Write-ins decide Odessa board seats
A quiet election with no candidates still produced winners Tuesday, as voters wrote in two familiar names, according to the report.
Incumbent Kristine Gardner, who said she’d serve again, and Joel Moore each received 12 of the 23 ballots cast. Voters also wrote in Katharine Wilkens (8 votes), incumbent Pamela Cicconi (2), and Theresa Letteer (1).
The two winners will take two-year terms on the Odessa Village Board starting April 1, filling seats that otherwise had no declared candidates.
Three votes decide Penn Yan mayor
A razor-thin margin flipped Penn Yan’s mayoral race again, as just three votes separated the top candidates, according to the report.
Patricia Christensen edged incumbent Dan Condella 179 to 176 in Tuesday’s unofficial results. Former Mayor Leigh MacKerchar drew 153 votes, while Daniel Irwin received 37. Officials plan a recount Friday at the Yates County Office Building.
The result mirrors 2022, when Condella won by three votes. In board races, Ronald Dailey, Teresa Hoban, and Robert Craig secured the three open seats with the highest vote totals.
Murphy wins Aurora mayor race
After years as deputy, Janet Murphy is stepping into Aurora’s top job with a decisive win, according to The Citizen.
Murphy earned 68 votes and faced no opposition, while outgoing Mayor Jim Orman received two write-ins. She previously served under two mayors and now takes over as the village navigates challenges following Wells College’s 2024 closure.
In trustee races, incumbents L. John Miller and Matt Bianconi held their seats with 67 and 48 votes. Challenger Tim Dugan finished with 32.
Village elections shifted to Wednesday this year due to a state law barring voting on St. Patrick’s Day.
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