NEWBURGH – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Alpha Gamma Eta Omega Chapter, in partnership with Calvary Presbyterian Church, the League of Women Voters (Mid-Hudson), the League of Women Voters (Rockland), and the Newburgh Free Library, hosted a nonpartisan Candidate Forum on September 15 at the church.
Led by Nyhisha T. Gibbs and held in recognition of National Voter Registration Day, the Candidate Forum featured New York State Senator Rob Rolison and Lisa Kaul, candidates for New York’s 39th State Senate District. Rolison currently represents the district, which includes communities in Dutchess, Orange and Putnam counties.
More than 105 people participated, including more than 90 attendees in person and approximately 15 livestream viewers. The chapter and church technology teams collaborated to broadcast the Candidate Forum on YouTube, where the full replay remains available. Chapter President Rasheena Wilson provided opening remarks. More than 35 community questions were submitted before and during the Candidate Forum and reviewed before being presented to the candidates.
Kate Clark, Newburgh Free Library, Gayle Struble, League of Women Voters (Rockland), Nyhisha T. Gibbs, AKA-Alpha Gamma Eta Omega Chapter & Forum Lead, Rasheena Wilson, AKA-Alpha Gamma Eta Omega Chapter President, Elizabeth Vega-Lebron, Newburgh Free Library and Fay Casatuta, League of Women Voters (Rockland).
Dare Thompson of the League of Women Voters (Mid-Hudson) served as moderator, and Elizabeth Vega-Lebron of the Newburgh Free Library delivered closing remarks. Attendees included City of Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey and New York State Assemblymember Jonathan G. Jacobson, who represents Assembly District 104, City of Newburgh Councilmembers Robert McLymore, Sr. (At-large), Ramona Monteverde (Ward 2), Tamika Stewart (Ward 3), Town of Newburgh Councilmember Mary McLymore and Kenya Gadsen, Dutchess Democratic Women’s Caucus President.
The chapter extended its appreciation to Pastor J. Edward Lewis and Calvary Presbyterian Church, the Newburgh Free Library, the League of Women Voters (Mid-Hudson), and the League of Women Voters (Rockland) for helping make the Candidate Forum possible. The event reflects Alpha Gamma Eta Omega Chapter’s continued commitment to civic engagement and expanding community access to information and participation in the democratic process.
