On Wednesday, the final tallies were announced for the Geneva City School District, approving all four propositions, including the adopted 2020-21 school budget.
After Governor Andrew Cuomo extended the vote count for absentee ballots until Tuesday, June 19th – the annual budget passed by almost 70-percent.
The separate propositions to purchase six buses and the establishment of the transportation vehicle reserve fund both passed as well.
Board of Education candidate Brian Finnerty succeeded incumbent Michael Ellis after sequestering 1,623 votes out of the total count of 2,771 – capturing almost 60-percent of all votes cast across the crowded field of nine candidates.
“I can’t express how happy and thankful I am to have received so many votes, so many kind words and comments, and all of your trust in me to take on this role. I am excited and anxious to begin working towards making our school district the best it can be for the residents, parents, and especially the kids,” Finnerty told FingerLakes1.com.
Finnerty will now start to serve a five-year term on the school board.
PROPOSITION # 1: ADOPTION OF ANNUAL BUDGET
Yes: 1910
No: 832
PROPOSITION #2: BUS ACQUISITION
Yes: 1736
No: 961
PROPOSITION #3: AUTHORIZATION OF ESTABLISHMENT OF A TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE RESERVE FUND
Yes: 1675
No: 1046
PROPOSITION #4: PUBLIC LIBRARY VOTE AND ELECTION 2020-2021
Yes: 1684
No: 1061
Here are how the results shaped up:
1. Brian Finnerty: 1623
2. Antonio Gomez: 295
3. Sarah Cupelli: 271
4. Samuel Cappiello: 146
5. RJ Rapoza: 129
6. Mike Ellis (incumbent): 116
7. Lisa Pietrocarlo: 86
8. Fred Brockway: 73
9. Shelley Higgins-Corbett: 32
Gabe covered health and indigenous affairs in the Finger Lakes between 2019 and 2022. His award winning coverage was cited by the federal government and provided residents with an invaluable service during the coronavirus pandemic.