These candidates are running for Hornell Common Council: Here are the wards to watch

All 10 seats on the Hornell Common Council are up for election in 2023, but party makeup of the board is likely to be decided in four wards where Democrats and Republicans are both fielding candidates for the Nov. 7 general election.

Candidates may still appear on the November ballot as independents. According to the Steuben County Board of Elections, independent nominating petitions may be filed between May 23-30.

Barring independent candidate bids, Republicans Christina Hancock (2nd Ward), Joseph McKay (3rd Ward), Daniel Warriner (5th Ward), Kevin Valentine (7th Ward) and Robert Colucci (9th Ward) will run unopposed.

John A. Carbone, a Democrat who represents the 10th Ward, also appears to be unchallenged in his reelection bid, with no Republicans filing candidate petitions there.

Here is a look at the four city wards where candidates from both major parties have filed petitions to run for office. Candidates for each ward are listed in alphabetical order.

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1st Ward: Melissa Ponticello and David Sutfin

Democrat Melissa Ponticello is seeking reelection to a two-year term.

One of the city council's longest serving members, Ponticello, a Washington Street resident, has been on the Common Council since 2009. She currently chairs the Finance Committee. Her other committee assignments include Quality of Life, Law & Ordinance and Policies & Procedures.

Prior to 2009, Ponticello was a member of the Hornell Planning Board, including during the implementation of the city's master plan. A city resident for 29 years, Ponticello is a district manager for Community Bank. She is also a member of the executive board for the Hornell Area Family YMCA.

"I have worked with the mayor and chamberlain to help create a budget that is not only good for the city, and for its residents as well," Ponticello said in statement.

Republican David Sutfin is running on both the GOP and Conservative Party lines.

A United States Air Force veteran and life-long Hornell resident, Sutfin is a board member and treasurer for the Shooters Committee on Political Education (SCOPE), where he said he has promoted voter registration and political awareness.

"After several years of encouraging others to participate in our electoral process, I felt that running for 1st Ward alderman seemed to be the next logical step," Sutfin said in a candidate announcement. "Having experienced how great the Hornell community is to live and raise a family, I hope to give back and continue to build a strong and vibrant Hornell."

A Thatcher Street resident, Sutfin has lived in the 1st Ward for more than 50 years. He was employed by Agway Petroleum and Suburban Propane prior to retiring in 2017.

4th Ward: José Cruzado and Steve Peck

The 4th Ward will have new representation starting in 2024 with the current Alderman, Republican Mike Morey, not running in 2023.

Independent José Cruzado is running on the Democratic Party line for the 4th Ward seat.

An Elm Street resident, Cruzado has lived in the City of Hornell since February 2018 after previously residing in Hornellsville since 2010.

Cruzado is chief administrative officer for Ibero-American Action League, supervising several departments including Human Resources, Facilities, IT and Compliance. Previously, he was employed by New York State Courts for 12 years.

Cruzado has a master's degree in strategic leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College and has received training in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.

"My sincere hope and vision for the ward include a cleaner, safer and beautified neighborhood. A neighborhood where longtime residents can be proud of where they live," he said in a candidate announcement.

John Street Republican Steve Peck will have both the GOP and Conservative lines in the November election.

Peck is a licensed insurance agent and Commercial Manager with the Ryan Agencies.

A City of Hornell resident since 2001, Peck has served in several community-based positions including chairman of the Hornell Area Family YMCA, member of the St. James Foundation and Kiwanis Club president.

Peck has also volunteered with the Hornell Children's Home and the Salvation Army.

"Through many years of volunteerism, I've collaborated with and led boards' strategic planning and budget approvals. Being a part of these decisions has allowed me to speak on behalf of our community, address concerns, and work to provide solutions," Peck said in a campaign announcement.

6th Ward: John Bradley and Lita Brown

Democrat John Bradley has lived in Hornell for eight years and resides on East Main Street with his spouse of 30 years, Michael Hopkins.

Professionally, Bradley is an instructional designer for a communication skills training company.

He serves on the Vestry of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Bath, mentors a weekly online class, engages in community organizing for the Buy Nothing Project and administers a Mastodon server.

"With a focus on building strong partnerships with community stakeholders, I am committed to ensuring that the voices of 6th Ward residents are heard and that their needs are addressed," he said in a candidate statement.

Republican Lita Brown is seeking a full two-year term on the Common Council after she was appointed to fill a vacancy last September. Brown will also appear on the Conservative Party line for the November election.

Brown, an East Avenue resident, has lived in Hornell for 12 years with her husband, Andrew, and two young children, Cayde and Paige. She is a prevention educator through Hornell Area Concern for Youth for Western Steuben County schools.

Brown currently serves on the Quality of Life, Planning and Development, and Youth and Recreation committees.

"I pride myself on being an active listener and natural-born helper, and pledge to continue to connect residents to the appropriate City department, work to resolve concerns, and improve quality of life," Brown said in her candidacy announcement.

8th Ward: James Bassage and Sean Stewart

Republican James M. Bassage Sr. is seeking reelection for a seventh term in the 8th Ward.

"These past 12 years on the City Council have been rewarding as I feel I have successfully advocated for the 8th Ward residents to resolve their issues and effectively present their concerns," Bassage, who also has the Conservative Party line, said in a candidacy announcement.

Bassage currently chairs the Common Council’s Policies & Procedures and Youth & Recreation committees.

If reelected, the Crosby Street resident said he will continue focusing on blight in the ward, support infrastructure improvements and back law enforcement efforts to address drug issues and secure safe neighborhoods.

Democrat Sean S. Stewart is a High Street resident. He is a small business owner, a DJ and the former president of the Hornell Area Arts Council.

A Brooklyn native, Stewart said he fell in love with the region during a visit to Alfred State College 21 years ago and decided to move here.

Stewart, the father of two daughters, called Hornell "the ideal environment" for raising children and he said he wants to see Hornell continue to grow.

"It starts with the neighborhoods coming together for a common goal and that is seeing our streets clean and having a healthy safe environment not just for us but for our kids," Stewart said in a statement announcing his candidacy.

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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Hornell elections 2023: Who is on the ballot for Common Council