Political Newcomer Cathy Legg Challenges Incumbent Daryl Legg for Greene County District 7 Seat

GREENE COUNTY — In Greene County's District 7 race, political newcomer Cathy Legg, a Republican, is challenging incumbent Daryl Legg (no relation) for a seat representing the communities of Hunter, Lexington, and Halcott. The Greene County Legislature has a total of fourteen legislators, eleven of whom are Republicans. Daryl is one of two Democrats currently serving. There is also one Independent. As they campaign, both candidates emphasize their deep roots in Greene County and their vision for the mountaintop community.

Daryl, a lifelong Greene County resident, is well known for his years of public service and experience in local government. He is also a business owner, operating Legg’s Garage in Tannersville for about sixteen years. He served as Town of Hunter Councilman for six years, followed by Town Supervisor for ten years before being elected to the County Legislature. Daryl highlights his long standing relationships with local leaders and his bipartisan approach. "In three short years, I have developed the respect of County Leadership and other legislators so that we work together, across the aisle, to get things that we need on the mountaintop," he said.

A self-described fiscal conservative, Daryl's website asserts that he has never voted for or supported property tax increases. This stance has won him support from groups like the Hunter Seniors Association and Tannersville United Taxpayers. Daryl takes pride in his constituents' support and continued relationships with key figures. He has endorsements from notable groups and leaders, including NYS Senator Michelle Hinchey, Lexington Citizens for Conservative Government, and the Greene County Good Government Coalition..

Daryl's website, www.daryllegg.com, lists key achievements, including improving cell phone service on the mountaintop by securing cell towers in strategic locations like Kaaterskill Clove and the Hunter Town Hall. "I fight for my constituents, especially on the mountaintop," Daryl stated, underscoring his continued focus on issues like affordable housing, broadband expansion, and environmental preservation. "If you don't have places for your employees to live, they can't afford to bring their families into the community. Without the families, without the workers, you have no community," he said.

Recently, he worked to secure funding for a stone arch bridge upgrade on Platte Clove Road, a project soon to break ground. "A lot is going on," Daryl added, referring to ongoing projects like constructing a new visitor center and justice center in Catskill.

Cathy, a Republican and a lifelong local, is also a familiar face in Tannersville. Having operated her NAPA Auto Parts store for 35 years, Cathy believes her business has been "an economic cornerstone of the mountaintop community." She says her motivation to enter politics comes from a desire to step up for her neighbors, adding, "I want to make a difference. I've always been involved with numerous community organizations and want to step up and do more."

Her concerns focus on what she sees as a growing need for affordable housing and better access to essential services on the mountaintop. "We need [affordable] housing up here to go to residents and our workforce," Cathy said, pointing out that local businesses, schools, and public services struggle to find employees due to housing shortages. "We need teachers in our schools, and we can't even get them because they have nowhere to live," she added. Cathy argues that emergency services need more attention and funding, noting, "Our ambulances are covering for Catskill, and Catskill's covering Greenville, and Greenville is covering Cairo. We're always shorthanded."

Daryl voted and succeeded in adding a second Fly Car to the mountaintop. A non-transporting emergency medical vehicle, or "fly car," brings EMTs or paramedics directly to the scene of a medical incident. These vehicles support ambulance services by improving response times and reducing responder fatigue.

Cathy's campaign emphasizes mental health services, a cause close to her heart after losing her son Daniel in 2021. In his memory, she founded the Live Like Legg Foundation, which Cathy says has raised tens of thousands of dollars for mental health initiatives in Greene County.

Cathy expressed her frustration with limited mental health resources, saying, "Up until two months ago, you couldn't go to Greene County Mental Health without seeing in big red letters: 'We cannot take any more patients; please sign up for a waiting list.'" She believes the lack of mental health support in the area exacerbates challenges for police and emergency services. "What are you supposed to do if you have a crisis and need to talk to somebody?" she asked, adding that patients are often forced to see multiple therapists, which she says can disrupt healing.

Both candidates are committed to improving cell service, particularly in more remote parts of the district. Cathy recalls a recent incident on a Lanesville hiking trail where EMS personnel could not contact anyone due to a lack of cell service. "How can we not have cell phone service?" she asked, wanting more attention to these issues.

Daryl, who has served on multiple local boards over his nearly 20-year career, enjoys the "camaraderie" of working with fellow board members and stakeholders. He says, "We have always had a cohesiveness on every board I've been on. It's nice to know you make a difference in the community." His priorities are attracting businesses to the County and coordinating resources for vocational training to help young people establish careers locally.

Cathy also advocates for the needs of local seniors, especially those in isolated communities like Lexington. She describes the issue as dire, with many elderly residents living alone and struggling to access services. "They're just left alone," she stated, adding that there's also a shortage of volunteers for programs like Meals on Wheels. "Our elderly have been forgotten," Cathy said. The Mountain Top Library has begun a “Monday Meetups” program for folks to get together and socialize, but the problem, Cathy says, is transporting seniors from their homes to the Library. Cathy has been endorsed by NYS Assemblyman Chris Tague. Cathy said, "I am so grateful for the overwhelming support I have received from my community, and I am proud and honored to be endorsed by Assemblyman Tague."

The election has brought forward distinct visions for Greene County's future, with Cathy saying, "If we all work together as a community, we can all make a difference. It's not about politics. It's about my community and the people who live and visit here." 

With his history of local government service, Daryl affirms his dedication to the community's evolving needs: "I have the drive to do the work, and I fight for my constituents. I like helping people.”

As the race for District 7 intensifies, voters will choose between a seasoned incumbent and a committed community leader, each pledging to strengthen and support Greene County’s mountaintop community in their own way. Early voting has already commenced, with the final day to vote on November 5. Find your local polling place here: www.greenegovernment.com/departments/board-of-elections.