Democrats sweep Ogdensburg City Council race

Nov. 7—OGDENSBURG — Democrats swept the race for four seats on the Ogdensburg City Council.

Democrats R. Storm Cilley, Jennifer Stevenson, Michael Weaver and Donna Trimm were elected Tuesday night following unofficial results provided by the St. Lawrence County Board of Elections.

Cilley received the most votes with 843, followed by Trimm with 808, Stevenson receiving 772 and Weaver with 743. Not filling a seat was Republican candidate Robert Edie with 519 votes.

Democrat Michael Tooley was the lone candidate for mayor. He received 1,009 votes.

On Jan. 1, the four newly elected councilors and mayor will be sworn in to replace Mayor Jeffrey M. Skelly and Councilors John A. Rishe, Steven M. Fisher and William B. Dillabough who decided not to run for reelection after taking office in January of 2020. The fourth council seat was open following Nichole Kennedy's resignation in June.

The Democrats waited for results at The Place on Tuesday night and celebrated their victories, which were announced after 10:30 p.m.

"I know the city has many challenges that they are facing. I am looking forward to working with the new council and city administration," said Tooley, who wants to set a "different tone" for discussions at City Council meetings and with the public.

Stevenson and Cilley have both served on the council in the past — Stevenson from 2012 to 2020 and Cilley serving from 2010 to 2013. They are both looking forward to getting back on City Council.

"I want to thank people for having faith in me and hope we can put the city back on track," Cilley said.

Stevenson said it was humbling to be reelected to City Council and was ready to work to "bring the city forward."

"I want to work together as a group and a team to help the city grow further, to bring safety back to our citizens, to help look at our financial situation but still maintain a quality of life where people want to live and stay in Ogdensburg," Stevenson said.

Weaver, a newcomer to city politics, said that it means a lot that the citizens of Ogdensburg are giving him a chance to serve on the council.

"I am really looking forward to it and will try and do my best. I think we have a good team coming up," Weaver said.

Trimm said she was honored by the results Tuesday night.

"I am incredibly honored at the trust you have placed in me, and I can promise that this will never be about me. It will always be about Ogdensburg and what is best for the city and its people. I will not take no for an answer and I will prove that you can do so with kindness," she said.