In a recent Democratic Primary held on Sept. 13, former Tioga County Democratic Committee Chair Diane Lechner, who normally serves on the New York State Democratic Committee as Tioga County’s unopposed representative, was challenged for her seat by Democratic Committee member Kim Cerretani. According to the Tioga County Board of Elections, this is the first time there has been a primary for this seat in the history of Tioga County.
Cerretani won with over 60 percent of the vote and will replace Lechner in the statewide role of State Committee Member for Assembly District 124, Tioga County.
Then this past week, the Tioga County Democratic Committee held their re-organizational meeting in Waverly and chose new leadership to serve for the next two years.
The former Chair, Diane Lechner, was challenged by Owego’s own former candidate for U.S. Congress, Max DellaPia, for her position as Chairperson. Max won the contest with over 60 percent of the vote, and will serve as the Chair of the Tioga County Democratic Committee from now until September 2020.
Stephen Carpineta, founder and director of the “Tioga Progressives,” a chapter of the New York Progressive Action Network, and a Democratic Committee member since 2016 looks forward to working with the new members and stated, “I believe that members have been looking forward to an opportunity to elect bold new leadership, who will make the local party more inclusive and cooperative, encouraging participation and outreach in our community. Max is a proven leader who inspired his neighbors with his run for Congress and efforts in our community.”
I’m glad someone reported correctly on this story. The Ithaca Journal recently printed incorrect information about the results of this election, which had me concerned. They have since corrected their article.