Incumbent Howard wins Sheriff's race

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Unable to overcome a low voter turnout by Democrats in the City of Buffalo, Capt. John Glascott conceded the Sheriff's race late in the night to Tim Howard, but said he had raised important issues about the management of the County's jail system.

"It doesn't look like it worked out well for us this evening, but that's all right, ya know, we'll move on," said Capt. John Glascott who lost the vote for Erie County Sheriff to incumbent Tim Howard.

"I wish the Sheriff well. I hope he can fix some of the things I've been saying for awhile are broken and that we can move ahead," Glascott continued.

One of the bright spots for Democrats was the re-election of Mark Poloncarz for Erie County Comptroller.

Poloncarz had faced a Republican challenger backed by Republican County Executive Chris Collins.

"The people of Erie County want an independent taxpayer watchdog in county government. They want checks and balances in government. They did not want a "yes man" in the office of Erie County Comptroller," said Mark Poloncarz who was re-elected Erie County Comptroller.

It was not a good night for defeated Erie County Legislator Michelle Ianello, who lost union support after allegedly objecting to Black canvassers going door to door for her in white neighborhoods.

Ianello said, "I want to congratulate my opponent Kevin Hardwick. I will continue to work in the district with the Tonawanda clean air coalition, fighting for clean air."

Even with another loss of key democratic Legislator Bob Reynolds, Erie County Democratic Chairman Len Lenihan sought to put a positive spin on election night for Erie County Democrats.

Lenihan said, "The bottom line is, we're still in control of the Legislature. Mark Poloncarz gets re-elected Comptroller, and we just barely lost the Sheriff's department not a bad night."

In the Erie County Legislature races, in the 10th district, Republican newcomer Kevin Hardwick beat Democrat Michele Ianello by a wide margin with 61% of the votes.

Former television reporter Lynne Dixon picked up 60% of the votes in the Legislature's 12th district beating out Democratic incumbent Bob Reynolds.

The Democrats also managed to pull off a win in the tight race for Erie County Comptroller. Incumbent Mark Poloncarz beat out Republican challenger Philip Kadet.