The Columbia County Democratic Committee has voted to support four candidates for office during the current election cycle. At the committee’s February 25 meeting, it voted to endorse Don Krapf to fill the position of Columbia County Sheriff. Krapf, a 23-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, made a commitment to "changing the Sheriff’s Office to meet the moment, emphasizing his belief that the Sheriff’s Office should be more connected to the community it serves," according to a statement released by the county Democrats. Krapf’s choice for Undersheriff, Jackie Salvatore, a retired state trooper and woman of color, "demonstrates the kind of leadership the Sheriff’s Office needs," the committee said. Committee chair Keith Kanaga said Krapf and Salvatore "...are the right team for the moment, and under their leadership, the Sheriff’s Office will implement needed changes for effective, fair policing.” Krapf is expected to face off against the present occupant of the county Sheriff's Office, Republican David Bartlett. The committee also endorsed incumbent Judge Richard Koweek in his bid for re-election to a second, 10-year term. Koweek was first elected to the County Court in 2012. He also serves as an Acting Supreme Court Justice. The county Democrats also backed two Ulster County attorneys to fill two Supreme Court positions on the ballot this year: David Gandin and Kevin Bryant are both practicing attorneys. Gandin currently serves as Principal Court Attorney for a Supreme Court Judge, and Bryant is now Corporation Counsel for the city of Kingston. Kanaga said, “We are honored to endorse these candidates for election this year. ...These candidates are committed to justice and fairness for all, and to redressing the bias in our current legal system.” Read more at columbiacountydemocrats [dot] org.