A staff member for a Rochester-area state senator will now serve on Canandaigua City Council for the remainder of the year and perhaps longer.
Teale Fox, who most recently served the city as deputy chair of the Canandaigua City Planning Commission, on April 20 was appointed by an 8-0 vote to the open Ward 1 seat.
Fox is deputy chief of staff for State Sen. Jeremy Cooney, who represents the towns of Brighton, Gates, Greece, Henrietta and parts of Rochester in the 56th Senate District.
Fox succeeds Michael Mills, who resigned April 1 after moving out of the city to the town of Canandaigua.
Working with the state, Fox said she understands how affordability is an issue now and an important lens to review all policy, budget and potential tax changes. And with two kids in Canandaigua schools, Fox said a criticial issue for her is making sure there is a strong connection with schools, the needs of parents and City Council.
“Public service has always been important to me,” Fox said. “Being able to support the community is very important to me.”
Fox is committed to run in November to serve out the remainder of Mills’ term, which expires at the end of 2027. Fox intends to run for a full four-year term in November 2027.
Four people submitted applications for the position.
Mayor Thomas Lyons said Fox has been an active volunteer for the city, having been selected by the previous mayor to serve on the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Review Committee, and until this new appointment, served as the vice chair for the Planning Commission.
“This direct experience, along with her professional background, particularly with public policy and building community partnerships, makes her a great addition to not only filling a vacancy, but continuing the momentum of progress for the city,” Lyons said.
What about the Canandaigua City Planning Commission?
The appointment of Fox to City Council created an opening on the Canandaigua City Planning Commission, which was quickly filled April 20.
Bill Wright, who is retired Ontario County Department of Public Works commissioner, was appointed to the Commission. He had been serving on the city Zoning Board of Appeals, which now has a vacancy.
Lyon said an appointment to the board will be handled at a later date.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: State senator’s staffer joins Canandaigua City Council
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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