GENESEE COUNTY
The GOP is likely to keep control
BATAVIA — Republican control of Genesee County government appears to be safe for at least another two years with only two challenges to 10 incumbents seeking re-election.
Hollis D. Upson, vice chairman of the County Legislature and longtime representative of city Wards 2 and 3, is being opposed by a newcomer, Christopher Charvella. He was among those receiving the city Democratic Party’s backing last week. A second contest involves city Wards 1 and 6, where Robert J. Radley, a civil engineer, has GOP backing for the Legislature. He will run against City Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian, who has represented the city’s heavily Democratic 6th Ward for the past 18 years.
The winner will succeed John J. Hodgins, a Republican who is not seeking another term. Christian announced in April that she would seek the county post. She has two years remaining in her Council term. Council terms are four years, legislators two.
Running without opposition are District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, County Clerk Don M. Read and Legislators Raymond F. Cianfrini, Oakfield-Alabama; Charles N. Zambito, Elba, Bergen and Byron; Annie M. Lawrence, Pembroke and Darien; Mary Pat Hancock, lEgislature chairwoman for eight years, Batavia and Stafford; Jerome J. Grasso, Le Roy; and Esther G. Leadley, Alexander, Bethany and Pavilion. All are incumbents.
County GOP Chairman Richard E. Siebert said that of 24 election officials representing Genesee County in Washington, Albany and in the county, only one is a Democrat. He is Edward DeJaneireo Jr., a county legislator representing Batavia’s Wards 4 and 5. He also is running.
The GOP also could regain control of the City Council, which they surrendered two years ago when William E. Cox and Samuel M. Barone were elected, giving the Democrats a 5-4 edge. Charles L. Mallow Jr., who took over the presidency in 2007, is not a candidate.
The Council’s three at-large seats are on the ballot. Incumbents Frank C. Ferrando and Timothy E. Buckley, both at-large members, and fellow Republican Marianne Clattenburg of Ward 2, will face three newcomers to politics. The Democrats last week endorsed Sara Jane Balbi, Philip Ricci and Julie P. Wallace.
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