Conservative Party backs Bourke for sheriff
Sidonio also endorsed for town supervisor in Murray
Chris Bourke
ALBION – The Orleans County Conservative Party has endorsed Chris Bourke for sheriff. Bourke, the current undersheriff, seeks to succeed Randy Bower, who announced on Friday he isn’t seeking re-election in November.
Bourke isn’t alone in seeking to be the next sheriff. Brett Sobieraski, a sergeant with the Rochester Police Department, also wants the job.
Sobieraski, a Kent resident, sought the Conservative endorsement and interviewed with the committee. He and Bourke both intend to run under the Republican Party line and will likely face a June 25 primary.
Bourke has been the undersheriff for the past three-plus years. He has worked with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office for 35 years, starting his career as a correction officer and then was a deputy sheriff before working 18 years as a lieutenant. He was supervisor of the Marine Patrol, and also was a K9 officer for 20 years.
The Conservative Party Committee interviewed candidates on Tuesday and today. Al Lofthouse of Kendall is the Conservative Party chairman.
“We feel these people espoused the best conservative principles of protecting the people’s constitutional rights, open government and best efforts to save the taxpayers’ money in line with our party platform,” said Paul Lauricella, the Party vice chairman. “We want to thank all who came to interview.”
The endorsements include:
• Orleans County Sheriff – Christopher M. Bourke
• Clarendon Town Highway Superintendent – Tracy B. Chalker
• Gaines Town Councilwoman – Dr. Mary R. Neilans
• Murray Councilman Murray – Dirk Lammes
• Murray Town Supervisor – Joseph Sidonio
• Shelby Town Highway Superintendent Shelby – Dale S. Root
• Shelby Town Justice – Mark L. Wambach
