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November 4, 2009

Upsets in Essex County elections change board makeup

Supervisors Jackson, French fall to challenges

By LOHR McKINSTRY

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 to 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

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