Kevin Rumsey will be next Schuyler Sheriff

SCHUYLER COUNTY--The unofficial election results for races across Schuyler County on Nov. 2 have been released and for the first time in 16 years a new sheriff will lead the Schuyler County Sheriff's Department. Kevin Rumsey won the race 2,843-1,789. Rumsey, a Republican and Conservative on the ticket, is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps who has been working for the Schuyler County Sheriff's Department since 2005. He defeated Undersheriff Breck Spaulding.
"To the voters of Schuyler County, thank you for putting your faith and trust in me by electing me as your next Sheriff," Rumsey said in a prepared statement. "I will never forget who put me in this position."
The seat opened due to the fact that current Sheriff William Yessman announced his retirement at the end of 2021.
"To the voters who didn't vote for me, I ask that you keep an open mind and give me time to adjust to my position," said Rumsey. "I promise that I will always be willing to listen to your concerns. It is now my goal to prove that I am the right man for this position. I'm your Sheriff, too."
In other countywide elections that were contested, incumbent Republican legislator David Reed defeated Democratic challenger Howard Cabezas to serve as the legislator for District 1.
In the town of Dix, Democrat Dominick Smith narrowly defeated Republican Harold Russell, 476-424.
In Hector, there were four candidates for three open town council seats, with Democrats Jessica Rodgers, Elizabeth Martin and Republican Robert Mahaney receiving enough votes to beat Democrat Katie O'Connor.
Of the five ballot referendums that were on the ballot the three regarding voting rights and redistricting were soundly rejected while one regarding environmental rights passed. The other, regarding the civil court in New York City, failed locally but passed statewide.
In Yates County, all 18 district polling locations have reported their results for a total of 3,909 ballots cast.
For statewide elections, Yates supported Republicans Jim Walsh and Elena Cariola to serve on the Seventh Judicial District for the state Supreme Court. The 7th NY Judicial District covers Cayuga, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates counties.
Of the five ballot referendums that were on the ballot, the three regarding voting rights and redistricting were soundly rejected while one regarding environmental rights was passed. The New York City Court proposition failed in the county, although it passed statewide.
In the races for county legislature, Republican incumbents, Douglas Paddock, Timothy Cutler, Edward Bronson and Patrick Killen defeated Democratic challenger K. Dixon Zorovich in District 1.
In District 3, Republican incumbents Daniel Banach, Carlie Chilson and Leslie Church and returning legislator Mark Morris defeated Democratic challengers Valerie Brechko, Teresa Hoban, Kelley Reynolds and Mildred Phillips-Espana.
The races for District 2 and 4 were unopposed, resulting in the victory of incumbents Terry Button, Richard Harper, Richard Willson; and William Holgate, Bonnie Percy and first-time candidate Jesse Jayne.
In terms of contested elections, Democratic challenger Bill Roege failed to pick up enough votes to beat Democrat Brian Murphy or Republican Glenn Quackenbush in Benton.
In Italy for town council, David Ferry and Benjamin Dempsey were elected.
Middlesex saw Austin Liddiard and Paul Mitchell get the most votes for the town council positions.
In the Milo race for town council, Democratic Mildred Phillips-Espana failed to unseat either of the Republicans, Gene Spanneut or James Harris.
In Starkey, the town justice had two newcomers vying for the position and Republican Carrie Wood defeated Democrat Paula Sullivan.
In Torrey, Democrat council member Peter Martini defeated Republican James Smith for Town Supervisor.
In Steuben over 15,000 ballots were cast, and like in Yates, the people of Steuben supported Republicans Jim Walsh and Elena Cariola to serve on the 7th NY District state Supreme Court.
In Wayne, the contested election for town council saw Republican candidates Julie Haar and E. David Bauer defeat Democrat Michael Haff. Democrat Doug Howard defeated Republican Gary Perz, 185-156, for superintendent of highways.