Windham Democrats Mount an Election Challenge

Town of Windham Democratic Party held its 2025 election season caucus, on July 21, nominating the following candidates and their hoped-for offices (left to right) Debra Daily, (town council), Connor Exum (town supervisor) and Ann Marie Rabin (town justice)

WINDHAM - Connor Exum was chosen to run for town supervisor, and two eminently qualified candidates were nominated for town justice, with room  for only one, when the Windham Democratic Party held its 2025 caucus.

Democrats met on July 21 at the Centre Church, ultimately emerging with three candidates to challenge Republicans in November including Exum, Ann Marie Rabin (justice) and Debra Daily (town council).

Windham has long been a GOP bastion. Exum, who announced his plan to run many months ago, has set his sights solidly on breaking through their generational dominion.

“I thank everyone who voted for me tonight,” Exum said. “I have been here, in Windham, being very low key for forty years.

“I feel we need to have a new vision in town. There are a lot of important issues,” Exum said, naming the business direction of new ownership at Windham Mountain Club ski center.

Exum also focused on retaining the local population by providing opportunities for employment and the American dream of housing.

Further, the town of Windham needs to “develop a new economic stream” to complement tourism while retaining today’s healthy and time-honored tourism market, Exum said.

“We are [currently] dealing with a town board that has a very stunted vision of what this town can be,” Exum said.

Democrats, over the years, have often been hard-pressed to find willing candidates for government office, which was not the case this time.

Party designated ballot counters Jonathan Gross and Dr. Lori Torgersen were called into duty to announce who would run for town justice.

There was a rare plethora of two viable contenders. Rabin ultimately emerged by a 20 to 8 tally over Joan Oldknow.

Rabin possesses a lengthy history in the legal field. Originally from the Bronx, she has been an attorney for over 35 years. 

She worked in Legal Aid and had a small law practice in the Bronx prior to moving upstate and serving as Tannersville village attorney.

Rabin has been affiliated with both the Greene County district attorney and public defender’s offices. 

She has been a member of the Drug Court Team and the Child Advocacy Team for Columbia and Greene counties.

“I have dedicated my life to public service,” Rabin said. “To me, it’s all about helping others. If I am successful [in November] I will do everything in my power to administer the office.”

Rabin first had to get past Oldknow who is similarly a longtime barrister and the former chairwoman of the Windham Democratic Party.

Oldknow is a Fordham Law graduate and in her lifetime has been extensively involved with non-profit and charitable entities.

Debra Daily was nominated for one of two open town council seats, saying, “I have been talking to people around town. Everyone is whispering we need a change” in town government.

“I want to be a fresh face. I have no agenda. I am a person who can work both sides of the aisle,” said Daily, a political newcomer, as is Rabin.

Kent Oldknow, Jonathan Gross and Schorsch were named to the Committee to Fill Vacancies, should the need arise. Katherine Stone served as caucus secretary. Elizabeth Gross was the presiding officer.