To the Editor:

I am not running for re-election. As you know, I ran for the office of the town supervisor in 2017 and took office in January 2018.

Subsequently, in April of 2020, I accepted employment with the federal government. As part of the hiring process, I fully disclosed that I held an elected position with the town of Berne and it was determined that there were no issues or conflicts.

Out of an abundance of caution, however, I sought a formal opinion through my employer regarding my employment with the federal government prior to deciding whether I would campaign for re-election.

Ultimately, I was advised that under the Hatch Act, while there were no issues with me holding an elected office and working for the Federal government, it would be a violation of the Hatch Act if I was a candidate for a partisan political election.

As a result of that decision, I was left with the choice to resign from my job and give up my career in order to run for re-election, or decide not to run for a second term.  I am very disappointed not to be able to continue serving, but I cannot give up my career and livelihood at this time.

It is important to me that the public knows my decision not to run is based solely on the legal constraints of my federal employment, and, if it were up to me, I would proudly continue my public service as town supervisor for another term. 

Sean S. Lyons

Supervisor

Town of Berne

Editor’s note: See related story.