Whitney, Bessette, and Meunier secure GOP ballot spots for District 3
By Andrew Harris
After all the signs, all the social media bickering, all the comparisons between two candidates for Allegany County Treasurer; county Republicans have spoken clearly. Jenna Kelley received over 70% of the vote , Adam Cyr received about 27% of the vote. 3% were votes for write in candidates.
Voter turnout was shockingly low for a county dominated by Republicans. In the end just over 2300 Allegany County Republicans voted in this election, of 27, 935 registered to exercise that right. Early voting accounted for 393 ballots cast with the remainder voting on election day proper.
Cyr was an outspoken agent for change, arguing that years of the status quo in the Treasurer’s office was costing taxpayers dearly. His argument to install a businessman without any experience at the job fell flat with voters and bystanders on social media.
Kelley made her campaign about experience; she has been the Deputy Treasurer of Allegany County for over a decade and also serves as the tax collector for the Town of West Almond.
The current, and six term Treasurer Terri Ross will retire but has wholeheartedly supported Kelley, her deputy. Kelley has openly thanked Ross for the years of tutelage she has gained being the deputy treasurer for over a decade.
District 3 Legislative race
In other Republican primary contests, voters were asked to choose three of four candidates to serve District 3. Former Allegany Sheriff Rick Whitney led the pack with 28%, followed by current sitting legislator Charles Bessette at 25%, and newcomer, Whitesville businessman Bill Meunier earning 22%. The three will appear on the November ballot.
Former District 3 Legislator Bill Dibble fell short as well as newcomer to Allegany County politics Ethan Marble, both received about 13% of the total vote.
Town of Willing
In a good contest for this southern Allegany County town, new blood will sit on the board with Chris Perkins who took the majority of the vote with about 44% and veteran of the board Roy Gay will retain his seat, earning 32% of the vote.
Poor Turnout
Despite the fever pitch of debate on social media, this primary election was a disappointing turnout. Of Prior to election day, only 7.58% of registered voters had participated via early voting. Poll workers in the Wellsville location reported dismal turnout but carried on with a smile and sense of civic duty. Of over 27,000 registered Republicans in Allegany County, only about 2300 voted, less than 10%.
Take a look at the results posted on the Allegany County Board of Elections site here.
The general election will be on November 4.
