School board elections will offer choices

TRI-COUNTY AREA--Area voters will have several contested elections across county school districts Tuesday, May 19 during the annual school board and budget vote. With some current school board members not seeking reelection, the Penn Yan, Dundee, Hammondsport, Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour school districts will have at least one new person elected this year. Polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m.election day.
In Penn Yan, there are five candidates running for three available seats. Incumbents Loni Terpolilli and Elizabeth Warren are running for reelection and will be challenged by Renee Bloom, Pamela Whitford and Bonnie Barkley. Current school board member Ryan Hallings will not be running for reelection. The election will take place in the Penn Yan Academy gymnasium.
In Dundee, three candidates are running for two open seats. The candidates include Nickolas Sorce, Andrew Simmons and Wendy Gibson. The seats belong to Matthew Camacho and John Frederick, but neither is running for reelection as both are moving out of state. Residents can place their votes in the public meeting room on election day.
In Hammondsport, there are two candidates running for one available seat. Incumbent Francis Curran will be challenged by Lynda Lowin for the lone position.
In Watkins Glen, there are two vacancies on the board that four total candidates will compete for. The candidates include James Somerville, Kristina Hansen, Barbara Schimizzi and Kelly McCarthy. The seats are currently held by board President Michael Myers and Vice President Kelly McCarthy. The Watkins Glen voting location will be at the district office.
In Odessa-Montour, there are three seats open for election being sought after by five candidates. Incumbents Robert Halpin and Karen Rock will be running against challengers Debora Fellwock, Todd Mertens and Jeff Parmenter. Damita Chamberlain will not be running for reelection. Odessa-Montour residents will vote at the H.A. Hanlon school in Odessa.