Ontario County is preparing for contested elections later this year, with races for the county clerk and coroner among those garnering attention. The county Board of Elections has released a list of 116 candidates who submitted nominating petitions earlier this month.
Here’s a breakdown of some notable contested races:
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: In November, Democrat Jim Kennedy and Republican Karen Sollenne will compete for a seat on the county Board of Supervisors, representing Geneva District 1 (wards 1 and 2). Kennedy was appointed to the seat last year by the City Council, replacing Dom Vedora, who relocated.
CANANDAIGUA CITY SUPERVISOR: Incumbent Republican Rich Russell faces a challenge from Democrat Nancy Yacci for the Canandaigua city supervisor position in wards 2 and 3.
GORHAM TOWN SUPERVISOR: Republicans Brian Lazarus and Dale Stell will run in a June primary for town supervisor, as longtime Supervisor Fred Lightfoote is set to retire at the end of the year.
COUNTY CLERK: Democrats Heidi Barend-Guerrie and Elizabeth Yockel will compete in a June 27 primary. The winner will then face Republican and Conservative candidate Jean Chrisman in November, vying to succeed the late Matt Hoose.
COUNTY CORONER: Two positions are up for election this year. Republican petitions were submitted by Thomas Cheney, James DeVaney, and Michael John, with DeVaney and John also submitting Conservative petitions. Democrats Nancy Augustine and Laura Swarthout will be on the November ballot as well.
NAPLES TOWN SUPERVISOR: Greg Bendzlowicz, a former Geneva police detective and lieutenant who later represented the city on the county Board of Supervisors, is running unopposed for town supervisor as a Republican and Conservative. Current Supervisor Tamara Hicks will not be seeking reelection.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected]