ELIZABETHTOWN — Two longtime town supervisors in Essex County lost by narrow margins in Tuesday’s general election.
Republicans in Crown Point and Essex were defeated by political newcomers who promised change.
ESSEX
Essex Supervisor Ronald Jackson, in office for eight years, said he’s hoping his town’s 50 outstanding absentee ballots will reverse his 14-vote loss — 153 to 139 — to challenger Sharon Boisen.
He said he didn’t want to say much until the official count, which is scheduled for Nov. 12 and 13.
“Whatever the people want, the people are going to get,” Jackson said.
Boisen, an independent candidate, had never sought public office before but said she did so because she wanted to get involved with public service.
“I’m fortunate I was able to do this for the community. I appreciate the overwhelming support the whole community gave me.”
She said she will be “listening to concerns and working with all members of the community. And, finally, I hope to work closely with Supervisor Jackson to ensure a smooth transition for Essex.”
BOARD MAKEUP
Jackson was in line to be chairman of the Essex County Board of Supervisors next year, so if his loss stands, the board will have to select a new leader for 2010.
The makeup of the Board of Supervisors will change significantly in 2010 anyway. With the addition of four women to the Board of Supervisors, that body will have seven women and 11 men next year.
It will also go from 12 Republicans, five Democrats and one independent to 10 Republicans, six Democrats and two independents.
CROWN POINT
Democrat Bethany Kosmider won the Crown Point supervisor race by 46 votes, beating incumbent Republican Dale French, 354-308.
“I was very happy. The people were ready for a change. I am elated that the majority of the people in Crown Point have chosen me to represent them. I promised to bring Crown Point forward, and I have much work to do.”
She said she is grateful to her supporters for their encouragement.
“I was told I am the first woman ever elected supervisor in Crown Point. I have two years to prove myself.”
French said he’s done his best as supervisor over the last 14 years.
“I feel I gave a lot to the town. I can move on. I’m not defined by the job.”
He said the job comes with tremendous responsibility.
“It’s 20 pounds off my shoulders. I wasn’t going to run, then I did, but I didn’t campaign.”
MINERVA
In Minerva, Essex County Democratic Party Chair Sue Montgomery Corey won the race for town supervisor, beating Republican David LaBar and independent Paul Clickner.
Incumbent Democrat Michael McSweeney didn’t seek re-election, but he endorsed LaBar.
Corey said she feels honored and humbled that voters chose her.
“The conversations that I had with our neighbors throughout the campaign were amazing. They shared with me so many hopes and ideas for Minerva, and I will be working with the town board to make sure we honor those.”
LaBar could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
TICONDEROGA
In Ticonderoga, Democrat Robert Pell-deChame lost to Republican Debra Malaney for supervisor, 805 to 619.
She said she was gratified people gave her their support and trust.
“It’s truly an honor. I’m well aware this is not the easiest job one could try for, but it’s worth it. It’s not a one-person job; it takes a whole community working together.”
Pell-deChame has been active on town economic-development committees.
“This personal commitment remains despite not being elected town supervisor,” he said Wednesday. “This process has only strengthened my resolve to remain involved. I will continue to explore every funding, grant and relationship opportunity that will improve current town services.”
He praised Malaney’s leadership skills and said she’ll do a good job as supervisor.
E-mail Lohr McKinstry at:
lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com
Local News
Upsets in Essex County elections change board makeup
- Local News
-
-
Governor visits North Country to promote budget package
Delights huge crowd at Plattsburgh State in promising to continue reform in Albany. INCLUDES VIDEO
-
Boundaries may remain as is
Franklin County has started work on redistricting, but legislators say the population probably didn't change enough to warrant a new plan.
-
Marble River Wind Farm work continues
The 72-tower project in the towns of Ellenburg and Clinton is expected to be operational in October.
-
New technology helps history, tourism, arts
Adirondack Architectural Heritage in Keeseville hosted a presentation on using Facebook as part of marketing strategies.
-
Body likely missing Fort Covington man
Dustin Trimm of Winthrop charged with murder.
-
Pipeline work on hold
A natural-gas boom in Pennsylvania increased demand for specialized workers and has doubled the expected construction costs for the 48-mile St. Lawrence Gas line through Franklin County.
-
Many agencies working together on waterway remediation
In Keene Valley on Thursday, officials and citizens visited a cross-weir on John's Brook designed to protect both the environment and the bridge there from future flood damage.
-
Robert Russell to the rescue
The 6-year-old Peru boy was recognized for thinking quickly to call 911 when his mother had a seizure.
-
Powerful savings— for now
National Grid is ending collection of one fee and beginning collection of a smaller one, leaving residential and business customers with lower bills in 2012.
-
Appeal mostly denied for Tupper Lake man
Travis K. Borden was convicted in 2010 of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old.
-
Sharing dough
Students in Ticonderoga learned to make bread from scratch from King Arthur Flour's free Life Skills Baking Program.
-
City approves surcharge for dam repairs
Funds will go toward paying off long-term bond for infrastructure improvements.
-
Car chase nets arrest
Lance D. Lamora allegedly fled police in the City of Plattsburgh on Monday night; he faces numerous misdemeanor charges, including driving while intoxicated.
-
Of Interest: Feb. 3, 2012
DWI crackdown runs today through Sunday; Venue changes for Crown Point meeting; Dannemora Village to work on budget; Saranac School Board to meet Feb. 7.
-
Westport Branch of Latter-day Saints closes
Lack of members cited for closure; Westport members merge with Middlebury, Vt., ward.
- February 2, 2012
-
Pipeline on hold
A natural-gas boom in Pennsylvania increased demand for specialized workers and has doubled the expected construction costs for the 48-mile St. Lawrence Gas line through Franklin County.
-
Strand Theatre fundraising on home stretch
It has about $800,000 left to raise for the $4 million project.
-
Appeal mostly denied for Tupper Lake man
Travis K. Borden was convicted in 2010 of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old.
-
Governor visits North Country to promote budget package
- Recent Article Comments
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
Army Orders Bradley Manning Court-martial
Cancer Charity Revives Breast-screening Grants
Heavy Snowstorm Hits Colorado On Its Way East
2nd Teacher From LA School Arrested on Sex Claim
Prosecutors Close Armstrong Inquiry, No Charges
Sights and Sounds: Football Fans Pour Into Indy
Unemployment Rate Down to 8.3%
Obama: Still Far Too Many Americans Need Jobs
GOP: Jobs Numbers Welcome, Can Do Better
Fla. Man Adopts Girlfriend in Legal Battle
More Deaths As Egypt Clashes Continue
Raw Video: Prince William in Falklands
Egpyt Protesters Blame Police for Soccer Deaths
'Lucky' 9-Year-Old Receives 6-Organ Transplant
Raw Video: Michelle Vs. Ellen in Pushup Contest
First Person: Will Peyton Manning Stay in Indy?
Egypt Shaken After Deadly Soccer Riot
New Suits, New Starts for New York's Unemployed
Hall of Famer Dorsett Speaks Out on NFL Injuries
