Genesee County Democratic Committee

Press release

The Genesee County Democratic Committee is actively seeking candidates for the 2023 elections, and we want to talk to you! We don’t care about your resume: if you're a forward thinker and you care about improving your local community, we want to help you run.

The past few election cycles have taught us that who the candidate is matters. How well they communicate online and in person, how comfortable they are in their skin, and their authenticity are all important factors.

We’re looking for candidates with ties to their community. Folks who are already in their district — volunteering, organizing, mentoring, working and just being a good person. We don’t want to convince someone to move home to run — we want someone who calls a place home to step up and run.

We work with candidates from all backgrounds — teachers, nurses, farmers, activists, artists, musicians, chiefs, and rodeo stars. If you are passionate about making a difference, we will support you.

The following positions will be up for election this fall. If you are interested or know someone who may be, please contact us at GenesesNYDemocrats@gmail.com

County Offices

• County Clerk
• Coroner – 1 position
• Legislators
• Dist 2 – Bergen/Byron/Elba
• Dist 4 – Batavia Town/Stafford
• Dist 6 – Alexander/Pavilion
• Dist 8 – City of Batavia Wards 2 and 3

City of Batavia

• Councilman – all wards – 1-6 Town of Alabama
• Town Supervisor
• Town Clerk
• Town Justice
• 2 Council seats
• Highway Supt.

Town of Alexander

• Supervisor Town Clerk
• 2 Council seats
• Highway Supt.

Town of Batavia

• 2 Council seats

Town of Bergen

• Town Clerk Town Justice
• 2 Council seats
• Highway Supt.

Town of Bethany

• Supervisor Town Clerk
• 2 Council seats

Town of Byron

• Supervisor
• 2 Council seats
• Highway Supt.

Town of Darien

• Supervisor Town Justice
• 2 Council seats
• Highway Supt.

Town of Elba

• Town Clerk
• 2 Council seats
• Highway Supt.

Town of LeRoy

• Supervisor Highway Supt.
• 2 Council Seats
• Town Clerk
• Town Justice

Town of Oakfield

• Town Clerk
• 2 Council seats
• Highway Supt.

Town of Pavilion

• Supervisor
• Town Clerk
• 2 Town Justice seats

Town of Pembroke

• Supervisor
• Town Clerk
• Town Justice
• 2 Council seats
• Highway Supt.

Town of Stafford

• Supervisor
• 2 Town Justice seats
• 2 Council seats 

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Sec. 6-108.3 of the New York State Election Law, that a Democratic Party Caucus will be held @ 7 p.m., in the Town of Le Roy, at the Le Roy Town Hall, 48 Main St., County of Genesee, State of New York on the 20th day of July, 2021.  

This Caucus is called for the purpose of nominating candidates to fill existing vacancies for town council and town justice at the General Election to be held on November 2, 2021. Town enrolled members of the Democratic Party will be eligible to vote.                     

Nikki Calhoun                     Jennifer Keys

Chairman                             Secretary

Press release:

The Genesee County Democratic Committee is looking for people who may be interested in serving their community be it as a candidate for office, an election inspector, a Democratic Committee member, or those just wanting to find out more about the Democratic Party in Genesee County.

Anyone can run for office and we can show you how. All that is needed is a desire to serve and some hard work. Want lower taxes, concerned about the environment or want a say in the future? We look forward to hearing from you.

Contact the Genesee County Democratic Committee: geneseedemocrats.net or chair@geneseedemocrats.net

GCDC is actively seeking candidates for the following positions:

• Genesee County District Attorney
• Genesee County Judge
• Genesee County Coroner

Genesee County Legislators:

• District 1 Pembroke & Darien
• District 3 Oakfield & Alabama
• District 4 Batavia (town) & Stafford (unexpired term)
• District 5 Le Roy
• District 7 City of Batavia wards 1 & 6
• District 9 City of Batavia wards 4 & 5

City of Batavia -- Three City councilpersons at Large

Alabama -- One justice, two town board

Alexander -- Two town board

Town of Batavia -- Supervisor, two town board, highway superintendent 

Bergen -- Supervisor, two town board

Bethany -- one justice, two town board

Byron -- Supervisor, town clerk, 2 town board, highway super

Darien -- town clerk, two town board

Elba -- Supervisor, two town board

Le Roy -- One justice, two town board

Oakfield -- Supervisor, town justice, two town board

Pavilion -- Two town board

Pembroke -- One justice, two town board

Stafford -- One town clerk, two town board, highway superintendent

Press release:

Have you been thinking about how you can get involved in our community? What better way than helping to elect those who represent us. 

The time is now.

The Genesee County Democratic Committee has opportunities for you to help elect Democrats up and down the ballot on Nov. 3rd. We have opportunities for every level of interest and experience. We also have activities that you can do while practicing responsible social distancing from home. 

Check out our website geneseedemocrats.net and click on “Take Action 2020."

Interview with Michael Plitt, chairman of the Democratic Party in Genesee County.

Press release:

The Genesee County Democratic Committee and The Genesee County Young Democrats invite the public to participate in a virtual forum featuring candidates running for the Democratic nomination for the 61st NYS Senate District.

Participating candidates include Kim Smith, Jacqui Berger and Joan Seamans. We will also be joined by special guest, NY27 Congressional Candidate Nate McMurray.

The event will be streamed live on YouTube here from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on May 28th.

Anyone wishing to submit a question to the candidates should do so no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, May 20th using this form. 

Anyone with questions about this event can reach out to geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page.

Press release:

The New York State Elections Commissioners’ Association is calling for immediate action by the Governor and New York State Legislature to protect our electoral process during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Election Boards throughout the state are risking personnel safety and health to prepare for impending elections on April 28, 2020. We are facing critical shortages of inspectors and polling places due to the ongoing public health crisis.

Over the next week, BOEs will find it almost impossible to meet mission critical deadlines for testing machines and preparing ballots because of staff shortages due to the ongoing stay-at-home order.

We ask Governor Andrew Cuomo, NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and NYS Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to consider the following items by either Executive Order or Legislative action:

1.) Postponing the Democratic Presidential Primary scheduled for April 28^th to June 23^rd. Fielding inspectors in the midst of this health crisis is dangerous and may be impossible. Traditional polling places may be unusable as they are currently restricted or closed to the public. Postponing until June will not only give us time to plan, but will ease the burdens on host counties budgets that are devastated by the COVID-19 crisis.

2.) Amend 8-400 of NYS Election Law to allow for Absentee Balloting during all times of declared state of emergency due to infectious disease or pandemic. This will allow all voters who are at-risk but perhaps not yet sick to apply for and receive an absentee ballot. At risk or vulnerable citizens should not have to make decisions on whether to exercise their right to vote or risk their health.

3.) For all Primary & Special Elections: Give wide latitude to the local Board of Elections to consolidate polling places and election districts to best operate the election. While we hope the COVID 19 crisis will be better by June, it is quite likely we will have limited numbers of polling places and inspectors even then. We need this flexibility to adjust to circumstances on the ground in our jurisdictions that may be changing right up until the June 23^rd Election.

Acting on these items will buy us precious time and save our host counties significant amount of resources while also preserving the rights of voters and safety and health of Election Workers. Every day that we do not act makes us less prepared and wastes valuable time and money.

• Nate McMurray for Congress in NY27
• Kim Smith for NYS Senate District 61
• David Krzemien for Genesee County Sheriff
• Sammy DiSalvo for City Council at Large
• Terry Thompson for Alabama Town Board
• Vicki Almquist for Village of Bergen Trustee
• Greg Rogers for Village of Le Roy Mayor
• Ray Yacuzzo for Village of Le Roy Trustee
• Jim Bonaquisti for Village of Le Roy Trustee

Press release:

If you are someone who is civic-minded, independent, ambitious, enjoy exploring creative solutions to problems, and want to make an impact in your community, we want to talk to you about running for local office.

If you are interested in getting involved politically in any capacity, please reach out to us at geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com or www.geneseedemocrats.net

The following local elected offices will be voted on this November.

• Genesee County -- Sheriff, Treasurer, Family Court Judge, Coroner -- two positions

• City of Batavia -- one City Council at Large -- unexpired term

• Town of Alabama -- one Town Council -- unexpired term

• Town of Alexander -- one Town Clerk -- unexpired term

• Town of Batavia -- one Town Justice

• Town of Bergen -- one Town Justice

• Town of Byron -- one Town Justice

• Town of Elba -- one Town Justice, one Town Council -- unexpired term

• Town of Le Roy -- one Town Council -- unexpired term

• Town of Oakfield -- Town Justice, one Town Supervisor -- unexpired term, 1 Town Council- unexpired term

• Town of Pavilion -- Highway Superintendent -- unexpired term

Press release:

Democratic candidates for Congress and NYS Senate will visit Batavia to talk with voters on Thursday, Jan. 30. 

The Genesee County Democratic Committee invites the community to meet candidates for Congress and NYS Senate District 61.

Candidates including Nate McMurray, Joan Seamans, Kim Smith, and Jacqualine Berger will join us from 7 to 9 p.m. at Moonjava Cafe, 56 Harvester Ave.

Come register to vote, apply for an absentee ballot, learn about the upcoming elections, participate in a Democratic Presidential Primary Poll, visit with local Democratic officials, meet potential 2020 candidates, learn more about early voting and changes to NYS elections laws and more. 

All are welcome! 

"Be represented, be a voter."

Press release from the Genesee County Democrats: 

“Yard signs, parade floats, and social media posts have ensured the names of local candidates are in the public eye as they geared up for the 2019 elections but none of that matters if we don’t vote,” said Erica O’Donnell, City of Batavia Democratic chair. 

While national elections take the spotlight, municipal elections have a bigger impact on residents' daily lives. Supervisor and council positions set policy, create and facilitate budgets, and make decisions on the enforcement of public safety.

"Local elections are important because these are the people that make decisions that directly affect how money is spent and how things are run where you live," said Michael Plitt, Genesee County Democratic chair. "Usually our turnout is low for municipal elections but we'd like to see a big turnout."

“We have an amazing group of candidates this year," O’Donnell added. "They are honest, hardworking, and dedicated to ethical and moral integrity. They are not in the pockets of any county heads or organizations.”

Voting will be at County Building 2, located at 3837 W. Main St., Batavia, on Sunday (Nov. 3) from noon 'til 5 p.m. for ALL Genesee County residents. On Tuesday, Nov. 5, polls open at 6 a.m. at your usual voting locations.

Press release:

The Genesee County Democratic Committee invites the community to celebrate early voting and meet their local candidates. 

On Saturday, Oct. 26th, the Genesee County Democratic Committee invites the community to celebrate early voting and meet their local candidates. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the War of 1812 Bicentennial Peace Garden. It is located at 117-123 W. Main St. in Batavia. 

“For the first time in history, voters in New York State have the opportunity to vote early, and it’s a really big deal,” said City of Batavia Democratic Chair, Erica Donnell. “Voting rights activists have been fighting for this for a very long time and now that we have a Democratic majority in Albany, we finally got the job done.

"The first day of early voting is October 26th so we felt that would be a great day for our candidates to get together with voters and celebrate this accomplishment.” 

For more information about early voting visit geneseedemocrats.net. 

Voters will also have the opportunity to meet some of the endorsed Democratic candidates running for office this year. 

Chair of the Genesee County Democrats and Darien Town Board Member Michael Plitt says, “National politics seem to suck all of the oxygen out of the room these days, but if you really want to participate in democracy, the local level is the place to do it.

"When I knock on doors I like talking to voters about the things in their community that matters to them and where their vote can really make a difference.”

Participating candidates include City Court Judge candidate Benjamin Bonarigo, Ward 3 City Council candidate Nick Russo, Ward 5 City Council candidate Sammy DiSalvo, Darien Town Board Member Plitt, and others. Light refreshments will be provided.

Press release:

The Le Roy Democratic caucus for Town Board position will be held at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall of Le Roy on July 31. Open to all registered Democrats.

Thinking about running for office? Or thinking about one day thinking about running for office? We want to talk to you!

If you care about your community and if you’re willing to work hard, we think you’d be a great candidate and we want to help you.

Contact the Le Roy Democratic Committee at LeRoyDems@gmail.com

Join us at our next meeting held at 7 p.m. on July 24th in the Le Roy Town Hall. It is located at 48 E. Main St. in Le Roy.

Contact Info:

Nikki Calhoun
Chair Le Roy Democratic Committee
585.519.3170

Press release:

We Want You!

Do you want to make a difference and participate in government? 

Our local communities are looking for good people to serve at all levels. Be the change and consider running for office.

Contact the Genesee County Democratic Committee: geneseedemocrats.net or geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com

GCDC is actively seeking candidates for the following positions:

• New York State Senate District 61
• New York State Assembly District 139
• Genesee County Coroner 
• Town of Alexander – 2 Town Justices
• Town of Bethany – Town Highway Superintendent – Unexpired Term
• Town of Elba – Town Clerk – Unexpired Term
• Town of Elba – 1 Town Justice
• Town of Le Roy – 1 Town Council – Unexpired Term
• Town of Oakfield – 1 Town Council – Unexpired Term

Submitted photo and press release:

Turn 27 Blue proudly endorses Nate McMurray for Congress. For the first time in a generation, Democratic leaders, who normally endorse, have joined ranks with grassroots activists to make a strong endorsement in this year’s congressional race. We believe that McMurray has what it takes to represent the people of Western New York. His impassioned and energizing campaign is already gathering the momentum and support it needs to win in November.

McMurray is an experienced businessman, dedicated public servant, and Western New York native, who believes that families should have access to quality healthcare and education, that full-time work should come with a decent paycheck, and that elected representatives should represent their constituents, not their donors.

Turn 27 Blue brings together voices from the county Democratic chairs and from many of the district’s dedicated activist groups. We endorse McMurray because of his demonstrated ability to work across the aisle as Town Supervisor of deep red Grand Island (NY) and his dedication to improving the lives of hardworking Americans.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of this group of county Democratic Chairs and grassroots leaders. I’m confident we are going to turn the 27^th District blue, and I’m eager to take this fight to Chris Collins,” McMurray said, in response to the news.

Michelle Johnston Schoeneman, a resistance leader in the 27^th and member of Turn 27 Blue, said “we were incredibly impressed with Nate’s passion for Western New York, his platform for bringing jobs and prosperity to the area, and his ability to persuade people who have never voted for a Democrat that he’s the person for the job.”

Over the past several months, Turn 27 Blue has hosted public forums, meetings, and interviews with the several talented and dedicated individuals running.

“From the start, our goal was simple: identify the best candidate to beat Chris Collins,” said Judith Hunter, chair of the Livingston County Democratic Committee, “and create the best possible conditions for victory in November. Each of the five announced candidates has something to offer, and we are grateful that they volunteered to serve. We are extremely proud to conclude our process by supporting Nate McMurray for the Democratic nomination.”

As the candidates traversed the 27^th and met residents from every county in the district, one thing was clear: “from the pending ethics investigation against him to his decision to ignore his district in favor of his wealthy donors, people were fed up with Chris Collins and his cronies," said Jeremy Zellner, chair of the Erie County Democratic Committee.

Supporters of McMurray say Collins’s arrogant disregard for his constituents and his support for extreme policies that directly hurt New Yorkers has remade NY-27 into a competitive district.

Jamie Romeo, chair of the Monroe County Democratic Committee added, “we urge everyone who cares more about Western New York’s economy than tax cuts for the rich, who cares more about affordable healthcare for our families than favors for donors, and who cares more about a true representative of the people than a talking head who rushes onto cable news to talk about anything but the needs of his constituents, to support Nate McMurray for Congress.”

Press release:

As required by NYS election law, Genesee County's local Democratic Committees recently held their reorganization meetings and elected their officers. The new Committee Chairs are as follows:

 

Batavia -- Erica O'Donnell

Bergen -- Anne Sapienza

Darien -- Michael Plitt

Le Roy -- Ninja Calhoun

Pembroke -- Aaron Blake

Stafford -- Jacqueline Cavanaugh 

 

You don't need to be a political junkie to get involved, you just need a desire to make a difference in your community. If you want to get involved locally or are interested in running for office contact us at geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com

Erica O'Donnell and Mike Plitt, with the Genesee County Democratic Party, were outside of Richmond Memorial Library this morning collecting food for a Thanksgiving Food Drive sponsored by the party.

The food will be donated to the Workers Justice Center for distribution to the center's clients, all residents of the GLOW region.

While the Democrats aren't planning another pickup location, donors may contact the party through its website and arrange a pickup of donations.

"It’s the season for giving," O'Donnell said. "We’re trying to get out the word that as Democrats we’re here and we’re helping out in the community."