Two running for town supervisor is Athens

ATHENS―The 2026 General Election is Tuesday, November 3, and voters across Greene County will cast their ballots for governor, state comptroller, attorney general, representative for Congress, state Senate, state Assembly and state Supreme Court justice, as well as county coroner and district attorney.

Of the 14 towns in Greene County, only four have contested local races. They include Athens, Cairo, New Baltimore and Windham.

In Athens, incumbent Town Supervisor Michael N. Pirrone (D, One Athens) is facing challenge from Karen F. Dudley (R).

Candidates were asked a series questions about themselves, their experience and goals, and why they are seeking office. Their responses appear below.

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Michael Pirrone

How long have you lived in the town where you are seeking office?

I have been associated with the Town of Athens for 40 years, since I discovered this beautiful town in 1986.

What is your current occupation or field of work? If retired, what was your previous occupation?

I am a professional businessperson, accountant, forensic accountant, certified fraud examiner, and expert witness.

Are you active in any community organizations or groups?

Yes, I am active in many organizations and groups.

Athens Community Food Pantry.

Athens Community Foundation.

Athens Volunteer Fire Company.

Athens Senior Citizen Club.

AARP Smart Driver Program Instructor.

Catholic Charities Columbia-Greene, Inc.

Aging Life Medical Transportation Services.

Greene County Aging Services Foundation, Inc.

St. Patrick's Church, Athens.

How long have you held your current office, and have you served in any other elected positions?

I have held my office of Athens town supervisor for five years.

I have held other elected offices of leadership and high responsibilities in business & accounting organizations; school boards; homeowners association; charitable organizations.

Why should voters support you, and what do you bring to the table that makes you the right candidate for the position?

I have brought more than 50 years of business experience making important decisions, solving problems, and achieving results that benefit people. I have extensive knowledge of accounting, forensic accounting, auditing, and taxation, along with the dedication this office requires.

I am committed to responsible local government, keeping residents informed about important decisions and preserving the character and natural beauty that makes Athens special. Our town is strongest when government works for everyone.

I am a resolute, hardworking individual that does not watch the clock. I have a 24-hour open door to all in Athens. When I start something, I do not stop until it is complete, solve or resolved. I continue serving my community through leadership roles with local non-profits organizations and volunteer work throughout Greene County.

I will be in the town office every day to serve you, answer your questions, and work to improve our town. I will not be working another job; I will be available when you need help.

Coming to the table, I bring a personality of caring, wanting to help and desire to improve your life, living conditions and financial position by being fiscally oriented and responsibility, aware of the challenge of daily living, actively fighting for Lower Energy Costs and improved Services and opportunity.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

My top priorities would be to continue to strengthen our town’s laws, codes, and procedures to protect against unwarranted development of advanced technological facilities, plants, and equipment. A town supervisor’s most important duty is to preserve home rule—our ability to decide what we want without being forced by others. I would also modernize the town clerk’s office and business center with user-friendly search tools, equipment, and amenities that make information easy to find. In addition, I would upgrade finance, planning and zoning, code and ordinance enforcement, and real property records management. I would create a welcoming atmosphere staffed by professionals dedicated to helping and serving you, answering your questions, and addressing your concerns. Good government serves its citizens, protects their well-being, and pursues improvements that leave them better off.

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Karen Dudley

How long have you lived in the town where you are seeking office?

Eight years ago, my husband and I made Athens our home. Growing up in nearby Columbia County and raising my two grown sons in the area, I truly care about our town's future.

What is your current occupation or field of work? If retired, what was your previous occupation?

My background in accounting and banking, where I served as an auditor overseeing 60 branches, gives me the real-world experience needed to handle town budgets, stretch your tax dollars, and keep local operations honest. Today, working in special education at Coxsackie-Athens Schools, I get to support our local kids, families, and teachers every single day.

Are you active in any community organizations or groups?

Community service has always been a major part of my life. For 6 years as a Blue Star Mother (4 years as Vice President), I have been an active volunteer with local veterans groups, Habitat for Humanity, and Junior Achievement, I care far more about helping neighbors than playing party politics.

Do you currently hold, or have you previously held, any elected office? Have you run for political office in the past?

Editor’s note: Karen Dudley ran for Athens town clerk in 2023.

Why should voters support you, and what do you bring to the table that makes you the right candidate for the position?

Analytical and results-oriented professional with extensive experience in financial management, internal auditing, process improvement, and public-sector education support. Proven ability to develop risk-based audit programs, design financial control systems, resolve complex funding issues, and serve communities through volunteer leadership. Strong foundation in budgeting, compliance, customer service, and local governance issues including zoning and solar ordinances. Seeking to apply fiscal discipline, operational expertise, and community commitment as town supervisor.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

As your town supervisor, my top priority will be keeping Athens a safe, vibrant, and welcoming place to live. That starts with ensuring our local laws actually protect us.

Right now, some of our town ordinances haven’t been updated in nearly ten years. In a fast-changing world, outdated rules leave our community vulnerable. We need to be proactive, not reactive. I will work directly with our Town Board members to update these existing regulations and establish clear, commonsense guidelines for new challenges on the horizon, such as data centers and battery storage facilities.

Good leadership also means looking out for our town beyond our borders. For too long, Athens has been caught off guard by decisions made elsewhere. I will build strong, active relationships with our County Legislators so we always have a seat at the table and advance notice on issues that impact our neighborhood.

By working together, staying ahead of potential risks, and keeping our local laws current, we can protect our quality of life, support responsible growth, and keep Athens a wonderful place to call home.

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