Jefferson County Legislators Fitzpatrick, Ferris win; Astafan leading in District 6

As balloting closed Tuesday night, Michael F. Astafan is winning the District 6 seat on the Jefferson County Board of Legislators by a nine-vote margin.

Mr. Astafan, running on the Democratic and Working Families Party lines, holds a 341-332 lead over Jonathan L. Hirschey, running on the Republican and Conservative lines. The district has 67 absentee ballots outstanding.

The seat was open as longtime Legislator Gino M. Zando, R-Deferiet, retired.

Mr. Astafan did not answer several telephone calls Tuesday night.

Mr. Hirschey, at the Republican Party poll-watching party, said no matter the outcome, “I’ll stay involved in the issues for the same reasons I got involved in the first place.”

He said he used a final mailing and phone call push in the last few days to encourage people to vote.

“I wanted to remind them of who I am and encourage them to get out to vote,” he said. “It’s been a very close race and now we just have to wait for the recanvassing and the absentee ballots.”

Other contested races had a decisive winner on Tuesday.

Legislator Robert D. Ferris, R-Watertown, won the District 11 seat over Democrat Ronald H. Cole, 679-474. Mr. Ferris also had the Conservative line and Mr. Cole also had the Working Families Party line.

“I’m just happy people saw I worked very hard for the people and I went door to door, and I was honest the whole time and I think that’s why people voted for me,” Mr. Ferris said. “I’m a very fortunate man.”

Mr. Cole left the Democratic Party poll-watching party quickly after hearing the results, declining comment.

Board Chairwoman Carolyn D. Fitzpatrick, R-Watertown, defeated challenger Carl J. Disalvatore, a Democrat, 906-376 for the District 12 seat.

“I’m so overwhelmed,” Mrs. Fitzpatrick said. “I’m just so thankful.”

She recounted her final days of calling voters and a statement by a voter, who called her a two-way street.

“‘We support you and you support us,’ he said, and I thought that was just great and I’ll continue to do that job,” she said.

Mr. Disalvatore, though disappointed, called campaigning a positive experience.

“The voters had a distinct choice and they chose to go with her,” he said. “Their action is what makes democracy work.”

All seats on the board have two-year terms. The results on Tuesday night were unofficial.

All other county seats were unopposed.