A Lake Carmel resident for more than 30 years and a graduate of Carmel High School, Joe grew up here, built his career here and chose to raise his family here.

Meet Joseph

Joe and his wife, Jillian, are raising their two sons here in the same community where he grew up.

Joseph Cunningham grew up in Lake Carmel. He graduated from Carmel High School. He and his wife, Jillian, are raising their two sons in the community where he grew up.

Joe built his career through hard work. He started out as an ironworker and today owns USA Drains, a local small business. Running a business has taught him what it means to meet a payroll, manage a budget, solve problems and be accountable for every dollar.

Joseph Cunningham owns USA Drains, a local small business. He previously worked as an ironworker.

2026 New York General Election

When families are struggling with higher taxes and a rising cost of living, politicians shouldn't be putting themselves first.

Joe will oppose pay raises for elected officials and demand the same fiscal discipline from county government that families and small businesses have to practice every day.

Making Putnam More Affordable

Cutting the Sales Tax

When government consistently collects more money than it needs, taxpayers deserve relief.

Joe supports cutting the County’s share of the sales tax to provide broad-based relief that reaches families, seniors and small businesses every day.

Cutting the Sales Tax

Rather than allowing excess revenues to simply accumulate or become an excuse for more government spending, Joe believes county government should return savings to the people who earned the money in the first place.

For too long, Kent has missed out on economic development and commercial investment that could help strengthen the local economy and ease the burden on homeowners.

Joe will work closely with our partners in town government and bring together the resources of the Putnam County Industrial Development Agency and Economic Development Corporation to actively attract businesses and encourage responsible development — with a particular focus on the Route 52 corridor.

Growing the commercial tax base means more than bringing new businesses to town. It means local jobs, stronger commercial corridors and a broader tax base so homeowners aren't expected to carry so much of the burden.

Growing Our Commercial Tax Base

Plans to oppose pay raises for elected officials and seek fiscal discipline in county government.

Supports cutting the county's share of the sales tax and returning excess county revenues to taxpayers.

Plans to coordinate with local governments and county development agencies to attract businesses and encourage development along the Route 52 corridor.

- Plans to oppose pay raises for elected officials and seek fiscal discipline in county government.
- Supports cutting the county's share of the sales tax and returning excess county revenues to taxpayers.
- Plans to coordinate with local governments and county development agencies to attract businesses and encourage development along the Route 52 corridor.

Economy

Joe believes that needs to change.

He’ll fight for a real plan for the Lake Carmel Community Center and work with local and county officials to make sure Lake Carmel receives its fair share of infrastructure investment, services and resources.

Delivering for Lake Carmel

Plans to pursue a plan for the Lake Carmel Community Center and seek infrastructure investment, services, and resources for Lake Carmel.

- Plans to pursue a plan for the Lake Carmel Community Center and seek infrastructure investment, services, and resources for Lake Carmel.

Public Services

As of October 28, 2026, Joseph Cunningham’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Housing & Urban Development

Supporting Law Enforcement & Keeping Putnam Safe

Public safety is one of government's most fundamental responsibilities.

Joe will support the men and women who protect our communities and make sure our law enforcement agencies, firefighters, EMTs and emergency services have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.

Supporting Law Enforcement & Keeping Putnam Safe

Plans to provide law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and emergency services with resources to do their jobs effectively.

- Plans to provide law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and emergency services with resources to do their jobs effectively.

Joseph Cunningham

Economy

Public Services

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment