June 4, 2015
County Democrats nominate candidates for 2015 elections
CORTLAND — The Cortland County Democratic Committee nominated and endorsed candidates Wednesday night for the upcoming 2015 elections that will determine countywide posts in November.
Committee Vice Chair and legislator Dick Bushnell said this morning the committee had a “good turnout” but did not endorse many people because some people are not sure if they want to run for a seat.
“It’s a thankless job,” Bushnell (D-LD4) said, referring to all political seats. Bushnell is filling in for Democratic Committee Chair and legislator Sandy Price, who is ill.
The first day for caucuses to be held and petitions to be circulated was Tuesday. Now, in order to appear on the ballot, all candidates must receive the requisite number of signatures of registered voters in theirdistrict.
All countywide positions, including all 17 Cortland County Legislature seats, are open for nominations.
Incumbent Amy Cobb (D-LD2) is being challenged for her legislative seat by Derek Reynolds, a first time candidate, Trish Hansen, member of the county Democratic committee, said this morning.
Hansen added that Reynolds had not been registered with the Democratic party but decided to register as a Democrat after the last general election. Reynolds had not been affiliated with a party previously.
“Because of state election rules, his (Reynolds’) registration does not become effective until November,” Hansen said.
The Democratic Committee had to authorize Reynolds to run on the Democratic line.
Petitions were circulated during Wednesday night’s meeting on Cobb’s and Reynolds’ behalf to be in the primary. Sixteen signatures are needed from eachcandidate.
Reynolds, 30, said this morning he wants to represent the second legislative district to become more involved with how business is conducted in the city on a county level.
Reynolds, a city firefighter for 10 years, also said this morning he wants to be more available to the constituents in the legislative district who feel Cobb is not always available for them.
“I’m just hoping to bring accessibility to the constituency,” Reynolds said. “I want to be there for them when they need somebody.”
Cobb previously defeated former Cortland County Legislator Don Spaulding in a primary election in 2013 when Spaulding had represented the city’s6th Ward for four terms. Since then, there has been restructuring of legislative district boundaries.
Cobb was unable to be reached by press time this morning.
The Democratic committee unanimously endorsed Bill Carpenter to run for the city alderman seat in the 5th Ward, which is now held by Republican Clifton Dutcher. Carpenter worked for the Cortland City Police Department for 21 years and now is a patrol officer for the Cornell Police Department.
Carpenter said this morning that with his law enforcement experience, he hopes to tackle the drug problem in the county. He said his dedication to public service would be beneficial.
“I just think I can make a difference,” Carpenter said.
The Democratic Committee also unanimously endorsed City Mayor Brian Tobin to run again this year. Tobin has not officially announced his candidacy for what would be his third term as mayor. Tobin said this morning he expects to put out a statement about the race Monday morning.
Hansen said the Democratic Committee also endorsed Homer Village Chief Mark Helms to run as the Democratic candidate for Cortland County sheriff.
Hansen said she would be announcing more candidates next week.
The Republican Committee will meet to discuss candidates at 7 p.m. tonight in Republican Headquarters on Port Watson Street.
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