more to do.
“This job isn’t about politics or paychecks for me—it’s about doing the right thing,” she concluded. “I’ll keep standing up for our families, our taxpayers, and our first responders every day, because I truly believe in this community and its future.”
Democratic challenger Lenny Harrington has deep roots in Putnam County. A local resident for more than 30 years, Harrington said his family has been in the county for three-quarters of a century, raising two sons with his wife in Mahopac.
An electrician by trade, Harrington calls himself a proud member of IBEW Local 3 who has spent the last 20 years managing large-scale construction projects in New York City “working with and for public agencies, private developers, and managing hundreds of tradespeople”—an experience that helped inspire him to run for the Legislature.
“Doing that, I gained valuable experience balancing multimillion-dollar budgets, meeting deadlines, and solving problems under pressure,” Harrington said. “Those years on the job taught me how to listen, lead, and deliver results.
“I’m running because I’ve seen too many longtime residents struggling to stay in their homes, too many young families priced out, and not nearly enough accountability in how our tax dollars are spent,” he added. “I’m not a career politician. I’m a proud working man, a father, and a resident who believes government should serve the people.”
Harrington calls public service and self-sacrifice a long-held tradition in his family.
“Three of my family members are honored in the Hometown Heroes banner program,” he said. “I’m so proud of the legacy in Putnam and in our country. Now that my children are grown, I have the time to give back to the community that has given me and my family so much. The more I watch the mismanagement of the current Legislature, the more motivated I’ve become to step up. I’m dedicated to serving all residents of Putnam regardless of political ideology.”
If elected, Harrington would be joining a county government that has been mostly Republican for decades. How would he fit in?
“Community challenges are best resolved through collaboration, and that is where I will focus,” he said. “I look forward to working with the county executive and all members of the Legislature who are focused on the best interests of the community.”
Among the biggest challenges facing the county, Harrington lists “maintaining affordability and quality of life without losing what makes our towns special.”
“We need responsible fiscal planning that looks beyond one-year budgets,” he added. “Every dollar should be tracked, and every department should be held accountable for measurable outcomes.”
“We need more housing options for young adults and seniors, but we can’t build without a plan,” Harrington added about affordable housing. “The county should support projects that fit our infrastructure and protect natural resources. Smart growth means balancing affordability with sustainability. Too many people are being priced out of their homes by high taxes. I’ve watched friends and longtime residents struggle to stay here, and I know we can do better.”
“Our roads, drainage systems, and emergency services need investment and better coordination,” Harrington added. “I’ll prioritize projects that improve public safety and property values. We can save money through shared purchasing, countywide technology systems, and regional partnerships without losing local control. I’ve managed multimillion-dollar projects; I know efficiency comes from planning, not cutting corners. The county must pursue every available state and federal grant to ease the burden on property taxpayers while ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with community needs."
Regarding recent controversies around projects like the proposed grid-scale battery storage system in Mahopac, Harrington focused on the community.
“Resident concern and safety are the driving forces behind making these decisions,” he said. “Every location needs to be judged on its own merits.”
Harrington said he is “100 percent opposed” to raising taxes.
“The federal government, the state government, and the county government have more than enough of our hard-earned tax dollars,” he said.
As for why he deserves to be elected, Harrington said he would work for ordinary citizens.
“When I looked into how our local representatives operate, I became appalled at the mismanagement and infighting that goes on,” he said. “I’m running because I want Mahopac and Putnam County to work for everyone, not just a few political insiders. I will bring professionalism, accountability, and integrity to county government. I don’t answer to party bosses or political insiders. I will answer to the people of Mahopac. I’ll listen, show up, and work hard every day to make Mahopac and Putnam County a place where families can thrive for generations to come. I want to bring honesty, accountability, and common-sense management to county government. Please consider giving me your vote on Nov. 4—I look forward to serving.”
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