A familiar view around election time, are signs place strategically around the county by candidates running for various political positions. (Photo by Wendy Post)
A familiar view around election time, are signs place strategically around the county by candidates running for various political positions. (Photo by Wendy Post)
A familiar view around election time, are signs place strategically around the county by candidates running for various political positions. (Photo by Wendy Post)
The General Election for 2015 is closing in on us, with several contested races around the county. For voters, there are 18 polling sites, with 160 election inspectors, that open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. within Tioga County, and only one day left, Monday, Nov. 2, to process absentee ballots at the Board of Elections’ (BOE) office located at the Health and Human Services building at 1062 State Route 38 in Owego. You can also call them at (607) 687-8261 with any questions.
Bernadette Toombs, from the BOE office in Tioga County, stated, “We encourage registered voters to participate in their right to choose the best candidate to represent them locally, vote your ballot, don’t let it be a piece of unused paper the county must retain. Every vote makes a difference.”
Two of the most contested positions being vied for in this year’s General Election are the 52nd State Senate District to fill the seat of former Deputy Majority Leader Tom Libous – and potentially decide control of the Senate; and the position of Tioga County Clerk.
For the Senate seat, and on the ballot, are Fred Akshar, who is running on both a Republican and Independent ticket; and Barb Fiala, who is running on a Democratic and Working Families ticket in this election.
As for the Senate position, Akshar has visited businesses and talked to individuals throughout the county over the last several months.
In a recent release from AARP, a voter’s guide noted that Fiala and Akshar both support the paid family leave insurance law to help overstressed caregivers and the loved ones for whom they care.
On paid leave insurance, Akshar stated, “I would support a paid family leave insurance program to assist people taking care of loved ones,” which was echoed by Fiala, who stated, “I absolutely support paid family medical leave.”
According to AARP, voters 50 and older accounted for more than 61 percent of the electorate in last year’s race for governor, according to exit polling. And the proportion of older voters typically increases for “off year” and special elections.
Akshar, locally, has spoken heavily about issues concerning residents such as the proposed closure of the Broome Developmental Center, about the State’s Medicare mandates, about local agriculture, and many other issues that affect residents within the district he would serve if elected.
Akshar also supported a proposed treatment plan for addicts, amidst the growth of the heroin use population, stating, “I fully support this fresh approach and will work hard as the former Undersheriff or as our next Senator to help it succeed, regardless of what desk I am sitting at,” said Akshar.
Within Fiala’s campaign, she has ascertained, “I’m the only candidate with a plan to end business as usual in Albany: term limits, campaign finance reform, pension forfeiture.”
Fiala has also vowed to “…. bring jobs to our region and alleviate poverty in our community.”
Voters will have their voice on which one of these individuals will represent their voice on Nov. 3.
For Tioga County Clerk, Democratic candidate Sandra Knapp-Dunbar and Republican candidate Andrea Klett are vying for this position.
In a recent interview, Sandra Knapp-Dunbar stated, “With the Elections coming up Tuesday, I encourage everyone to come out and vote. I can win this election if you vote for me. I am ready, willing and able to serve the people as Tioga County Clerk. We deserve a choice and too often these positions run unopposed. Voting is our most important right. You have a choice. Please come out and vote!”
Andrea Klett, stated, “My many years of public service have taught me that it’s not just paperwork. Deeds, liens, mortgages, court decisions, surveys, and other recorded documents are a huge part of people’s lives. They must be handled so that not only are the documents legally protected and accessible for the future, but that the rights of the people bound to those documents are protected as well. I also feel that anyone in a position to have the knowledge and ability to answer questions about any government function should do so politely and respectfully. If the people of Tioga County elect me as their next County Clerk, they can rest assured that should they ever come to my office looking for assistance, they will receive it to the best of my and my staff’s abilities.”
As for other local elections, incumbent Republican Sheriff Gary Howard is running uncontested to retain his seat.
For County Coroner, Ryan H. Kline and Robert Williams, both Republicans will be on the ballot – although voters will be allowed to vote for two.
In Barton, N.Y., Republican Joan C. Richards is running uncontested for Town Clerk, Republicans David Shipman and John Tryon are on the ballot to run for Councilman seats (vote for two), and Republican Chris Spaulding is running uncontested for Superintendent of Highways.
In Waverly, N.Y., Republican Raymond Case is running uncontested to retain his seat on the County Legislature for District 5, and David R. Shipman and John T. Tyron, both Republicans, will be on the ballot for two available seats on the council. Republican Chris H. Spaulding is running uncontested for Superintendent of Highways.
In Candor, Democrat Kevin Luddy and Republicans Joseph R. Bish, Sr. and William A. Strosahl, Jr. will be vying for two open Councilman seats (vote for two). As for Town Clerk in Candor, Republican, Connie Dence-Kulze will be running on the Republican and Peace Party Line against Beacon of Light candidate Patricia Halstead for one seat. Republican Kevin David Noble is running uncontested for Superintendent of Highways, and Republican Robert A. Riggs is running uncontested for Town Supervisor.
In Nichols, N.Y., Republicans S. Tracy Monell and Loretta A. Sullivan will be running to maintain their seats on the County Legislature (vote for two), as well as Republican Karen A. Hunsinger for Town Clerk, and Republicans Barbara J. Crannell and Esther A. Woods are running for Councilman seats (vote for two). Democrat Kevin R. Vought is running uncontested to retain his seat as Superintendent of Highways.
For County Legislative District 1, Democrat Dan Sniezek will be challenging Republican Richard Huttleston for one County Legislative seat.
In Owego, Republican Martha Sauerbrey will be running uncontested to retain her seat as County Legislature for District 2, and Republicans Patrick K. Hogan and John P. Schumacher are running for Town Justice (vote for two).
For Councilman in Owego, Democrat and Working Party candidate Janet Thomas, Republican Wayne Moulton, and Republican Barbara Roberts will be vying for two available seats.
In Spencer, N.Y., Republican Randall Thayer is running uncontested for Town Supervisor, while Republicans Raymond Bunce and Ronald A. Koski, Jr. are running for two available councilman seats.
In Berkshire, Democrat Bonnie Swartwood and Republican Annette Thayer will be vying for the Town Clerk position, and Democrat John D. Stoughton and Republican Ronald A. Sharp are running for a Councilman position (vote for two).
In Newark Valley, Republican Barbara S. Mock is running uncontested for the Town Clerk position. Also in Newark Valley, Republican Todd E. Smith will be challenged by Corey Relyea – who is running under “The Right Reason” Party, for Town Justice (vote for one). Republicans Timothy Dalton and Stephen Tennant are running for two council seats (vote for two).
In Richford, Republican Velvet Lyke is running uncontested for the Town Clerk position, while Republican Charles E. Davis and Democrat Martin Wilcox will challenge each other for the position of Supervisor (vote for one).
Also contested are two councilman seats with Democrat William E. Stell, Sr., Republican Charles W. Thayer, and Democrat Cynthia Herrick on the ticket.
Republican Michael F. Hunt is running uncontested for Superintendent of Highways.
In the Town of Tioga, Republican incumbent Lewis Zorn is running uncontested as Town Supervisor, while Republican and Liberty Party Brenda Middendorf will challenge Positive Party candidate Karen Wells for the position of Town Clerk.
Republican Paul Martin, Jr. is running uncontested for Town Justice, and Republicans Drew Griffin and Gerald Hyatt will be on the ballot for two councilman seats.
Republican Frank Catalano is running uncontested for the position of Superintendent of Highways.
For more information on voting, polling locations or absentee ballots, be sure to contact the BOE by calling (607) 687-8261.
