Graham to become local judge, Russell to remain legislator
It was one of the most active campaign seasons in recent memory in the Town of Webb with four candidates vying for the position of Supervisor, four seeking two seats on the town board, and the incumbent Town Justice and Herkimer County Legislator facing challengers.
With the announcement of the unofficial results following the November 8 general election, clear winners have been determined in all races except for Supervisor.
With 185 absentee ballots untallied, it will be another week before voters know if their new supervisor will be Theodore C. Riehle, Jr. or H. Stuart deCamp.
Riehle, a Republican, received a total of 389 votes—333 in Webb District 1 and 56 in Webb District 2. deCamp, an Independent candidate, received a total of 332 votes—300 in Webb 1 and 32 in Webb 2.
David W. Berkstresser, a Democrat, received 140 votes—108 in Webb 1 and 32 in Webb 2. Independent candidate Richard S. Risley received 74 votes—70 in Webb 1 and 4 in Webb 2.
In the council race, incumbent Republican James B. Herron, Jr. will serve four more years on the board after receiving 677 votes—587 in Webb 1 and 90 in Webb 2.
Democrat Mary J. Brophy-Moore was also elected to the board with 495 votes—443 in Webb 1 and 52 in Webb 2.
Republican council candidate Robert A. McCoy received 269 votes—215 in Webb 1 and 54 in Webb 2; and Independent candidate Patrick Perkins had 222 votes—201 in Webb 1 and 21 in Webb 2.
Republican John W. Graham unseated incumbent Patrick J. Venetz whose major line was Democratic, having received 611 votes—522 in Webb 1 and 89 in Webb 2.
Venetz had 316 votes—284 in Webb 1 and 32 in Webb 2.
Patrick E. Russell, a Republican, won his seventh term as Herkimer County Legislator representing District #15 with 825 votes.
The district covers the Towns of Ohio, Russia and Webb.
He received 149 votes in Ohio, 64 in Russia, 545 in Webb 1 and 94 in Webb 2.
Russell was challenged by Independent candidate Jon R. Hansen who received 425 votes—126 in Ohio, 44 in Russia, 228 in Webb 1 and 27 in Webb 2.
Incumbents Nanci T. Russell (R), Town Clerk; Casey C. Crofut (R), Highway Superintendent; and Kelly Hunkins (D), Tax Collector ran unopposed.
Russell received 817 votes—710 in Webb 1 and 107 in Webb 2. Crofut had a total of 872 votes—754 in Webb 1 and 118 in Webb 2; and Hunkins had 771 votes—675 in Webb 1 and 96 in Webb 2.
