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Tendy said he is running for the office of district attorney in 2015 against incumbent Adam Levy, who has not formally announced he is seeking re-election. Tendy, a Republican, intends to face Levy in the primary election.
"I intend to step up and call him on his actions for what he has done to the common trust and law enforcement," Tendy said. "Based on his behavior, he should resign."
Tendy is critical of Levy's handling of the Alexandru Hossu rape case. Levy recused himself from the case because Hossu was his personal trainer and friend, though Levy admitted to helping pay for his defense and Levy's brother-in-law was Hossu's lawyer. Hossu was acquitted of the charges.
"He interfered with the process," Tendy said. "He called (Westchester District Attorney) Janet DiFiore names. What he did was unethical."
The supervisor also criticized Levy for his frosty relationship with Putnam County Sheriff Don Smith. Levy is suing Smith for $5 million for defamation of character because Smith criticized his involvement in the Hossu case.
"He called him paranoid and delusional," Tendy said. "If he believes that about Putnam County's other top law enforcement agent, then there are legal proceedings he must take."
Michelle Carter, a spokeswoman for Levy, said Levy would not have any comment on Tendy's candidacy until he makes a formal announcement.
Tendy has his own criminal law practice in Poughkeepsie and previously served as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan. He was elected Putnam Valley Supervisor in 2007.
He said he wanted to declare his candidacy now to begin building a base.
"This is a very serious position," Tendy said. "I will have to raise money and get my message out. I need to make sure people know who I am. Seventeen months is not as far away as you'd think."
If elected, Tendy said he would work closely with law enforcement.
"I want them to know I am on their side," Tendy said. "We will work together, they will know where my loyalties lie."
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