Walton — Richard Stinson of South Kortright was honored as “Man of the Year” at last Saturday’s Delaware County Democratic Committee (DCDC) dinner.

Lisa Tait, the 2011 honoree, presented him with a plaque from the committee and letters of congratulations from Congressman Maurice Hinchey and Senators Gillibrand and Schumer.
Tait described the honoree as a “behind-the-scenes man who works to make life in his community better.”

Also on hand were Kevin McCabe, regional director for the governor, and brother Dennis McCabe, assistant attorney general in charge, presenting letters of congratulations from Andrew Cuomo and Eric Schneiderman, respectively.
Stinson thanked the committee and honored guests. He talked about growing up in a then rural Long Island.

“I was a Republican because my parents were Republican.”

Shift in parties
He noted his discomfort over the years regarding the direction the party was taking and which eventually resulted in his registering as a Democrat.

“I’ve only worked on two presidential campaigns in my life, Goldwater’s and Obama’s. That goes to show how far we’ve moved in this country.”
Stinson described his volunteer work on efforts such as the 2006 Gillibrand congressional campaign and the 2008 Obama presidential election as both fun and gratifying. He also honored several groups he’s volunteered with — 20 True Blue, Del4Change, the DCDC and the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society.

He shared the award with his “Men of the Year,” Steven Bower, Steven Smith and William Smith, who worked together in 2011 to win election to Kortright town offices.
The dinner was held at the Rainbow Lodge in Walton. Walton Democratic Chair Stephen Hodge welcomed the attendees. Featured speakers included: DCDC Chair Cynthia Lockrow; Democratic Rural Conference Chairwoman Irene Stein; New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli; Delaware County Judge candidate Gary Rosa, and candidate for the 19th U.S. Congressional District Joel Tyner.