For the first time in 14 years, Wheatfield residents will have a new town supervisor.
But the old supervisor says he may not be ready to hang up his hat.
Long-time town justice Robert Cliffe, the endorsed Republican, Independent and Conservative party candidate, cruised to a relatively easy victory over Democrat and Working Families candidate Sam Conti in Tuesday’s balloting.
With 100 percent of the districts reporting, Cliffe had 1,873 votes, or just over 59 percent, to Conti’s 1,280 votes, or 40.6 percent.
However, those percentages will change when the Niagara County Board of Elections tallies write-in ballots for incumbent Town Supervisor Tim Demler. Demler, who lost the GOP endorsement to Cliffe in a bitter and bruising primary, appeared to have garnered over 800 votes in his longshot bid for re-election.
“I can’t believe the write-in vote,” Demler said. “Getting write-ins on these (voting) machines is nearly impossible and we got between 811 and 900, when less than 4,000 total votes were cast (in the town).”
Cliffe, who had reportedly worried about the effect of Demler’s write-in candidacy splitting the vote and helping Conti, admitted his primary foe put up surprising numbers.
“Mr. Demler worked very hard, he was at the polls all day (Tuesday),” Cliffe said. “He deserves credit for pulling in voters.”
Cliffe said he is ready to start learning about the ins and outs of the supervisors job. He said he’s looking forward to taking office in January.
“We’re very, very happy for the residents of Wheatfield,” he said. “It was a difficult campaign.”
Conti did not return phone calls seeking comment on the election results.
Demler, however, said his surprising showing has him thinking about what his political future may hold.
“I think going forward we have a huge grassroots mandate,” Demler said. “That means we’re going to keep a close eye on the Cliffe administration for the next two years.”
Demler said while he questions Cliffe’s potential policies, he congratulated him on his victory. He would not, however, rule out a challenge to Cliffe in two years or another race as soon as next year.
“It could be Demler 2011 or Demler 2010,” he laughed. “There are a lot of state jobs open next year, governor, state Senate. We’re just keeping our options open.”
Local News
WHEATFIELD: Cliffe cruises as Demler pulls in 800 votes
- Local News
-
-
Child run over be car on Niagara Avenue
Falls Traffic Division investigators said an 11-year-old boy was struck after he darted into the street, in front of a car as it pulled away from a stop sign.
-
Militello paid $50K to leave Niagara-Wheatfield
Former Niagara-Wheatfield Superintendent Carl Militello is receiving a $50,000 from the district, according to a separation settlement agreed to on Feb. 1.
-
Autopsy unable to determine cause or time of Judith Burr’s death
An autopsy by an Erie County Medical Examiner has failed to determine either the time of death or the cause of death of Judith Burr.
-
Gerber resigns from SPCA board; calls for adding veterinarian to staff
A Town of Niagara veterinarian and long-time member of the SPCA of Niagara Board of Directors has stepped down.
Dr. William Gerber submitted his resignation on Tuesday. It was effective immediately. -
Has NYPA relicensing agreement led to a revival?
A state senator is calling for an audit of the low-cost power and cash used in the last seven years by Niagara County entities that have shared in the benefits of the 50-year relicensing agreement with the New York Power Authority.
-
Joseph Davis State Park gets some green
Officials in the Town of Lewiston received approval Thursday to spend a significant portion of the community’s incoming greenway funds on the redevelopment of Joseph Davis State Park.
-
Search continues for Falls jumper
State Park Police were still searching Thursday for a Falls man who jumped from the rapids bridge at Goat Island on Wednesday morning.
-
NU gets helping hand for campus projects
A new county entity formed to help organizations secure bond financing agreed on Wednesday to assist Niagara University in the development of its new science center, a proposed refurbishment at Meade Hall and other campus improvements totaling $48 million.
-
One Niagara tax break denied
It’s a no-go for a proposed tax break at One Niagara.
At least for now. -
County IDA adds local hiring clause
From now on, applicants seeking assistance through the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency will be expected to demonstrate their “best efforts” in hiring local workers for subsidized projects.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
