2 weeks Ago By Robert Harding [email protected]
Barring a last-minute change or a long-shot write-in campaign, Kristine Lytle will be the next Cayuga County clerk. Dia Carabajal, chair of the Cayuga County Democratic Committee, told The Citizen Saturday the party will not field a candidate in the special election for county clerk this year. Two Democrats considered running for clerk, according to Carabajal, but they decided not to enter the race.
The vacancy was created when Brian Scanlan, who was 15 months into his four-year term as county clerk, abruptly resigned on March 11. A special election will be held in November to elect a new county clerk. Scanlan's resignation occurred as candidates were already circulating petitions to qualify for the 2025 ballot.
The petitioning window opened Feb. 25, with Thursday, April 3, being the final day for candidates to file petitions. "It's a big decision to run for a countywide office," Carabajal said.
"At the last minute and with petitions already in process, (it is) very hard to organize for that as an individual or as a committee." The lack of a Democratic candidate also affects the possibility of a gubernatorial appointment. Gov.
Kathy Hochul could name a new county clerk ahead of the special election. That was appealing for the prospective candidates, according to Carabajal, but when they decided not to pursue the seat, there wasn't anyone to recommend to the governor's office. Hochul could appoint Lytle, but there has been no indication that will happen before the special election.
With an uncontested special election, Lytle is the county clerk in waiting. Lytle has worked for the county Department of Motor Vehicles, which the clerk oversees, and ran for county clerk in 2023. She was the runner-up in the three-way race won by Scanlan , an independent who was endorsed by the Democratic committee.
During the campaign for county clerk two years ago, Lytle touted her experience . She is repeating that message in her second run for the seat. Lytle has been endorsed by the Republican and Conservative parties.
In 2023, she ran on the Conservative line but Republicans opted to endorse former Legislator Chris Petrus. "We were proud to endorse Kris Lytle for county clerk," Cayuga County Conservative Party Chairman David Pappert said. "Under normal circumstances, having the right experience and qualifications is important.
Under the current mayhem caused by the dislocation of county departments, and the sudden departure of the last county clerk, it is essential. Experience matters." Scanlan's resignation left the county clerk's office without its top two officials.
Lisa Jo Greenfield, the first deputy clerk, is on medical leave. Shelley Patterson, who was the second deputy clerk under Scanlan, is serving as interim county clerk. Oswego County Clerk Terry Wilbur has provided assistance to Cayuga County after Scanlan resigned.
The Cayuga County Legislature approved resolutions Tuesday to create two positions within the clerk's office — a third deputy clerk to assist Patterson and another index and recording clerk. Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 664-4631 or robert.harding@lee.
net . Follow him on X @RobertHarding. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
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