Key race results

If our elected officials influence the quality of life in our communities, results from Tuesday’s General Election provide insight into the year 2006 and beyond as our region comes to terms with its changing identity.

Population growth, new home construction and proposals for commercial development are already visible on the 2006 horizon.

The changing political landscape of our area is evidenced by Harold Russell’s win as supervisor of the Town of Bethel, Carol Ropke Wingert’s victory as new councilwoman in the Town of Tusten, and newcomer Carl Bonitz’s defeat off incumbent Charles Penna for supervisor of the Town of Mamakating.

Michael Schiff’s win will bring changes to the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, and Ira Cohen will bring his county expertise to the treasurer’s office. Voters in Pike County soundly approved the “Scenic Rural Character Preservation Bond,” and open space planning and smart growth concepts will come to top-of-mind awareness in Pike County.

Official election tallies are maintained by the board of elections. For complete results in Sullivan, Wayne and Pike counties, visit the following websites:

• co.sullivan.ny.us

• co.wayne.pa.us

• pikepa.org

Schiff wins red-hot sheriff race

Michael Schiff won a four-year term as Sullivan County Sheriff with 9,047 votes. His opponent, Frank Armstrong (Dem.), received 8,358 votes. Schiff will succeed retiring Sheriff Daniel Hogue.

Councilman takes top spot in Bethel

Harold Russell won a two-year term as supervisor with 849 votes.His opponent, incumbent Vicky Vassmer Simpson (Dem., WF) received 610 votes.

Attorney sees treasurer’s role as advocate

Ira Cohen won a four-year term as Sullivan County Treasurer with 8,686 votes. His opponent, Leni Binder (Rep., People’s Choice), received 7,181 votes. Cohen will succeed current treasurer Olga Parlow.

Barnes to succeed Schadt in Highland

Stephen H. Barnes won a two-year term as supervisor with 392 votes. His opponent, Alan Hochhauser (Dem., Penny), received 344 votes.

Town planner wins in Forestburgh

James Galligan won a two-year term as supervisor with 238 votes. His opponent, Norbert Raush (Rep.), received 180 votes.

Freiermuth prevails in Damascus, PA.

Art Freiermuth won a six-year term on the board of supervisors with 552 votes. His opponent, Bob Gross (Rep.), received 298 votes.

Hofer and Gain win seats on Delaware Town Board

Matthew R. Hofer, below left, and John C. Gain won two-year terms on the town board with 567 votes and 343 votes, respectively. Candidate Robert H. Head (Dem.) received 251 votes.

Wingert and Falk win seats on Tusten Town Board

Carol Ropke Wingert, below left, and Eileen Falk won two-year terms on the town board with 271 votes and 250 votes, respectively. Incumbents Charlie Knapp (Rep., Con.) received 221 votes.