Peter Tripodi Attempts to Disenfranchise Maryknoll Sisters

For Immediate Release            Contact: Catherine Borgia: 914-262-8873

(Ossining, NY) Ossining Town Council Member Peter Tripodi is attempting to prevent the women of the Catholic order Maryknoll Sisters of Saint Dominic – commonly known as the “Maryknoll Sisters” – from voting in Ossining elections.  In a letter addressed to the County Board of Elections, Tripodi alleges that the Maryknoll Sisters reside in the Town of New Castle, and are therefore not permitted to vote in the election for the 9th County Legislative seat, currently held by former Town Supervisor Catherine Borgia, whom he is trying to unseat.

In his unsuccessful bid for Ossining Town Supervisor two years ago, Tripodi received only 8 votes of the 122 ballots cast in Election District 25, where the Maryknoll Sisters vote - less than 7 percent.

“This is unbelievable," said Borgia. “The Maryknoll Sisters have been part of Ossining for over 100 years.  We are so fortunate to share our community with these women who have devoted their lives to helping others.  For Mr. Tripodi to attempt to gain a political advantage at the expense of the Sisters is disgraceful.”

But for legislator Borgia, the issue is more than political.  "My family has long admired the Maryknoll order. I remember my mother talking about her childhood visits to family members in Ossining and speaking about the amazing work these women have done in the world.  When I was a Girl Scout leader, we always chose to visit Maryknoll Sisters.  My co-leaders and I felt the Sisters were excellent role models for our scouts."

This is not the first time a candidate tried to disqualify the Sisters from voting in an election.  In the late 1970s, Republican candidates made a similar attempt to disenfranchise the Maryknoll sisters.  A judge dismissed the case, ruling that the Maryknoll Sisters are residents of Ossining, and therefore eligible to vote in Ossining elections.