A leadership shake-up in Sodus Point has left the village looking for its next mayor—and fast.
At Tuesday’s Village Board meeting, Laurie Verbridge was appointed mayor, effective immediately. She’ll serve for just 73 days until a new mayor is elected and sworn in at the Organizational Meeting on December 2.
Verbridge called the appointment “humbling” and said her focus will be on steadying the day-to-day work of the board while helping guide a smooth transition.
In her message to residents, she made one thing clear: she’s not running for the job.
“I want to speak candidly to you,” she wrote. “Our village needs a committed leader to step forward.” She urged residents to consider becoming a write-in candidate before Election Day on November 4.
The Board also appointed Scott Johnson as a volunteer advisor to help during the transition, but chose to leave one trustee seat vacant until the election. “Because your voice and your vote matter,” Verbridge said.
A short window for new leadership
The vacancy comes after William (Bill) Kallusch, who remains on the ballot, stepped down. While Verbridge said the board respects his decision, she emphasized the importance of moving forward with new leadership.
Absentee ballots are already going out, and anyone interested in running as a write-in should contact the Wayne County Board of Elections at 315-946-7400 for more information.
Verbridge also shared her office hours for the week and said she hopes to maintain a regular schedule of 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. once things settle.
“Sodus Point has always been defined by neighbors stepping up when it matters most,” she said. “I know we can do it again.”
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