2 weeks Ago By Finger Lakes Times
GENEVA — This Ontario County city’s Democratic Committee has unveiled its slate of candidates for the November elections, a list sprinkled with some familiar names and a couple of newcomers. The Democrats endorsed Jim Cecere for mayor in February, about two weeks before the city Republican Committee also endorsed the registered Democrat — making Cecere a near-certainty to follow in his Uncle Frank “Pinky” Cecere Jr.’s political footsteps.
Cecere The city’s Democrats also endorsed one incumbent for a councilor-at-large seat on City Council, an incumbent for a county supervisor spot on the Ontario County Board of Supervisors, and a former city councilor for a spot on the county board. “We searched for members of our community who are committed to leading the city in accordance with the values of Geneva’s Democrats, and we are proud of the candidates who came forward to serve this city that we all love,” said Jess Farrell, chair of the Geneva City Democratic Committee. Added Cecere: “Everyone on this slate is committed to making Geneva a better place and proactively working to address our issues and opportunities.
I’m excited to work with everyone.” Here are the council candidates the city Democrats endorsed: At-large: Ahmad Whitfield, who was elected in 2023, will seek a full, four-year term in the city’s new staggered-terms setup. Whitfield A devoted husband and father of six, Whitfield is active in the community as a member of the NAACP, the African American Men’s Association, MLK Committee, and Success for Geneva’s Children.
He is the CEO of DaddiesDoCare, which is a family/father engagement program. “As a city councilor, I work to represent the people whose voices often go unheard,” Whitfield said, “and there is still work to be done. I am running again so I can continue to speak, walk, march, and stand for our community.
” Whitfield is being opposed by Republican Charles “Rick” Barnard. Ward 2: Ben Gummoe is originally from Rochester. He grew up spending time in Geneva and the Finger Lakes.
He moved to Geneva a year and a half ago with his family to start the next chapter in their life. Gummoe He works as a senior engineering manager at an AI company and is a new board member of Geneva Community Projects. Gummoe describes himself as a close observer of city politics, particularly City Council.
“I’m running for City Councilor of Ward 2 because I want to see Geneva grow and succeed,” he explained. “I’m committed to representing the interests of Ward 2 and all members of our community.” Gummoe is running against Paul D’Amico, a former city councilor.
Ward 4: The Democrats did not endorse a candidate in this race. Incumbent Peter Gillotte, a registered Democrat, is running for reelection with the Republican endorsement. Ward 6: The Democrats did not endorse a candidate in this race.
Incumbent Republican Tom Moracco is not running for reelection. Jamie Kaim Jr., a registered Democrat, is running for election with the Republican endorsement.
District 1 (Wards 1-2): Jim Kennedy, a Ward 2 resident for 37 years, has served on the Board of Supervisors for almost three years. He is on the board’s Government Operations and Insurance, Public Works, and Health and Human Services committee. Kennedy Kennedy actively seeks constituent engagement on county policy and works to enhance city-county relations by presenting quarterly at Geneva City Council.
“I will continue to ‘show up’ as a constituent representative and a ‘connector’ linking the county and the city to act in service of common ground policy opportunities and mutual interests, and always in a collaborative manner,” Kennedy said. “I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the residents of Wards 1 and 2 with responsiveness and awareness based on research and constituent outreach. Overall, I pledge to continue to be an engaged supervisor for the City of Geneva during a time of unprecedented and even unpredictable changes in the funding, availability, and delivery of quality government services.
” Kennedy is running unopposed. District 2 (Wards 3-4): Jan Regan, a professional photographer, has lived in Geneva since 1978. She represented Ward 3 on City Council from 2020-2023 and currently sits on the City’s Industrial Development Agency.
Regan In 2024 she helped found ReUse Systems, which has a mission of diverting waste from the landfill, and now serves as the first president of its Board of Directors. Last year, she was awarded the Agnes Lewis Slosson Award for public service. “Decisions made at the county level directly impact Geneva’s future, and I’m committed to ensuring our community’s voice is both heard and valued,” Regan said.
“I’ll continue working toward smart, sustainable solutions for county-wide waste management, especially as we prepare for the closure of the landfill.” Regan is being opposed by Republican James Babb. District 3 (Wards 5-6): Political newcomer Esther Dickinson lives in Ward 6 with her husband and two children, ages 6 and 8.
She is an attorney at local law firm Heaton & Venuti, where she works with small businesses, nonprofits, and countless Geneva families as a trusted advisor and advocate. Dickinson Outside of work, she enjoys coaching her children’s Little League baseball teams. “The people, businesses, and natural resources of Wards 5 and 6 represent what makes Geneva special, but too often the needs of our community are ignored,” Dickinson said on why she chose to run.
“I am an experienced and successful advocate, and I will work to ensure our community receives the county resources and attention we need and deserve. I promise to be a strong voice for my neighbors, especially when it comes to affordable housing, environmental safety, and county services.” Dickinson is running against Joseph Adulte, a registered Democrat who received the Republican endorsement.
Supervising city court judge: William “Bill” Hart, a Geneva native with more than 35 years’ experience as an attorney in private practice, an assistant district attorney, and city court judge, has dedicated his professional life to making our community safe for all law-abiding citizens and holding those that violate the law accountable. Hart “I am running to continue my three-decade record of public service to Geneva,” Hart explained. “I work every day to honor the trust that the citizens of Geneva placed in me when electing me as the Supervising City Court Judge.
I do my best every day to undertake my responsibilities professionally, treating everyone with respect, while administering justice fairly and firmly.” Hart, a registered Democrat, received the city’s Republican endorsement. City court judge: Leslie Hickey, an attorney with decades-long commitment to fairness, justice, and service in our local community, was appointed as a city court judge in 2021.
Hickey “I’m running for Geneva City Court Judge because I believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity, impartiality and respect in our Courts,” Hickey explained. “I would be honored to continue my service in Geneva City Court, as I have since 2021.” Like Hart, Hickey is a registered Democrat who garnered the city’s Republican endorsement.
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