Many running unopposed on Election Day

by Terry Duffy

Look for a somewhat low-key Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, especially if you're voting in the towns of northern Niagara County.

That's because other than an interesting race shaping up among candidates vying for the office of Town of Lewiston highway superintendent, there appears to be little or no excitement in races elsewhere. In fact, in virtually all the major races in the towns of Lewiston and Porter, just about every candidate is running unopposed. For the most part the same holds true in Wilson and Newfane.

"No one can remember when the last time something like this has happened," commented Town of Lewiston Republican Chairman Rob Nichols earlier this year. "And judging from the numerous positive comments that I've received from friends, family and others throughout the community, I believe it's clear that the citizens ... believe that our elected officials are leading our community in the right direction."

•In the Town of Lewiston, the following candidates, all incumbents, are running unopposed:

Town of Lewiston supervisor: Steven L. Reiter, (R, C, I); Town of Lewiston Council members Ronald Winkley and Ernest C. Palmer (both R, C, I); and Town of Lewiston justices Thomas J. Sheeran and Hugh C. Gee (both D, R, C, WF, I)

In the race for Town of Lewiston highway superintendent, candidates include incumbent Douglas A. Janese (R, C, I); David E. D'Avolio, (D); and Travis M. Diez, (WF).

In the race for Lewiston town clerk, incumbent Carol J. Brandon (D) is running unopposed.

For the Niagara County Legislature, in the newly revamped District No. 2, which includes the Town of Lewiston and the Town of Wheatfield, incumbent William L. Ross (R, C, I) is running unopposed.

•In the Town of Porter, the following candidates, again all incumbents, are running unopposed:

Town Council members Lawrence H. White and Jeffrey P. Baker (both R, C, I); Town Clerk Gail A. Zachary (R, C, I) and Town Highway Superintendent Scott B. Hillman (R, C, I).

For the Niagara County Legislature, in the newly revamped District No. 1, which includes the towns of Lewiston and Porter, incumbent Clyde L. Burmaster (R, C, I) is running unopposed.

•In the Town of Wilson, the following candidates, all incumbents are running unopposed:

Town of Wilson Supervisor Joseph A. Jastrzemski (R, C, I); Town Clerk Wanda E. Burrows (R, C, I); Town Council members James V. Muscoreil and Thomas J. Thompson (both R, C, I); Highway Superintendent Daniel M. Kerwin (R, C, I); and Tax Collector Julia E. Godfrey (R, C, I).

Candidates for Town of Wilson justice are incumbent Robert J. Botzer (D, R, C, I) and Mary A. Canfield (D, R, C, I).

For the Niagara County Legislature, in the newly revamped District No. 10, which includes the towns of Wilson and Newfane, incumbent David E. Godfrey (R, C, I) is running unopposed.

•In the Town of Newfane the following candidates are seeking office:

Town of Newfane supervisor, incumbent Timothy R. Horanburg (R, C, I); town clerk, incumbent Mildred M. Kramp (R, C, I); and Town Council members, incumbents Marcus R. Hall and Laura L. Rutland (both R, C, I).

For Town of Newfane justice candidates are Bruce M. Barnes (D, R, C) and Gordon H. Fletcher III (WF, I).

For highway superintendent, candidates include Gregory P. Ketch (D) and Jon Miller (R, C, I)

For Newfane receiver of taxes and assessments, incumbent Judith A. Meahl (R, C, I) is running unopposed.

•And Niagara County-wide races of interest include:

Family court judge, Kathleen M. Wojtaszek-Gariano (D, R, C, W, I); Niagara County clerk, incumbent Wayne F. Jagow (R, C, W, I), and Pat L. Murphy (D, Niagara Taxpayers Party); district attorney, incumbent Michael J. Violante (R, C, I); and county coroner, District 4, Gerald Frazier II (D, WF) and Russell Jackman II (R, C, I).

The following have been designated as voting locations for districts in the towns of Lewiston, Porter, Wilson and Newfane:

•In the Town of Lewiston: Districts 1 and 13, Lewiston No. 1 Volunteer Fire Co., 145 N. Sixth St., Lewiston; Districts 2 and 11, First Presbyterian Church, 505 Cayuga St., Lewiston; Districts 3, 4, 5 and 6, Lewiston Volunteer Fire Co. No. 2, 1705 Saunders Settlement Road, Lewiston; Districts 7 and 9, Sanborn Volunteer Fire Co. Firehall, 5811 Buffalo St., Sanborn; and Districts 10, 12 and 14, Lewiston Red Brick School Municipal Building, 145 N. Fourth St., Lewiston.

•In the Town of Porter, Districts 1, 2 and 5, Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co. Firehall, 625 Third St., Youngstown; and Districts 3, 4 and 6, Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co. Firehall, 2521 Youngstown-Lockport Road, Ransomville.

•In the Town of Wilson, Districts 1, 4 and 5, Wilson Volunteer Fire Co. Firehall, 250 Young St. Wilson; and Districts 2 and 3, South Wilson Volunteer Fire Co., 4194 Chestnut St., Wilson.

In the Town of Newfane, Districts 1, 2, 6 and 8, Olcott Volunteer Fire Co. Firehall, 1691 Lockport-Olcott Road, Olcott; and Districts 3, 4 and 5, Newfane Town Hall, Community Room, 2737 Main St., Newfane.

All polling places will be open Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. For additional information, contact the Niagara County Board of Elections, 438-4040 or visit its website at www.elections.niagara.ny.us/.