In a squeaker of a September 12 primary, Simons carried 275 votes to challenger Richard Martinkovic's 276. The count is still tentative and may be decided in court, a party official said.
The decision on who will lead the town board for the next four years won't be made until Election Day. If he loses the primary vote, Simons may still run as an independent.
Meanwhile, Simons got the nod as treasurer of the county Democratic party. In the primary, Simons and Martinkovic were running neck and neck when polls closed. Since absentee ballots have not been counted, the nod could still go either way.
Meanwhile, Simons was nominated as county Democratic treasurer by B. Elton J. Harris of Rockland, seconded Andrew Boyar of Highland in a September 14 meeting at Mr. Willy's Restaurant in Monticello.
Simons raked in 4224 weighted votes, over 961 to Naomi Frumess. Simons chairs the Town of Liberty Democratic Committee.
Insiders speaking on the condition of anonymity said Frumess lost her post for supporting Martinkovic's primary bid. Frumess further angered party faithful when she accused her predecessor -- the late Irene Fox of Mamakating -- of sloppy bookkeeping, a source said.
Frumess lost her primary bid for county legislature to Peter Stettner of White Sulpher Springs.
Charges of party "disloyalty" have reportedly been lodged against Martinkovic with county Democratic party officials.
Simons and Martinkovic exchanged barbs in a debate sponsored by the Sullivan County Business Association on September 7 at Carpenito's Restaurant in Monticello.
Simons, 62, a four-year incumbent, shared the dais with Martinkovic, 48, who boasted the endorsement of the Liberty Democratic committee. A registered Democrat, Martinkovic holds the Republican and Conservative endorsements.
Martinkovic served as a Liberty village trustee from 1985 to 1988 and for two years on the town board. Active in local and regional firefighting, he is vice-president of the Sullivan County American Red Cross and is a service manager for NYNEX.
Simons stressed his four years as supervisor and a military record. Martinkovic admitted Simons has sought out and hired minorities to town political appointments, including Spanish speaking election inspectors. Simons is an insurance agent.
Candidates discussed what to do about polluted village drinking water in Liberty, veteran's benefits, taxes and police protection. Few points of sharp disagreement were evident.
Running for Liberty town board seats are: incumbent Republican/Conservative Patricia Hopkins; Democrats Joan Stoddard and Christopher Gozza; and Republican/Conservative Shirley Lindsley. Republican/Conservative incumbent Liberty town clerk Janet Leroy is running unopposed. Town justice Richard Hering is endorsed by all three parties.