election

 

We've asked each of the candidates in the city council and county legislature races to answer a couple of questions regarding why they're running and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Election Day is Tuesday.

I am running for election to the Genesee County Legislature for District 8, which includes Wards 2 and 3 in the City of Batavia. I am asking the citizens of Batavia to support my candidacy because I am committed to being a strong advocate for the city at the county level. My experience on city council, and especially my time as council president, has given me insight into the issues that affect the people of Batavia.  

During my time on council, I have advocated for conservative budgeting and an increase in government efficiency. We have planned for the future by establishing reserve funds as well as focusing on infrastructure improvements. I will continue to advocate for those priorities at the county level. I will also work with the members of the legislature to lobby for fair policies that do not place undue burdens on municipalities. We must fight for mandate relief.

A key issue that I will address is that of economic development. I was appointed this year to the governor’s Economic Development Council for the Finger Lakes Region. The city council was also successful in establishing a partnership with the EDC to secure an economic development coordinator for the City of Batavia. I support a cooperative effort to bring the resources of the GCEDC together with that of the city economic development coordinator to develop projects which broaden the county’s tax base and create jobs inside the City of Batavia.

I am excited to have the opportunity to serve on the Genesee County Legislature. I promise to continue to work hard and to thoughtfully consider each decision with the people of Batavia in mind. Thank you all for your support and encouragement. Your vote is important. Please vote on Election Day!

We've asked each of the candidates in the city council and county legislature races to answer a couple of questions regarding why they're running and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Election Day is Tuesday.

Here is the response from Bob Bialkowski, candidate for city council, 4th Ward.

The primary reason why I should receive your vote is:

I have worked very hard during my first term on city council to represent the citizens of the 4th Ward. My track record is a 100-percent attendance rate at council meetings. I have demonstrated how I respond to all my constituent concerns and have made myself totally available to all the residents of the ward.

My voting record is very conservative with taxpayer’s interest always in mind.

In response to your request of what key issue would be priority and how it would “be tackled."

This is a bit more difficult as city council has numerous priority-one issues to deal with.

The key major issues that are of concern to me are:

• Economic and business development and retention to include employment
• Downtown improvement
• Infrastructure
• Neighborhood improvement
• Crime prevention

We on city council have addressed these issues by:

• Hiring an economic development director
• Forming a strategic plan for the city
• Initiating an infrastructure plan
• Expanding and staffing our code department

I intend to follow these plans closely and ensure that we adhere to our goals.
With the present economy, we are tasked with some great economic challenges in the near future.

I am strongly against the typical government attitude of trying to fix problems by throwing the taxpayers' hard earned money at them. 

Most importantly, I strongly oppose tax increases that are unjustified.

In conclusion, I am a strong advocate for my constituents and for the citizens of the City of Batavia. I am honored to serve this wonderful city and look forward to Batavia’s best days to come.

Please vote for me on Election Day so that I may continue to represent you for the next four years.

Thank you for allowing me to comment on this forum.

We've asked each of the candidates in the city council and county legislature races to answer a couple of questions regarding why they're running and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Election Day is Tuesday.

Below is the response from Katie Balbick Bellamy, candidate for Ward 3, Batavia City Council:

Q. What is the primary reason you should get our vote?

I was born and raised in Batavia and have lived here for most of my life. I believe in this city and want to help to proactively solve problems, create new business opportunities and good-paying jobs and overall make Batavia a safe and excellent place to live and raise a family.

I am concerned, willing to work, positive, open-minded and a team player who works together toward a common goal. My education and college degree is in the business area where I have worked since graduation and I know my background will help me on council.

Most of all, I love Batavia and the surrounding area and have a stake in this community. My family and I chose Batavia as the place where we wanted to live. That choice alone is the best reason to demonstrate my resolve and commitment to fulfill the promises I have made to this community if I am elected to serve on city council.

Q. What is the key issue you wish to tackle during your term in office, and how will you go about it?

My top priority for 2012 would be to ensure Batavia remains a great community and place to live. I would fight to keep taxes low and work hard for sidewalks on all city streets, fixing of deteriorated potholes, alcohol and tobacco free parks, promote business opportunities, create good-paying jobs and make sure there are opportunities and incentives for our young people to stay in this community.

I would like to ask you to support me in the upcoming election on November 8th. As a mother with a young family, I believe in our city and want to help make Batavia a better place to live. I would like to make sure the dollars we pay in taxes are spent in a worthwhile and careful manner by city council. I want to live in a safe city and encourage job development. I want to be a part of the process of exploring how the city and town can share resources and consolidate areas where possible to the benefit of both.

If I am elected, I will do my utmost to serve the residents of the 3rd Ward as your city council representative.

We've asked each of the candidates in the city council and county legislature races to answer a couple of questions regarding why they're running and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Election Day is Tuesday.

Here's the response from John Deleo, candidate for county legislature, District 7.

I am running for District 7 Genesee County Legislator because I want to give back to the community.  I was born and raised in both the 1st and 6th wards, and have lived here my whole life. I love this city and Genesee County. I worked with my father in the family business, Deleo's, a tavern that was located first on Ellicott Street, then moved to Main Street. When the business closed because of family illness, I began working for the NYS Department of Correctional Services. I just retired this year. My children still live in the area and I want them to stay, yet I see how hard it is to do that with the economy.

I was an employee assistance program coordinator, working with people and helping them find the resources to address their personal problems. I really enjoy interacting with people and helping them.

Having served on the last City Charter Commission, I worked to streamline our city government and make it more efficient. I currently serve on the Batavia City Planning Board, helping both people and businesses.

I don't owe anybody anything except the voters.

I believe that you don't lay people off as proposed by the county and not share the pain. That's why I will fight for a 10-percent cut in the pay legislators receive and end other perks. Again, you have to take cuts yourself if you lay off dedicated county staff.

Genesee County is a wonderful place to live, but it is facing hard financial times. The economic recession, a limited tax base, a state tax cap and increasing state mandates have put a squeeze on our budget. As a result, Genesee County might lay off more than 20 people. I want to make sure that if there are layoffs, public safety is not endangered.

I want to end the practice of giving kids our tax money that they use to "learn how to budget" by shopping in Monroe County. That is outrageous.

I will fight to see the NYS auditors recommendations on reforming the Genesee County Economic Development Committee (GCEDC) put in place. No more bonuses and perks. I want all job creation claims verified and want the public to know if the jobs are really new or just relocated around the area.

I feel the proposed Genesee County tax on our cars is wrong. Working families cannot afford another new tax and I will fight it.

I will work hard and do my best for you, if through the grace of God and voters, I am fortunate enough to be allowed to serve you in the legislature. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

We've asked each of the candidates in the city council and county legislature races to answer a couple of questions regarding why they're running and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Election Day is Tuesday.

Here's the response from Kris Doeringer, 1st Ward, Batavia City Council:

The key issue for Batavia is to make our city a place where people will want to live and work. This means keeping our city safe and secure, provide the services that people want, and to bring jobs and services into the city. While this is a big task, you can only get there by taking one step at a time.

The first step we need to take is to control spending and keeping our taxes down. From speaking with people in the 1st Ward, people do not mind paying taxes as long as they are getting their money's worth for those taxes.

We need to keep those services that are essential to keep the city safe and secure. Because who wants to live somewhere that is not safe?

We need to make Batavia a place where people want to open businesses and provide jobs. Creating economic development is essential to getting our city to move forward. We have resources in place, now we must make sure that they are doing the job.

In order to achieve these goals, I will work to keep pressure on the people that are responsible for making it happen. I will bring suggestions not only from myself but from the people of Batavia. People I have spoken with have had great ideas that need to be brought before the city. I would like to continue hearing from everyone about any ideas they make have.

I own my own home, business, and I am raising my family here in Batavia. I have everything to gain for myself and my children by making Batavia a better place. By voting for me, I promise to work hard to fulfill my promises to you and to my family for making Batavia the best it can be.

We've asked each of the candidates in the city and county legislature races to answer a couple of questions regarding why they're running and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Election Day is Tuesday.

Here's the response from Frank Ferrando, candidate for District 7, Genesee County Legislature:

The past 10 years on Batavia’s City Council taught me how to contribute and participate in the challenges facing the citizens of our community.  Working as a team was not always the process followed by council. The late 1990s and the early years of the new century were, most would agree, very dysfunctional. The years I’ve been involved have seen the council become much more focused and willing to work as a team. It was great to be a part of that transformation. I understand the commitment and dedication necessary to create a positive and constructive environment so problems can be solved and initiatives achieved. I’m well prepared to work as a county legislator.

I believe the key issue facing the legislature at this time (and there are several major challenges) is mandate relief. Working with my colleagues, if elected, to relieve our citizens from the burden of these state expenses, will be a priority. New York State is the only state in our union that transfers 25 percent of the cost for Medicaid to the county. In other states, 50 percent of these costs are covered by the federal government and the remaining 50 percent by the state.

Something has to be done to relieve Genesee County of this burden, so that local needs can be achieved while holding taxes to a reasonable level. At this time a significant percentage of the county’s budget is mandated, leaving few options for local needs and expectations.  Chairperson Mary Pat Hancock presented an excellent breakdown of this issue in her latest State of the County address.

We've asked each of the candidates in the city and county legislature races to answer a couple of questions regarding why they're running and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Election Day is Tuesday.

First to respond, John Canale, candidate for the 3rd Ward, city council.

The primary reason I am running for city council is in response to the advice of my late father "Lou," who himself was a former city councilman and county legislator. He often reminded me that if I am to live, work, raise a family, and run a business in one community, there will come a time that I must give something back to that community that so generously supported me.  After living my entire 51 years in this great city, now is the time, and I can think of no better way to serve my community than as a city councilman.

I would like to offer the residents of the 3rd Ward an equal voice on city council, allowing their views and concerns to be heard, considered, and represented without bias regarding all city matters. The primary reason voters should support me is because I have the business "know how" it takes to run the city. As a local small business owner of Canale's Drum Studio, and having been involved in the local business community for the past 28 years in this great city, I feel the business background and knowledge that I bring to council is extremely advantageous to running a municipality.

One of the key issues I would like to focus on during my term is concentrating on the existing process of increasing revenues as we continue to look for ways to consolidate duplicate services in order to cut costs. These two facets are crucial to maintaining current services without impacting dramatic tax increases that the taxpayers can no longer shoulder.

I look forward to working with Julie Pacatte, our new economic development coordinator, to find ways to encourage more small business development and expansion in the city. Small business development will be crucial to building new revenue sources through expanding the tax base and increasing traffic and activity within the city.

Dan Jones, a regular contributor to The Batavian, announced Wednesday he will mount a primary challenge against a council candidate already endorsed by city Democrats.

While accusing unnamed Democrats, who are apparently opposed to his candidacy, of already fighting dirty, Jones promised an issue-oriented campaign.

"I believe in order for the city to move forward, council must support policies that are progressive, fiscally restrained and totally transparent," Jones said.

While Jones is endorsed by the Conservative Party, he is taking on Kathryn Balbick Bellamy, endorsed by the Democrats, in a Third Ward primary.

Jones was joined in front of Batavia City Hall on Wednesday by Assemblyman Mark J.F. Schroeder and Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian.

"Dan Jones loves this business," said Schroeder, whom Jones worked for as an intern in Albany. "He loves the business of governance. He loves to help constituents. He loves politics."

A recent graduate of Canisius College, where he majored in political science, Jones was born and raised in Batavia and professes a love for the community and concern about its future.

Besides joining in the conversation on The Batavian -- something he promises to continue doing, even after elected -- Jones has been seen at many city council meetings over the past three years and has spoken out on issues from the ambulance service to consolidation.

Jones, 23, says he is self-employed.

Christian, also a Democrat, said she is supporting Jones because he is involved and outspoken.

"He's not afraid to speak out," Christian said. "Even some of my colleagues are fence sitters who won't take a stand unless somebody tells them where to go. That's not me and that's not this young man."

Jones said he is seeking office with high ideals and an ambition to do what he believes is best for Batavia.

"I seek this office not so it becomes another notch on my resume," Jones said, "I seek this office not because I believe I have a popular last name or because I feel I am entitled to it. I seek this office not for revenge. I seek this office because I believe that Batavia needs to be a leader in our region, and indeed the entire state, in having good government that's responsive to the needs of all of its citizens."

Below, video of the event produced by The Batavian's news partner, WBTA:

Batavia City School Board Member Patrick Burk was in a Catch-22 Tuesday evening.

Burk is a Genesee County elections official, and also the president of Batavia City Democrats. So naturally he was at the polling place at 9 p.m., when police walked in and attempted to confiscate the voting machines. It seems Jane Corwin’s campaign had obtained a court order to block any immediate counting of the votes.

“Corwin ‘allegedly’ had a court impound the machines, but I heard it was overturned,” says Burk.

While talking with police, Burk received a call on his cell phone from fellow board member Steve Hyde, which he ignored.

Then Hyde called again. Burk picked up – and suddenly found himself at the center of a debate over the Batavia City School District budget. Fellow board members had split 3-to-3, and Burk’s seventh vote would decide between a contingency budget, and a budget proposal improvised by Hyde.

“Give me about 35 minutes,” Burk said.

Forty minutes later, Burk walked into the board of education meeting on Washington Avenue, visibly out of breath.

Shortly after calling the meeting back into session, Board President Andy Pedro asked if there was any further discussion on the proposal to adopt a contingency plan.

“Well,” Burk deadpanned, “I’d like to see the options first,” receiving a chorus of laughs from the remaining board members.

A bit later in the meeting, Superintendent Margaret Puzio remarked tongue-in-cheek that board members “had all night,” to which Burk cheekily replied: “I’ve been awake since 4:30 a.m., Margaret – make me feel better.” More laughs.

Asked later in the evening about his frantic night, Burk simply stated: “Well, it was the right thing to do.”

(Photo courtesy Batavia City School District)

The Batavian doesn't do endorsements, but no reason who you can't.

Who are you voting for (with maybe a short explanation why)?

Of particular interest, what is your position on changing the terms of Genesee County legislators?

I met Marc Coppola on Saturday and today he sent along this note, which I thought worth sharing:

Howard,

Nice running into you at Summer in the City in Batavia this past Saturday. As I mentioned, I thought it was ironic that someone commented on your site that I was anti-gun when in fact I hold and carry permits for my own guns (and have) for almost 19 years now. And, in case anyone should ask, I do support the right to keep and bear arms. I believe that while the approval process for obtaining a pistol permit in NYS could be quicker, we do it right, trying to assure that those who pose a real threat to society or themselves, don't wind up with a dangerous weapon.

On a more current legislative issue, microstamping, I think that the reasoning and idea behind it has merit, but there are two things lacking that would prevent my support: technology and economics.

My understanding is that the technology of microstamping is still in its evolution stage. Given this, I think it is a large step and therefore premature to enact such a law for NYS at this time.

Secondly, since the law would only apply to guns legally purchased in NY state, and data shows that most guns used in the commission of a crime originated from outside NYS, you have to question the true impact of the legislation.

On the economic side of the equation, this may cause just another burden on NYS businesses that sell or deal guns and related equipment. It puts NYS again, in a less competitive position, which could hurt a strong industry, especially in upstate NY.

Sorry if I sound like I'm on the soap box, just something I wanted to clarify since it was mentioned.

Unfortunately our government leaders, well-intentioned at times, take knee-jerk reactions to things without fully exploring and considering the true impacts, both positive and negative. Using guns for hunting and sport is a tradition and culture particularly in upstate, throwing the baby out with the bathwater so to speak is not good policy.

Take care,
Marc Coppola

(Note: He is a Democrat running for state Senate in the 61st District.)

Whatever anti-incumbent mood might be sweeping the nation didn't carry over into today's Batavia City Schools School Board election.

Both incumbents -- Steve Mountain and Pat Burk -- won re-election while challenger Denine Scott fell short.

Mountain received 486 votes, Burk 381 and Scott received 336, based on preliminary results.

The 2010-11 school budget of $39.945,756 passed with 413 votes to 223.

What's more surprising than the Republicans winning all of the key contested races is the margins. That may merely reflect the GOP registration advantages and the fact there were no real wedge issues to define the campaign. Voters basically said they're happy with the GOP incumbents on the City Council and satisfied with the GOP majority in the County Legislature.

Go back and look at the video of the interviews we did with the candidates in conjunction with WBTA:  There were few disagreements.  There was no big issue to sway voters toward a particular candidate or a particular party.  The Democrats just didn't have a big enough flag to wave to say "this is what voting for us means."  I've not been around Batavia politics long enough to say this with certainity, but it seems if Democrats want to win multiple-ward seats, they need to articulate issues that set them apart. And they need to unite around the candidate(s) with the best chance to win.

What may have hurt the Democrats the most was infighting. The "Coffeecake Caper" brought a lot of that to the surface, with Tim Paine explicitly accusing a faction of Democrats with bringing forth Julie Wallace to block him from a clear path to the nomination.

Speaking of Julie Wallace, she seems like a really goodhearted person and a sweet lady. I bet she's fabulous with kids. Good luck to her on her quest to be a CASA volunteer.  She will undoubtedly do a great job. That doesn't mean she was qualified to run for City Council.

Did the Coffeecake Caper sink Rose Mary? I don't think so. In the end, I think it was a wash. Rose Mary came out looking like an honest, tell-it-like-it-is, stand-up person, which is why she's represented her ward for 18 years. But the Republicans, particularly Joe Gerace, played their cards just right by disavowing Tim Paine's actions without hesitation, which probably neutralized any benefit Rose Mary might have gained from the attack on her.

Word has it it (though numbers aren't available yet) that the City Charter revision passed. That's good and bad. John Roach is right -- the city engineer position should be done away with. But opening the door to the elimination of the Police Department without fully vetting the options could be a mistake.

Following this campaign helped me get greater insight into local politics, and I came away with the impression that the local political parties, especially the city parties, are less about partisan ideology and more like civic social clubs.  Both the Republicans and Democrats work very hard to try to help their candidates win, but not in the name of pushing a partisan agenda, but rather because they want to see their own club do well in the big game. At least that's my impression this time around.

What can I say? Thank you so much for everyone who supported me through this endeavor. Even though we ended on the wrong side of the line, you have no idea what an honor it has been being invited into your lives these past six months.

I would like to thank the City of Batavia Democratic, City of Batavia Conservative and the independent Better Batavia parties for their endorsements!

For those who shared my line, Sara Burk-Balbi and Julie Wallace, congrats on a job well done and kudos to you for the courage you showed to put yourselves out there! I would also like to say congrats to Chris Charvella and Rose Mary Christian who fought long hard campaigns as well.

Chris did an amazing job and I believe we will and should see him again soon! Kudos Sir!!!

To those who won; Marianne Clatenburg, Frank Ferrando, Tim Buckley, Hollis Upson and Bob Radley. Congratulations on a job well done! Now DON'T STOP!!!!! Our city and County has so much potential and there is just show much work to be done. We need you now more than ever!

Last, I would like to thank those who walked with me through this journey. Charlie Mallow asked me to run and he has stayed by my side throughout. He is a great friend and I am grateful for him. Sara Burk-Balbi and I became friends because of this experience and her friendship helped me on more than one occasion! Finally I would like to say thank the great God above for my wife, Laura and my two amazing girls, Delilah and Vivian. Life is nothing without you.

Thank you all again and God Bless,

Phil Ricci

Final Unofficial Numbers, posted 11:09 p.m.

Note: City Charter question not yet tallied and those numbers are not expected to be announced until tomorrow between 11 a.m. and noon.

WBTA Live Stream

Office   Votes Percent County       County Clerk Don M. Read 4610   District Attorney Lawrence Friedman 5077           City - Vote for 1       Genesee County Legislator District 7
(Wards 1 & 6) Rose Mary Christian  361     Robert H. Radley  510           Genesee County Legislator District 8 (Wards 2 & 3) Christopher M. Charvella  235     Hollis D. Upson  424           Genesee County Legislator District 9 (Wards 4 & 5) Edward DeJaneiro, Jr  303           City – Vote for 3       Council at Large - City of Batavia Sara J. Balbi  637   Council at Large - City of Batavia Phillip J. Ricci  730   Council at Large - City of Batavia Julie Ann Wallace  547   Council at Large - City of Batavia Timothy E. Buckley  1263   Council at Large - City of Batavia Marianne Clattenburg  1275   Council at Large - City of Batavia Frank C. Ferrando, Jr  1284   Alabama - Vote for 1   Votes Percent Legislator - District 1 Raymond F. Cianfrini     Town Justice Patricia A. Buczek  229   Town Council Janet I. Sage  188   Town Council Terry Thompson  99   Town Council William J. Cleveland  176   Town Council Samuel G. Scarborough  172   Alexander - Vote for 1   Votes Percent Legislator – District 6 Esther G. Leadley  258   Town Council William G. Hirsch  136   Town Council William R. Franz  119   Town of Batavia - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator – District 4 Mary Pat Hancock     Supervisor  Gregory H. Post  447   Town Clerk/Tax Collector  Teressa M. Morasco  476   Town Council (Vote for 2) Daniel G. Underhill  437   Town Council Patti A. Michalak  439   Supt. Of Highways  Rodney W. Cook  415   Bergen - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 2 Charles N. Zambito     Supervisor     Donald S. Cunningham 191   Town Justice Donald R. Kunego 180   Town Council (Vote for 2) Rachael J. Millspaugh 188   Town Council Joseph A. Nenni 175   Bethany - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 6 Esther G. Leadley   258   Town Justice Thomas McBride  151   Town Council (Vote for 2) William Gick  113   Town Council Susan Neer  132   Byron - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 2 Charles N. Zambito     Supervisor Robert A. Crnkovich  213   Supervisor Thomas Felton  107   Town Clerk Debra Buck-Leaton  310   Town Justice Daniel DiMatteo  189   Town Council (Vote for 2)  Jeffrey J. Thompson  248   Town Council John Redick  178   Supt. Of Highways  George Heins  264   Darien - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 3 Annie M. Lawrence  514   Town Clerk  Linda P. Graber  261   Town Clerk  Alice E. Calmes  462   Town Council (Vote for 2) Stephen J. Ferry  361   Town Council Charles J. Flagg  291   Town Council Jimmie E. Flaming  69   Town Council Michael A. Plitt 307   Town Council Christopher M. Nicastro  369   Town Council-Unexpired Term Samuel E. Williams  229   Town Council-Unexpired Term David D. Riker  380   Elba -Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 2 Charles N. Zambito  245   Town Supervisor Lucine Kauffman  155   Town Council (Vote for 2) Andrew Wormuth  151   Town Council Deborah Bell  142   LeRoy -Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator – District 5 Jerome J. Grasso  945   Town Justice Kermit Arrington  703   Town Justice Darryl D. Sehm  662   Town Council Thomas Stella   713   Town Council Christine M. Smith  870   Town Council Jay E. Whipple  592   Town Council-Unexpired term  Jennifer AO Keys  422   Town Council-Unexpired term  Kelly J. Lathan  860   Oakfield - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 10 Raymond F. Cianfrini  163   Supervisor     Kenneth Dodd     Town Justice (Vote for 2) Thomas Graham  197   Town Justice Dennis R. Beedham  338   Town Counci l(Vote for 2) Carol L. Glor  166   Town Council Michael Cianfrini  166   Town Council-Unexpired term Tim Kabel  164   Pavilion - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 6 Esther G. Leadley     Town Justice John Welsh  132   Town Council (Vote for 2) Linda Thompson  145   Town Council Ronald O. Zarbo  128   Pembroke - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 3 Annie M. Lawrence     Town Justice Robert Alexander  544   Town Council (Vote for 2) Thomas C. Schneider, Jr.  179   Town Council Edward G. Arnold. Jr.  406   Town Council Paul R. DiFiglia  187   Town Council John J. Worth  416   Stafford - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 4 Mary Pat Hancock  691   Town Clerk Walter Kershenski  571   Town Council (Vote for 2) Ronald Panek  322   Town Council Donald L. Mullen  292   Town Council Michelle Mouery  272   Supt. Of Highways  Steven Boldt  443   Supt. Of Highways  James D. Pontillo  151  

 

About 9:45 p.m. as I arrived at the Board of Elections, voting machine tallies were being checked in as well.

There were some dour faces when I left the Democratic HQ at the Elks Club, with one candidate whispering to me as I left, "It's not looking good for Democrats tonight."

Republicans were smiling broadly by the time I reached the Polish Falcon Club. Joe Gerace told me, "It looks like a clean sweep."

I'm now at the Board of Elections awaiting first unofficial tally.

It's still quite at Dem HQ at the Elks Club on East Main Street in Batavia.  The first early numbers are being tallied, but nothing to report yet.  From here I'll head to the Falcon's Club and the GOP HQ.

The Batavian's election coverage will start some time around 8 p.m..  We'll spend time during the evening at both Republican and Democratic headquarters and plan to stop by 400 Towers and anyplace else we hear there's election-related activity.

We will post results as soon as they are available.

WBTA will be on the air with election coverage at 9 p.m.. The Batavian and WBTA1490.com will provide live online streams of WBTA's on-air coverage.