Republican Jerry O. Eaton and Democrat Sean M. Hennessey are poised to become Jefferson County's first full-time elections commissioners.
For Mr. Hennessey, Black River, it's a promotion from his full-time deputy commissioner post.
"Everyone I've talked to is pleased with my performance," said Mr. Hennessey, who started in the elections office last July. He also is the county Democratic Committee chairman.
For Mr. Eaton, Watertown, it's a new beginning in a different facet of the political process.
"I'm actually pretty excited about it," said Mr. Eaton, a former legislative aide to Assemblyman H. Robert Nortz, R-Cape Vincent, and former assistant to state Sen. James W. Wright, R-Watertown. "Being an elections commissioner this year is going to be particularly exciting."
Legislators are expected to upgrade the part-time commissioner positions Tuesday. The parties are expected to nominate these two candidates immediately, with the Legislature approving the appointments May 6. Commissioners will start at $45,000, while deputies will start at $30,000.
Sandra L. Corey, county Republican Party chairwoman, said Mr. Eaton's background made him "a perfect fit" to assume the vacant position.
"He's got a good education," she said. "He's got a good head on his shoulders. He works well with other people. Overall, he's an exceptional candidate."
Mr. Eaton, 31, provided both legislative research and constituent help during his three-year tenure with Mr. Nortz. With Mr. Wright, the assistant oversaw the senator's member items and responded to constituent questions, particularly queries about environment, agriculture and transportation issues.
Mr. Hennessey, 38, is a former Black River village trustee, and worked previously at the state Department of Transportation and Northland, A Scott Fetzer Co.
Mr. Eaton said he is "excited to learn as fast as I can" about the election procedures, including new regulations in effect because of the Help America Vote Act. Initially, he plans to rely heavily on the expertise of Kristy A. Pickett, Antwerp, an interim deputy elections commissioner who Mrs. Corey said will become a permanent employee.
"Everyone was very happy with her performance" during the special state Senate election, Mrs. Corey said. "She did an exceptional job under some trying circumstances."
Mrs. Pickett has worked in the office for eight years and on election nights for the past 17 years. The Republicans also will keep Helen Fikes, Watertown, as a registration clerk.
On the Democratic side, Mr. Hennessey replaces Keith F. Crimmins, Adams, as commissioner. Registration clerk Babette M. Hall, Adams, who has served 12 years, will become deputy elections commissioner.
Michelle Coullier, Watertown, will remain as a registration clerk.
Mr. Hennessey received a degree in industrial engineering from Canton College of Technology in 1991. He, his wife, Betsy D., and their children, Aidan J., 8, Sara J., 7, Christopher, 4, and Nolan P., 21 months, live on West Remington Street.
Mr. Eaton received a bachelor of arts degree in history from SUNY Oswego in 1999. He, his wife, Andrea L.B., and their children, Patrick O., 21 months, and Catherine, about a week old, live on Academy Street.
