AFTON – Two weeks after former State Senator Tom Libous left the office of the 52nd District, Republican leaders from Chenango, Broome, Delaware and Tioga counties have their pick for a replacement.
At a press event held in Afton’s Foster Park on Monday, Broome County Undersheriff Fred Akshar formally announced his candidacy for the position, gaining favor among the Chenango County Republican Committee to appear on the ballot for a special election slated for November. Akshar was a unanimous pick among all four GOP representatives in the 52nd District to fill the empty seat in the senate.
Akshar, a native of Afton, has served the last 15 years in law enforcement working his way up the ranks from a road patrol officer, to undercover detective, to undersheriff for the Broome County Sheriff’s Office – a position he was appointed to in June.
“Through my work, I have come across some of the most heinous crimes, criminals, and their victims,” said Akshar. “Seeing people at their worst has motivated me to commit my life to making our community the best it can be.”
Akshar said if elected, he would address the area’s most concerning issues, including the heroin epidemic that’s plagued the county and surrounding areas, as well as the sluggish local economy.
“We need to improve economic conditions so moms and dads can support their families, and our work force can live and work right here in Chenango County,” he added. “We do that by creating jobs – good paying jobs. We let small businesses thrive on their own without big government getting in the way, and by investing in hard working people through job training that will keep them competitive in the modern workforce. It should be as easy to work and do business right here as it is in our neighboring state just 20 miles down the road.”
Chenango County Republican Chairman Tom Morrone said, “I am proud to have selected a Chenango County native to be our next Republican State Senator, Fred Akshar.”
“Our candidate is a fresh face who can represent our way of life in Chenango County,” added Sheila Marshman, Ph.D., secretary for the Chenango County Republican Committee. “Knowing we found the right person for the job is truly exciting ... someone who's not a career politician, but a career public servant – a public servant who will listen to and advocate for the success of our municipalities, our educational institutions, small business owners, and farmers who work the land.”
Akshar also received praise from former Norwich Police Chief Joseph Angelino, who said Akshar has “unlimited energy to do the job and the passion to serve all the people in this district.”
“I can't be more proud of the person the Republican party has selected,” added Angelino.
The seat of the 52nd Senatorial District has been vacant since July 22, when former Republican Minority Leader Thomas Libous was ousted for being found guilty on charges of lying to the FBI. Those charges stem from a federal investigation into allegations of corruption that took place in 2010.
Akshar does face Democratic opposition for the senate seat from former Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala. Fiala has received endorsement from Governor Andrew Cuomo to appear on the Democratic line in November.