The Town Boards of Copake and Chatham as well as Hudson's Common Council have previously passed similar resolutions.
The Clermont resolution read:
Whereas several of the residences in the town of Clermont are owned and occupied by second homeowners, and whereas a large portion of the town and school taxes collected from properties in the town of Clermont are paid by other than full time residents ... the town board supports the right of second home owners to choose to vote in the count where they maintain a residence. The town board opposes the attempt to disqualify voters on the basis that their second home is not a residence.
Clermont Supervisor, Democrat Raymond Staats, said in the Register-Star that he was proud of the resolution passing. “It’s costing a lot of money. It’s tying up the courts, which is a waste of their time. I think they have better things to do,” he said. “It’s based on mostly second homeowners. I think it’s ridiculous. It’s been decided in the Scott Murphy race that second homeowners have the right to choose. They’re challenging on the same basis and I don’t think it’s right.”
Read more: Register-Star
