I have an interesting letter from an incumbent on the Chemung County Legislature who is running for reelection. He doesn’t mention his party, but he is a Republican.  He distinguishes country government from NYS government and the Federal Government. He writes:

I ask that you remember that Chemung County government is not Washington or Albany.

I do know that, but I also know that I have no interest in maintaining a Republican armlock on local politics, just as I oppose Republicans and Republican policy in state and Federal government. It is an interesting letter, this candidate cites numerous accomplishments, yet there is no reason to believe that his Democratic opponent might not achieve as much or more.

Years ago, I knew a women, a Democrat, who was surprisingly elected to the town board. She retired after one term because the Republican majority on the board ignored her presence.

I remember another occasion when another Republican member of the County Legislature told me that his duty was to protect private interests rather than the public interest. He worked for an oil drilling company.

The three way race for Chemung County Executive should be very interesting. The Democrat might have a chance, if the two Republicans split the Republican vote.