Incumbents returned in most races

by Susan Mikula Campbell
Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, November 8, 2007

Wheatfield’s residents didn’t vote for change this year. Republicans took 70 percent of the vote. Gathered together are members of the winning team: Wheatfield Justice Robert Cliffe, Councilman Larry Helwig, Supervisor Timothy Demler, Superintendent of Highways Arthur Kroening, Wheatfield Republican Chairman Jim Heuer, new Town Clerk Kathleen Harrington, County Legislator Bill Ross, County Legislator Danny Sklarski and Councilman Gil Doucet. (photo by Chuck and Donna Cederman)

Wheatfield Republicans still reign supreme, and Town of Niagara had only one upset of an incumbent on Election Day this year.

Many of the candidates, such as Town of Niagara Supervisor Steve Richards (R,I,C), ran unopposed.

Unofficial results from the Niagara County Board of elections on the contested races show incumbent Supervisor Timothy Demler (R,I,C,W)(2,652 votes) easily overcame Robert Pino (D) (1,416 votes). With DeEtte Ferchen retiring, the new Town Clerk will be Kathleen Harrington (R,I,C,W) (2,353) who was opposed by Mary Joyce (D) (1,546).

Incumbent Wheatfield councilmen Gilbert Doucet (R,I,C,W) (2,660) and Larry Helwig (R,I,C) (2,491) bested Samuel Conti Jr. (D,W) (1,658).

In the Town of Niagara, newcomer Robert Herman Sr. (D,R,I,C,W) (1,057) and incumbent Robert Clark (D,W) (751) took the two seats over incumbent LaVern Haseley (R,I,C) (646).

Herman, who ran unsuccessfully last year, credited two years of walking the streets of the town and meeting residents for his first chance at elected office.

“I want to build on the good, solid foundation we have now,” he said, noting that, on the whole, the town runs well. “I’d like to try to do some good things for residents.”

Clark, who had served a one-year term on the Town Board, was happy to win a full term. He also credited his win with door-to-door work.

“I’m thankful everybody looked past all the nonsense that’s going on,” he said (see page 4). “It’s sad to see Mr. Haseley go; he served the town proud.”

Haseley, who has served the town for six years, was philosophical about his loss. He had debated about not running for re-election.

“Oh yeah, well, you want to win, but things will go on, always has, always will,” he said.

On the county level, incumbent Sixth District Legislator Danny Sklarski (D,R,I,C) (1,839) bested Robert LaBarbera (W) (532). Incumbent Eighth District Legislator William Ross (R,I,C) (1,586) won over Charles Naughton (D,W) (951). John Batt (R,I,C) (20,116) edged out Linda DiPasquale (D,W) (19,587) for family court judge.

Ross, the former Niagara-Wheatfield coach and educator and town councilman, won an eighth term on the Legislature.

“Government has always been an avocation for me. I just enjoy government,” he said.

Ross said he covered about 80 percent of the town on foot campaigning (not as easy now that he’s older) and got his legs back in shape. To keep it up, he’s considering mall walking.

Sklarski spent 10 years as a councilman before moving to the Legislature, where he has served six years.

“I think the voters looked at my record and how I represented them in past years,” he said. “I think I’m doing the very best I can to meet their needs.”

For District 4 coroner, Robert DuBois (D,W) (5,023) won over Russell Jackman II (R,I,C) (4,939).