by Contributor | June 18, 2025 12:53 pm
From the Desk of Elizabeth Passer – Oswego County Democratic Committee Chair Oswego County Democratic Committee Endorsements
The Oswego County Democratic Committee Proudly Endorses the following Candidates:
Victoria Evans for Oswego County Clerk
Ms. Evans has dedicated her career to public service from driving school buses to school bus transportation instruction. Victoria has been known for her attention to detail and transparency throughout her career. After retiring several years ago, the passion for civic responsibility still was present and Victoria decided to run for the Oswego County Clerk position out of a sense of concern for the processing of our county’s public documentation and public service needs in a transparent way.
Ryan Taylor for Oswego County Legislative District 25
Ryan Taylor’s journey began in Hannibal, where he graduated from high school in 1996. Following graduation he served twelve years as a combat engineer in the US Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant. His military service, unfortunately, concluded prematurely due to injuries sustained from an IED explosion in Eastern Afghanistan.
Returning home, Ryan and his wife Andrea settled in Fulton, and embarked on a career with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, a position he’s held for eighteen years. Ryan’s work has taken him across the country, exposing him to diverse communities facing similar opportunities and challenges as seen here in Oswego County. These experiences have instilled in him a deep understanding of the need for responsible community development, capitalizing on potential while mitigating risks.
Ryan’s commitment to Fulton and Oswego County extends beyond his professional life. His experience serving on the Zoning Board, followed by his successful election as the 6th Ward Common Councilor, reflects his dedication to serving the public. Ryan facilitated the closure of a drug house involved in narcotics and sex trafficking – an operation achieved efficiently and cost-effectively for our taxpayers, while serving the needs of the people involved in those circumstances. This success exemplifies his approach to problem-solving: efficient, effective, and community-focused.
Ryan believes strongly in being the voice for the voiceless, advocating for those who lack representation. His legislative experience, combined with his deep understanding of our county’s needs, will allow him to effectively represent the residents of the Oswego County Legislative District 25 by ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed with the respect and consideration they deserve.
Gena Bartlett for Oswego County Legislative District 24
Gena Bartlett is a dedicated community advocate, lifelong Upstate NY resident, and experienced leader who is running for County Legislator to deliver real solutions for the people she proudly serves. As a mother of three and grandmother to five, Gena’s passion for public service is deeply personal and rooted in her desire to ensure that her children and grandchildren grow up in a community that is safe, vibrant, and full of opportunity. With a professional background in data analysis, public policy, and community development, she brings a strong record of finding innovative solutions to strengthen local businesses, improve public services, and advocate for smart, sustainable growth. Known for her work ethic, integrity, and collaborative spirit, Gena believes that strong communities are built by listening closely to residents and empowering their voices in every decision.
Gena’s campaign is grounded in the values of accountability, transparency, and a commitment to future generations. She has served on community advisory boards, and championed programs that uplift families and small businesses alike. Her vision is clear: she wants to be a part of a county where ALL families can thrive in safety and prosperity.
Joseph (Joe) Arduine for County Legislative District 22
Joe is retired from Local 175-5 Boilermakers Union, retiring in 2020. In 2003 Joe opened a small Deli and convenience store in the Town of Palermo. The Deli specialized in their fresh baked Italian Bread, subs, and Deli Sandwiches, baked goods and especially homemade pies. Joe retired from the Boilermakers Union 5/175 in 2020. He now drives part time for the Fulton Schools with Golden Sun Bus Service.
Joe and his wife Debbie reside on the west side of Fulton, they have 4 children and 5 grandchildren.. They are big fans and supporters of school sports and dance competitions in and around the area.
Joe has helped make significant changes to his neighborhood through Fulton Block Builders. Joe became a group leader for 2 years and helped neighbors with the paperwork, answered questions and organized group activities for Fulton Block Builders. Joe has also focused on making books available in his community by adding Little Library Boxes for neighborhoods to enjoy. Joe made his voice heard to get smoldering fires put out at the Ethanol Plant on the east side of Fulton. Joe co-chairs the Church festival at Holy Trinity Church Parish with his wife Debbie for the last 2 years. Lastly Joe has been a strong advocate for helping with code enforcement to assist in the safety and cleanup of the Town of Granby. Joe is a true believer in leading by example.
Marie Schadt for County Legislative District 19
Legislator Schadt has been a consistent voice for the people of our county. She brings vast knowledge from many vantage points to our county legislature as a business owner, and deep empathy for the people of Oswego County. For a tremendous amount of years Marie has been the voice challenging policies of the Republican led legislature.
Dorothy Caldwell for County Legislative District 17
Originally from Texas, Dorothy served for thirty-six years as a United Methodist Minister for
congregations in New York City, The Hudson Valley and Long Island. As a Board-Certified
Chaplain Dorothy served for eight years at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Staten Island. Her formal education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
Throughout her ministry, Dorothy has worked on various social issues including civil rights, women’s rights, healthcare, hunger, childcare, LGBTQ+ rights, and education. She is passionate about meeting and engaging with people of all ages and backgrounds. While new to politics, Dorothy has actively supported Democrats and has worked for social justice her entire life.
The current political climate and imbalance of power in the Oswego County Legislature are motivating Dorothy to use her extensive experience as an advocate.
Christine Novak for County Legislative District 16
Chris believes in finding solutions through consensus building skills that she has built throughout her life during her 30 years of teaching. Chris is involved in literacy volunteerism, hospice caregiving and in her church.
Chris believes the best way to a healthy Democracy is through strong community engagement and encouraging citizens to be active in their governance.
Lee Walker for County Legislature District 15
Lee Walker Jr, has been a lifelong resident of Oswego County and Oswego City and is currently running for Oswego County Legislation, 15th district. Lee has been a legislator in the past in the Oswego County Legislature. Former Board Member of Oswego City Library, and Salvation Army Committee. Lee currently is a member of the Harborfest Committee and Habitat for Humanity Committee.
Juniper Mae Dunlap for County Legislature District 14
Juniper Mae Dunlap is a dedicated military veteran and small business owner, specializing in massage and yoga therapy. With a passion for wellness, she has devoted her career to helping others find balance and relaxation. A proud mother of two grown children, she has been happily married for 29 years to a retired military veteran, sharing a commitment to service and family.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Juniper enjoys spending time in the great outdoors and often explores the woods. She also loves to read, immersing herself in captivating stories. A compassionate animal lover, she is the proud owner of two rescue dogs and a cat, providing them with a loving home. Above all else, she is committed to service to others, both through personal connection and within her community.
Stephanie McHugh Edwards for County Legislature District 13
Born and raised in Oswego County, Stephanie McHugh-Edwards is a dedicated farmer who owns and cares for Hereford beef cattle, Brown Swiss dairy cattle and Duroc pigs, and has spent her life deeply connected to agriculture and rural traditions. Alongside her husband, Josh Edwards, she balances the joys and challenges of farm life with raising five wonderful children, the two youngest whom she homeschools. Passionate about hands-on education, she integrates learning with everyday experiences, fostering curiosity and independence in her family. Her roots run deep in the community, where she finds joy in building a life filled with hard work, love and community. Whether tending to livestock or nurturing her family, she approaches every day with resilience and heart.
Bailey Lovenguth for County Legislature District 4
Bailey Lovenguth, mother of two, school bus driver, an expert in transportation of all precious cargoes, now seeks to transport Oswego County Legislative District 4 into the 21st century. She specializes at coordinating all aspects of an assignment, staying on time and on target in everything she does. She currently is employed at First Student Inc. based in Syracuse, where her focus is being consistently great at her job, while also managing a junior in high school and all the activities she is involved with. She is also a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, striving to inform and encourage growth amongst her peers and neighbors with gentleness and empathy.
John Iorio for Fulton Common Council Ward 5
John Iorio is a proud Fultonian and a 1996 G. Ray Bodley graduate, John is deeply rooted in his community. He actively serves as a local YMCA board member, is a dedicated volunteer firefighter, and leads The Twilight Collective, a non-profit focused on helping local groups with fundraising and grant writing.
John recently earned his doctorate in Educational Administration from the University at Buffalo. Professionally, he is the Director for Adult Education for Syracuse City Schools, where he works to empower individuals in poverty by connecting them with educational and community resources. With over 20 years of experience in adult, community, and higher education, John has a proven track record. He’s known for putting ideas into action, creatively solving community and educational challenges, and being fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars. John is also a husband and a father.
Don Patrick for Fulton Common Council Ward 3
Don has served the Fulton Community on the Common Council for many years. He is a strong proponent of community engagement.
Wade Marsh for New Haven Town Board
Wade lives with his wife and children in the town of New Haven. Wade has become an outspoken community member about the ineffective leadership of the township. The community’s reaction to his forthright candor has been well received in regards to the potential of candid and community centered leadership in a direction of the change they are hungry for. Wade has demonstrated that he will not live in fear of speaking up and looking out for all of the people’s needs of the New Haven Community. This is the leadership the New Haven township needs and is entitled to have.
Terry Searles for New Haven Town Justice
Terry was 23 years old when he got elected in 1997, one of the youngest Democrats ever elected in the Town of New Haven and has been the New Haven Town Justice for 27 years.
Elizabeth (Betsey) Fortino for 5th Judicial DistrictNew York State Supreme Court
Elizabeth Snyder Fortino, from Oneida County is a distinguished attorney with 24 years of legal experience, including 21 years in Supreme Court, and currently serves as the Director of the New York State Appellate Division, Fourth Department, Mental Hygiene Legal Service. In addition, Chief Justice Rowan Wilson of the New York State Court of Appeals has appointed Ms. Fortino to the New York State Judicial Task Force on Mental Illness. Through these roles, she has tirelessly fought to ensure fairness and justice for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
Her dedication to the legal profession is evident not only in the courtroom but also in the classroom, where she has educated future generations as a professor at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, SUNY Oswego, and Utica University. Her leadership extends beyond her legal work, having served as President of the Oneida County Bar Association and Mid York Women’s Bar Association and holding key roles in numerous judicial committees and public service initiatives. Passionate, experienced, and committed to justice, she is ready to bring integrity, fairness, and wisdom to the Supreme Court bench.
Candace Candall for 5th Judicial District New York State Supreme Court
Candace L.L. Randall was raised in Jefferson County, where she learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and service to others. A graduate of South Jefferson Central School and Clarkson University, she earned her law degree magna cum laude from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law before returning home to practice law. Since 2013, Candace has handled hundreds of cases each year, building a reputation for fairness and integrity both in private practice and as Town Judge for Harrisburg, Montague, and Pinckney. She is also a dedicated community volunteer, a board member of Mountainview Prevention Services, a former adjunct instructor at Jefferson Community College, and a proud wife and mother of four. Now, Candace is running for New York State Supreme Court, bringing her deep legal experience and commitment to justice to the next level of public service.
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