Sherman wins Millerton runoff election by a hair

MILLERTON — After tallying the results of the runoff election on Tuesday, July 6, former Village Trustee and former longtime North East town Supervisor Dave Sherman (Republican, Independent) learned he will return to the Village Board table, as he beat opponent DeLora Brooks (Democrat) with 85 votes to her 82.

Sherman and Brooks, who was later reappointed chair of the village’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and has been a regular attendee at Village Board meetings for years, had to face off on July 6 after they tied in the first round of voting. Both earned 83 votes on the village’s original Election Day, held on Tuesday, June 15, at the Village Offices. 

There were two trustee seats up for grabs this year; newcomer Laurie Kerr (Democrat), who was cross-endorsed by both parties, handily won the first seat in her first-ever village election. So, too, did former Trustee and Deputy Mayor Jenn Najdek, who ran unchallenged for mayor as former Mayor Debbie Middlebrook opted not to seek another term.

The runoff election was held from noon until 9 p.m. at the Village Offices on July 6, and drew a healthy turnout. 

“It was a great election season,” Village Clerk Kelly Kilmer remarked at the Village Board’s annual reorganization meeting on Wednesday, July 7. “It was really fascinating. We had about a third of our voters come out.”

In fact, 167 voters in the village cast their ballots in the runoff.

“It was a very big turnout of people who live in the village,” agreed Brooks.

Sherman took the Oath of Office immediately, at the reorg meeting on the evening of July 7. His two-year term officially began on Tuesday, July 6, and will run through June 1, 2023.

“It was a good turnout — in fact, I’m glad people did come out and vote,” Sherman said. “I thank them all for coming out and voting, and I hope they’ll become more familiar with me going forward and appreciate what I can do for the village.”

As he begins his new era of service to his community, Sherman remarked, “There’s no shortage of work, that’s for sure.” 

After conceding the election, Brooks reflected on the public’s responsibility to participate in government on Facebook.

“People really need to get involved and stay tuned in… I think just because you elect somebody, your job isn’t done,” she wrote. “I think that the current atmosphere today, it seems some people have just given up and I think it’s sad and I hope people do get engaged.”

Brooks was among those  at the Village Board’s reorg meeting. During public comments, she suggested streaming meetings online; government transparency was a big part of her platform while campaigning.

“I just hope we’re able to move forward,” Brooks said, “and I think if we’re able to make this platform available then people can see what goes on with their government.”