BATH – An effort to deny members of the Independence Party
in Steuben County a chance to vote for Patrick McAllister for Surrogate Court
Judge failed Wednesday.
The county Board of Elections commissioners upheld signed petitions
from Independence Party voters in support of McAllister’s bid for Surrogate
Court Judge. An objection to the petitions was filed by Renea Clifford on
behalf of the Chauncey Watches campaign. McAllister said he and his supporters
collected 189 signatures from registered Independence Party voters – well over
the 153 names required for the ballot.
“Voters want to have a choice in an election,” McAllister
said. “This was a failed attempt to take away that choice from voters. This is a victory for Steuben County
Independence party voters and a defeat for those that would try to limit voters
to one candidate."
The decision by the county Board of Elections means
McAllister will be in the Sept. 12 Primary on the Republican, Conservative and
Independence party lines for Surrogate Court judge.
McAllister said his years of experience of representing the
needs of people and families from all walks of life in Surrogate Court means he
is the best qualified candidate for the position.
"A Surrogate Court Judge is the only judge in New York
State that can handle the probate and administration of estates,” McAllister
said. “One only gets experience in these matters by being a practicing attorney
in Surrogate Court. I have broad experience in Surrogate Court -- experience
that counts, experience that can't be gained by being a town or village
justice."
