Geneseo NY — With all caucus results and independent candidacies apparently now filed with the Board of Elections, Livingston County’s November contests are fully defined.

Committees to Fill Vacancies had to have all of their candidates filed with the Board of Elections by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, or at least have the filing letter postmarked by that date.

A town-by-town synopsis of opposition races follows:

West Sparta – Dominic Cosimano will face the newly named Republican candidate Lawrence Valentino in the race for supervisor, which has become three-way with the addition of  incumbent Supervisor Margaret Cansdale running on her independent ‘Circle C’ line.
Democratic incumbent clerk Marie Powell will face Adrienne Keiffer, who also was recently named by the Republican Committee to Fill Vacancies. In the judge slot, Republican incumbent nominee Heidi Keller will face T. Sue Mahany running on an independent ‘Elect Mahany’ line.

In a five-way council race Greg Keagy is the lone Democrat, facing Republican incumbent Rick Pfaff and Republican newcomer Larry Huff and two independents, Mark Mullikin on the ‘Change W. Sparta’ line and Marvin Yamonaco, Sr. on the ‘Community Vision’ line.
Finally, as The County News goes to press on Tuesday, the Republican Committee to Fill Vacancies has named Elaine Comer to face Democratic nominee and incumbent tax collector Linda Johnson.

And if the West Sparta election already wasn’t competitive enough, Charlie Comer of the Republican Committee to fill Vacancies says his group will be conducting a public education campaign to make sure electors know how to write-in a candidate of their choice who is not on the ballot.

Geneseo – Democratic village Justice Tom Bushnell will face Republican nominee Gerald Smith in the contest for judge. The contest for two council seats is among four newcomers. Democrats have named Tom Curtin and Michael DaBramo. Republicans have named Richard Taylor (husband of County Treasurer Carolyn Taylor) and Roberta Irwin.

Caledonia – Eric Martin, on the independent ‘Working Families’ line, is facing Dan Pangrazio for the supervisor position. Pangrazio has the Republican nod and is also on the independent ‘Caledonia First’ line, where the unopposed Republicans have likewise registered.

Groveland – After the Democratic justice candidate declined, incumbent Republican nominee Elsa vanMunster is the lone candidate. She is also on the independent ‘Citizen Party’ line, with fellow  Republicans. In the four way council contest for two seats, Democrats have named Ron Niedermaier, Jr. and Peter Scosa. Republicans named incumbents Kevin Niedermaier and Craig Phelps, both also on the ‘Citizen Party’ line.

Leicester – In a council race for two seats, no incumbents are running. Democrats have named Rose Lubanski and Joni Santucci — who is seeking the position currently held by her father, Felix Valentino. Republicans have named Gerald Hull and Terrence Grant, both also on the independent ‘People’s Choice’ line.

Lima – Three candidates are vying for two judge positions. Republicans have named their incumbent Elvira Luhowy and former Judge Harold Harris. Democrats have named Gregory McCaffrey, who is also on the independent “Law and Order” line.

Mount Morris - Republicans have named their incumbent clerk Christie Murphy, also on the independent ‘Community Party’ line.
She is facing the Democratic nominee Sheryl Cappadonia. In a three-way council race Republicans and Democrats both have named incumbent David DiSalvo. Democrats alone have named incumbent Pete Cappadonia, Jr. Republicans alone have named Don Huff, who is also on the independent ‘Community Party’ line.

North Dansville – Republican incumbent supervisor nominee Dennis Mahus is also on an independent ‘Dansville United’ line with fellow Republicans. As of press time the Democratic Committee to Fill Vacancies had named no replacement for its original supervisor nominee Keith Petti, who declined over Hatch Act concerns. The North Dansville council election remains competitive with incumbent Dick LeBar and Robin Humphrey as Democratic nominees. Incumbent Gregory Horr and George Sisak are the Republican nominees, also on the ‘Dansville United’ line.

Nunda — There are no competitive races in Nunda, but voters will vote on propositions to make the highway superintendent  and town supervisor terms from two to four years.

Ossian – For the unexpired council seat held by the late Burton Brokaw, Democrats have named Chris Pero. No Republican nomination from the Committee to Fill Vacancies was forthcoming.

Sparta – Four candidates are vying for the two open council seats. Allen Webster and Nancy Fitzpatrick have the Democratic council nominations. Incumbents Debra Halpenny and William Smith have the Republican nominations. There is also a contest for highway superintendent with incumbent Gary Kreiley as the Republican nominee and Dan Jessmer as the Democratic nominee.

Springwater - Four are seeking two council seats. Carolyn Tinney and Judy Tripp-Neu have the Democratic nominations. Incumbent Larry Gnao and Jim Bowers have the Republican nominations.

An interesting recent ballot phenomenon is the abundance of candidates who have received regular party nominations but who have also associated themselves with an independent line. “Many of these candidates circulated an independent petition with the idea they weren’t sure if they would have opposition. It gave them that extra line, just in case,” explained Elections Commissioner Susan Guenther.

Livingston County News has the most comprehensive area election coverage. Pick up a copy at the newsstand or subscribe at 243-0296.

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