Gaines GOP announces endorsements for town positions

Posted 4 June 2017 at 11:20 pm

Press Release, Gaines Republican Committee

GAINES – The Town of Gaines Republican Committee proudly announces their endorsements for several elected offices in the Town of Gaines.

The committee advertised in traditional and social media seeking candidates who are dedicated to the principles of the Republican Party, in particular a belief in the Constitution, the rule of law, and fiscal responsibility.

Of particular interest this election year will be a focus on the openness of the town government. All of our candidates believe government functions best in the open, and with honest interaction with their constituents. Two incumbents, Jim Kirby and Bruce Schmidt, sought support to continue in their current roles. All other endorsed candidates are first-time candidates in a town race.

Our slate of endorsed candidates include:

Town Supervisor – Joseph Grube: Joe has been a resident of the town since 2012 and lives on West Bacon Road with his wife, Lori. A lifelong Republican, he has been active in the party since his early years as a voter, previously serving as a Councilman and Republican Party Committee member in Otto, NY. Joe retired as a Captain from the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office in 2011 and has worked in the private sector since, currently as a senior regional manager of a leading public safety telecommunications manufacturer.

In his professional life, he has managed large numbers of employees and been responsible for significant budgets of taxpayers’ dollars. His professional and personal experience is enhanced with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community and Human Services from SUNY Empire State College. He looks forward to leading the town into the future and utilizing his experience to do so with the utmost of care and professionalism.

Town Clerk – Susan Heard: Susan is uniquely qualified to serve the Town of Gaines as its Town Clerk. She is currently the Orleans County Treasurer, a position she has held for over 20 years. She brings an absolute wealth of experience in the function of government with her expertise in budgeting, tax collection, auditing, accounting, banking, legislative resolutions, and bond issuance, to name a few.

She also has tremendous skills in payroll and vendor payments, and the timely and accurate filing of necessary reports to state and federal agencies. She’s also a Notary Public, and has served as a watchdog of the taxpayer’s money her entire professional career. Her focus as Town Clerk will be bringing a new level of skill and professionalism to the office, as well as acting as an independently elected town official.

Town Councilman – James Kirby: Jim has served the Town of Gaines as a member of the Town Board for many years. His wealth of knowledge and experience in the operations of the town over several different supervisors is immeasurable. Jim and his family operate a successful farming operation in the town and through that business, are acutely aware of the effects decisions of local, county, state, and federal government have on agriculture – our most vital business in Gaines and Orleans County.

Town Councilman – Tyler Allport: Tyler is a proud, lifelong Republican and resident of the Town of Gaines. He is excited for the prospect of adding youth and integrity to our Town Board. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, with a Concentration in Pre Law from SUNY Brockport, and is currently the Hazard Insurance Manager at Key Bank.  He has a strong belief in the core values of the party, and uses them as guidelines in his everyday life. He feels those same principles are the pillars to be utilized to ensure our town’s success.

Town Justice – Bruce Schmidt: Bruce has been the Justice in the Town of Gaines since 2009. Outside his role as Justice, Bruce is active as a board member of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern (GOMOC), the Lyndonville Lions Club, and as a board member and officer of Genesee Orleans Community Action, as well as other community groups.

Committee members and candidates will begin circulating designating petitions on June 6 as a part of the elections process.

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