Transitions ahead in five local elected offices

PLATTSBURGH | The new year finds Clinton County Board of Elections and municipal leaders facing empty seats in federal, state, county and local government. Three elected Clinton County positions are vacant, pending appointment or elections later this year. County Treasurer Kimberly Davis resigned in late November 2024 for a new job in the business sector. The Clinton County Clerk's seat opened with the community's loss of John Zurlo, who died at age 86 on Dec. 11. Wendell Hughes was inaugurated as City of Plattsburgh mayor on Jan. 2, leaving the Area 8 Clinton County legislator's seat open. In federal government, newly reelected Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is poised to resign her post representing New York's 21st Congressional District, pending approval of her appointment as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. On the City of Plattsburgh Common Council, Ward 2 Councilman Jacob Avery announced his resignation, effective Dec. 16. Avery took office last January, but stepped away to focus on his family. City officials are also tasked with finding new corporation counsel. Attorney Dean Schneller announced Jan. 9 that he will not seek contract renewal. In a news release, Schneller said his work with the city over the past 11 years has been a profound honor and that he will transition to focus on his private practice. At Clinton County Board of Elections, Republican Commissioner David J. Souliere IV said New York State election law moves vacancies to the upcoming election cycle unless the municipal charter has a provision for appointment. 21ST DISTRICT SPECIAL ELECTION In federal vacancies, a special election date is set by the state governor after the seat is formally proclaimed vacant. Stefanik's role as U.N. Ambassador has to be approved by the U.S. Senate, Souliere said, at which point she would resign as District 21 representative. Gov. Hochul then has 10 days to proclaim cause for a special election. "The congressional election has to be held 70 to 80 days from the governor's proclamation," Souliere said. "Based on the timeline, a special election could be expected sometime at the end of April or in the beginning of May." Major party candidates for Stefanik's congressional seat will be put forward by Democratic and Republican Committees. Souliere said. The 15 county committee chairpersons encompassing District 21 would hold weighted voting sessions to determine their party's candidate. The two people selected, along with independents who may petition to join the race, would be on the ballot. COUNTY POSTS Clinton County legislature can fill vacancies by appointment, and Hughes' Area 8 legislator's seat is being filled by Paul Lamoy, a Democrat and former Town Council member from South Plattsburgh. Souliere said the appointment continues until the end of this year. The seat is open for the general election in November. Because no county law speaks to vacancies in the County Clerk and Treasurer's offices, Gov. Hochul had 10 days after the vacancies to make an appointment, Souliere said. Since the governor did not move appointments, elected jobs held by Zurlo and Davis will be filled in November elections this year. "They both had deputies that are taking over for the interim," Souliere said. "Giselle Hamms is interim Clinton County clerk and Rebecca Murphy is deputy county treasurer, overseeing day-to-day operations of that office." CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENT The City of Plattsburgh charter does allow appointments and the Ward 2 seat is in discussion. "The city charter does have provision for appointment to a vacant seat," Souliere said. "There is a January 18 deadline for any appointment made by the mayor with Common Council approval."

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Transitions ahead in five local elected offices

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