New City, NY – The Clarkstown Democratic Committee will hold its second candidate forum of the year on Thursday, December 11, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Clarkstown Town Hall in New City.
The forum, moderated by commentator Pete Dominick, will feature three Democratic candidates running in New York’s 17th Congressional District: John Cappello, Peter Chatzky, and Effie Phillips-Staley. Also participating are Patrick Carroll, who is seeking reelection in the 96th State Assembly District, and Joe Rand, who recently announced his candidacy for the 38th New York Senate District.
The event is free and open to the public, though attendees are asked to RSVP in advance.
Greg Sheehan, chair of the Clarkstown Democratic Committee and a candidate for Ward 2, said the committee is committed to giving residents opportunities to hear directly from those seeking higher office.
“I’m pleased that the Clarkstown Democratic Committee is hosting a second candidate forum in 2025 to ensure Clarkstown – and Rockland – residents have the opportunity to hear directly from those who seek to represent us in Congress, State Senate and State Assembly,” Sheehan said. “The Clarkstown Democrats invite everyone to attend this forum, hear the candidates’ thoughts as to why they believe they are the best candidate, and to ask questions.”
The forum follows the committee’s first event on October 15, which featured four other contenders in the crowded NY-17 Democratic primary: Cait Conley, Beth Davidson, Michael Sacks, and John Sullivan. With eight candidates in the race, the committee opted to split participants between two sessions based on second-quarter 2025 fundraising totals, excluding personal loans and contributions.
Details for the event are as follows:
What: Democratic Candidate Forum
Who: Clarkstown Democratic Committee; Congressional candidates John Cappello, Peter Chatzky, Effie Phillips-Staley; Assemblymember Patrick Carroll; State Senate candidate Joe Rand
When: Thursday, December 11, 7–9 p.m.
Where: Clarkstown Town Hall, 10 Maple Ave., New City, NY 10956
Attendees may RSVP at tinyurl.com/NY17DecemberForum.