Close election is made official

WATSON — Now it's official.

Paul M. Stanford will be the new District 6 representative on the Lewis County Legislature.

"It's like winning the World Series to me," Mr. Stanford said. "I'm not going to let the people down. I'm going to do what I told the people I would do."

The Watson Democrat — who operates a catering business and a small used-car dealership — defeated fourth-year Legislator Joyce E. Hoch, R-Watson, by six votes, 327-321.

Unofficial figures released after absentee and affidavit votes were counted had Mr. Stanford leading 326-321. However, due to the narrow margin, county elections officials Wednesday conducted a manual recount and determined that he had actually received one additional vote.

Mr. Stanford received 48.4 percent of the 675 votes cast, while Mrs. Hoch received 47.6 percent. Twenty-seven votes — 4 percent — were blank or void.

Mrs. Hoch, a longtime secretary at Lowville Academy and Central School, said she appreciated the support of those who voted for her and couldn't recall a tighter county legislative race.

"It goes to show that every vote does count," she said.

Mrs. Hoch said she has enjoyed representing residents of District 6 — which encompasses the town of Watson, the southeastern portion of the town of Lowville and the southern part of the village — for the past four years.

"I had a good time," she said. "I learned a lot. It will help me in the future."

Mr. Stanford two years ago finished second in a three-way race for the seat behind Mrs. Hoch by a 432-306 spread.

Mr. Stanford said the lack of a third candidate helped him this time around. The Democrat said he also started campaigning earlier and probably worked even harder this year than he did in 2007. He also commended those who assisted his campaign.

"It's one long road, and it's over with," Mr. Stanford said.

The legislator-elect said he is looking forward to working with the incumbent lawmakers but won't be a pushover.

Mr. Stanford will join eighth-year Legislator John O. Boyd, D-New Bremen, who was re-elected by voters again this year, as the only Democrats on the 10-member board.

Mr. Boyd, who since 2006 has served with nine Republicans, said it will be nice to again hold a Democratic legislative caucus.