MARILYN CARRERAS
WAYNE VAN VALIN
By Michael Ryan
WINDHAM - Windham has been a Republican Party stronghold since memory serves and longer, though that could change in 2026 as the Democratic Party shows signs of invigoration.
There are three candidates, including one Democrat, for two available town council seats and two hopefuls for one town justice position including a Democratic Party challenger.
DEBRA DAILY
The campaign signs for town council candidate Debra Daily are a particular color for a reason. “My name is on the Democratic line this November, but I am running as an independent with no party affiliation,” Daily says.
“I believe Windham deserves leaders who represent everyone, not just one Party. That’s why my campaign signs are purple - a blend of [Republican] red and [Democrat] blue - a symbol of unity and common ground.”
Daily grew up in Cairo (Cairo-Durham Class of 1978), attending Columbia-Greene Community College for nursing, becoming a surgical technician and currently working as a caregiver for the elderly.
Raising two sons and resettling in the hamlet of Hensonville, Rabin says, “I’m excited to be running for town council. I want to give back to this community that has given so much to me and my family.
“I talk to many people in town. They say they want [government] change in Windham. I know I am a newbie,” Daily says, seeking her first elected post.
“There will be a learning curve. I don’t think I’ll go in and make big changes right away. We all want to be safe in our homes and provide things for our children to do. I believe I can bring both sides together,” Daily says.
WAYNE VAN VALIN
Wayne Van Valin is an incumbent town councilman, running on the Republican Party line, starting his 30th year in office if re-elected.
“I love this town. I love the people, our way of life and our traditions,” says Van Vallin, explaining why he wants to continue in public service.
He is a native son and 1979 graduate of Windham-Ashland-Jewett school, successfully operating Van Valin Construction and Remodeling over the past four decades.
Van Valin and his wife Maribel have three children and one grandchild. “We are hoping for a couple of more before long,” he says.
“I believe the reason I’ve been able to stay in office this long is that people are comfortable talking to me over a cup of coffee in the morning,” Van Valin says, crossing paths in a local diner.
An informal conversation in the street is fine too. “People feel free talking to me about things they fear, and I truly want to listen,” says Van Valin, who currently serves as deputy supervisor.
IAN PETERS
Ian Peters is an incumbent town councilman, running on the Republican Party ticket, seeking a third, 4-year term (having initially been elected to fulfill a 1-year unexpired term).
He is a 2007 graduate of Windham-Ashland-Jewett school, also attending private liberal arts college Simons Rock and Columbia University, earning three college degrees in two years, focusing on computer sciences.
Peters and his wife Natasha have two daughters, both attending WAJ, representing the 7th generation of family members in the community.
“I originally ran for office to bring a new generation of people to the town council,” Peters says, “and someone who would be technologically competent, helping bring the town forward,” in the Digital Age.
“I think I understand the town well,” Peters says. “If re-elected, I want to work to get [proposed local zoning rules] over the finish line.
“And I look forward to continue working with the Windham Foundation on many projects,” Peters says. “They are a good partner,” assisting with the creation of little league baseball fields and other recreational opportunities.
ANN-MARIE RABIN
Ann-Marie Rabin is running for town justice on the Democratic Party line, saying, "Windham's strength lies in its community. I am committed to preserving its spirit and integrity.”
Rabin was raised in the Bronx, earning her degree from CUNY Law School in the late 1980’s, learning the ropes working with Bronx Legal Aid.
One of six children, her father died when she was fourteen. “It was difficult for my mother and my family but because of that, I know what it’s like for people to deal with various issues,” Rabin says.
“I know criminal law inside and out. I can apply that knowledge and my own background to be humble as a judge. I will know how to sit and really listen, to discern what is true and not true, fair and not fair,” Rabin says.
After moving fulltime to the mountains, Rabin served with the Greene County district attorney’s and public defender’s offices.
She served as Tannersville village attorney, becoming immersed in legal issues surrounding the Department of Environmental Protection and the creation of a community bike path, helping move the project forward.
“I love the law and especially Constitutional law. I believe my education and life experiences make me more than qualified for this job,” Rabin says.
Rabin, saying, “I am a proud member of the Windham community for more than twenty-five years, emphasizes that, if elected, “I will bring knowledge and compassion for people to the office.”
MARILYN CARRERAS
Marilyn Carreras is running for town justice on the Republican Party line, having been appointed to the bench on January 1, 2025, to fulfill an unexpired 4-year term upon the retirement of Carol Stevens.
“I love this job,” says Carreras. “It allows me to use my legal experience in making clear, fair and balanced decisions that deeply impact people.”
Carreras is originally from New York City, securing a law degree in 1982 from Fordham University, serving an internship with the U.S. Attorney’s office before joining a law firm in lower Manhattan.
Over her career, she has specialized in general practice and trials, divorce and custody law, real estate law, mortgage, probate and wills, estates administration and traffic, preparing her for the bench.
Carreras worked both as a public defender and prosecutor before moving to Windham fulltime in1987, starting her own practice and creating a local law guardian program, advocating for children.
“I have always felt a sense of service to the community,” Carrera says. “I have found that knowing the law is very important in this position.
“New laws are always coming down from Albany, so I spend fifteen hours a week, researching and learning, which I love to do,” Carreras says.
“This allows me to provide an understanding to folks about why court decisions are made which, to me, is very important,” Carreras says.
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