CHENANGO COUNTY – Although Tuesday’s Republican Primary weighed heavily in favor of incumbents on village and town boards throughout the county, the election also earned some political newcomers rights to appear on the Republican line during the general election in November, signalling what could potentially be a reconfiguration of local leadership next year.
In the City of Norwich, Ward Four Alderman Walter Schermerhorn maintained favor among Republican voters, winning the election over challenger Linda Kays Biviano with 58 percent of a total 43 votes.
In a statement submitted to The Evening Sun congratulating Schermerhorn on his victory, Biviano said, “I appreciate the voters that took their time to come out and vote the Republican Primary. I congratulate Walt Schermerhorn for his successful win. My campaign is far from over. I will continue to reach out to all my neighbors on the Independent platform and ‘be informed,’ which I truly believe we all want and need.”
In the city’s sixth ward, where incumbent Daniel Palmer officially announced he will not seek re-election – though his name did appear on the primary ballot – challenger Thomas LoPiccolo gained 76 percent of the ward’s 34-voter turnout.
In the Town of Oxford, where two seats on the town council will be up for grabs in November, incumbent Councilman John Hofmann will remain on the Republican line this November after taking a majority 37 percent of Tuesday’s vote. Hofmann will be joined on the Republican line by newcomer Ronald Charles, who gained 32 percent the vote and a narrow victory over Paul Brennan at 29 percent.
A total 394 voters cast their ballot in the highly contested primary in the Town of Oxford. The township showed the highest voter turnout in Chenango County.
Incumbent Town of Smithville Supervisor Fred Heisler did not keep his spot on the Republican line after he was defeated by opponent Roger Connelly. Connelly garnered 64 percent the vote in Smithville where 143 votes were counted.
Said Heisler, “The local elections are interesting because in most cases, the voters know the candidates and when they vote like this, they are making a statement. The fact that Mr. Connelly won by such a margin I think really says something, and I certainly congratulate him.”
Heisler also acknowledged the work of the Smithville Town Board and hopes to communicate better with its members in the months leading up to the general election.
Guilford Supervisor George Seneck will keep his spot on the Republican ticket in the general election. Of the 157 Guilford voters who turned out Tuesday, Seneck won 61 percent the overall vote, defeating Jeffrey McCormack, who had nearly 36 percent.
“I would like to thank the people who supported me throughout the process,” stated Seneck. “The petition and primary process gave me an opportunity to listen to over 200 residents and their concerns. At this point, I hope to focus on some of the tasks at hand in the town, continue to work on our comprehensive plan, and moving forward with the development of a road protection law as well as working on the budget for 2014.”
Likewise, Coventry Town Supervisor George Westcott will keep his place on the Republican line in November after winning 54 percent of the vote. Westcott was challenged for the position by Gwendolyn Hinman, who earned 45 percent of Coventry’s 177 voters.
Said Westcott, “I would like to thank Town of Coventry voters for coming out to vote. I appreciate your support and serving you in the future. I also want to thank those who have helped me get re-elected. I appreciate all their efforts and look forward to working more with them in the future.”
The race for town council in Coventry brought in a total 330 votes with incumbent Robert Boudreau and political newcomer John Wicks earning 32 percent and 26 percent of the vote, respectively. The two candidates beat out incumbent George Broeg (25 percent) and Sara Cook (16 percent). Two seats on the Coventry Town Council will be available in November.