GREENE – When Village of Greene residents take to the polls on Wednesday, March 18, there will be a lot of familiar names on the ballot – but not a lot of choices. The exception will be the Village Justice race, which pits Republican newcomer Michael Dietrich against the incumbent, Dante Acunto.
Dietrich, a long time Greene resident, beat out Acunto to become the Republican nominee at the party’s caucus on Jan. 24.
“The justice system has always been a fascination of mine, and something that runs in my family,” said Dietrich, who said he will bring a positive attitude and work ethic to the position.
Dietrich has been an active member of the Greene Fire Department for the last seven years, during which time he has held the elected positions of Second Lieutenant and Second Captain.
He currently owns his own business, a mobile tool distributorship. For the last two years, he has also served as a Court Security Officer for the Town of Greene Court. It is this experience which he said has lead him to run for Village Justice.
Acunto, who was appointed to the village justice position in 2007 to complete the remainder of the 4-year term of Judge Herbert Deabler after the justice passed away while in office, has entered the race as an Independent.
Acunto also serves as one of the Town of Greene’s two justices, a position he has held since 2004.
In addition to the village justice position, three other local officials are up for re-election: Mayor Marcia Miller, Village Trustee Ron Williamson and Trustee Rod Andrews.
Miller, who served as a village trustee for 18 years before being elected Mayor in 2007, is up for her second 2-year term in office. Williamson will be seeking his sixth term and Andrews his second. All are running unopposed.
Polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m. on March 18. The election will take place in the Village Board Room, 49 Genesee St.