Pawling Supervisor Beth Coursen accused of making homophobic slur

By Michael Woyton

The Poughkeepsie Journal

PAWLING - A homophobic slur allegedly directed at the town GOP chairman by the Republican supervisor has brought out cries of politics and intimidation.

Supervisor Beth Coursen denied making the remark to Glenn Carey, town Republican chairman.

During a break in proceedings during the July 2 Town Board meeting, Carey spoke with Coursen to follow up on an exchange they had earlier in the meeting.

Carey said he had offered help posting comprehensive plan committee meeting minutes on the town Web site, something Coursen publicly was amenable to.

He said he approached Coursen to ask if the following day would be good for him to help.

According to Carey, Coursen said he could come in and apply for a part-time position, and he asked if her public comments were made only to appease him. Coursen is a former aide to former state Assemblyman Willis Stephens.

Carey said, "She took a step forward and said, 'I'm not giving you access to the town Web site, and you're a [expletive] and everybody knows it.'"

While the meeting was still in open session, Carey told the public and the board what Coursen allegedly said to him.

Coursen said the accusation was "categorically false."

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