A consensus has been reached among the members of the Oneida County Board of Legislators’ Democratic caucus on a new elections commissioner.
Russell Stewart of the town of Marshall now has the backing of the caucus to become the Democratic elections commissioner Jan. 1, said Minority Leader Frank D. Tallarino, D-7, Rome. As a result of a caucus meeting Friday, Stewart is expected to gain the support of at least a majority, if not all, of the 13 Democrats on the legislature when the caucus meets next.
Tallarino said the Democrats will likely finalize their decision at a caucus prior to the Nov. 14 legislature meeting.
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Stewart was recommended to the caucus for the elections post by the county Democratic Committee. He was picked over Marion Goodwin. Incumbent Democratic Elections Commissioner Carolann N. Cardone did not seek another term although her name wasn’t withdrawn from consideration until shortly before the committee vote.
After the county committee chose Stewart, the Democratic legislative caucus said the decision on commissioner ultimately rested with the caucus. It was noted at that time there were questions among at least some caucus members about the process the ended with the county committee recommending Stewart to the caucus.
The caucus met before and after last Wednesday’s board meeting to discuss the situation. Afterward Tallarino said the caucus wanted to select the best person for the job. Any hesitancy with Stewart was resolved when the caucus met two days later.
Besides a new Democratic elections commissioner taking over when the new year starts, there will be a new leader on the Republican side too. Rose Grimaldi has been picked by the GOP legislative caucus — following the recommendation of the county Republican Committee — for elections commissioner. Incumbent GOP Elections Commissioner Pamela N. Mandryck sought but did not receive the county committee’s recommendation for a third term.
Commissioners serve two-year terms. By state law there is a Republican commissioner and a Democratic one. Next year’s proposed salary is $65,000. Both new commissioners will get to designate their respective second-in-commands.
