The Fredonia-Pomfret Democrats have endorsed their town and village candidates for this year’s elections. A couple of incumbents are not on the list.

For the two village trustee positions that will be on the ballot in November, the Democrats endorsed Leeann Lazarony, the former mayor of the village of Cassadaga, and Christine Cruz Keefe, a longtime educator in the Fredonia schools. Current Trustee Michelle Twichell did not get an endorsement.

Twichell is a two-term Fredonia trustee, re-elected in 2021 after serving a term about a dozen years prior. Republican Nicole Siracuse currently holds the other trustee seat up for election.

“We appreciate Ms. Twichell’s work over the years,” said Susan Parker, chair of the Fredonia-Pomfret Democrats. “Based upon our interviews, we are excited about the experience that Ms. Lazarony brings as a former municipal official; and the success that Ms. Cruz Keefe has achieved as a proven educational leader.

“Both Ms. Lazarony and Ms. Cruz Keefe are committed to working cooperatively with their fellow trustees and the mayor – and our excellent town representatives – to benefit our entire community.”

For the town of Pomfret, the Democrats endorsed Dan Pacos, the Town of Pomfret’s current Supervisor, who is seeking a third four-year term; and freshman Councilmember Mike Lee, who is seeking a full four-year term after winning last year’s special election. They nominated newcomers Kathleen Dennison, who is running to succeed Councilmember Chris Schaeffer; and Samantha Kellogg, the interim town clerk, who is seeking a full four-year term as town clerk.

The Democrats also endorsed Michael Cerrie, the sitting Village of Fredonia Judge and Town of Pomfret Judge, as he seeks another four-year term to both positions.

Parker, the newly installed chair of the Fredonia-Pomfret Democrats, said, “We are excited to offer the voters of our town and village experienced and hardworking people with proven leadership skills and who are committed to working together to improve our Fredonia-Pomfret community. We want to provide the best candidates who are committed to delivering good government and whose every decision seeks the best for our community.”