Chemung County Executive Christopher Moss, who lost a Republican primary last month to county legislature Chairman Mark Margeson, said he plans to run for election to a third term this November anyway.
Moss remains on the ballot on the Conservative Party line. After weeks of discussions with family, supporters, business leaders and county residents, he decided to continue his reelection campaign.
“Leadership requires making difficult decisions, putting facts ahead of politics and remaining focused on what is best for the people we serve,” Moss said in a news release. “I am proud of the progress Chemung County has made, and I believe there is more work to be done.”
Moss, who was elected executive in 2018 after serving 13 years as the elected county sheriff, said under his leadership, Chemung County has reduced property taxes, secured millions of dollars in grant funding, improved its financial position, and invested in public safety and infrastructure.
Moss said he also advanced term limits for elected county officials to promote accountable government.
Since his first election as executive, Moss has had an often adversarial relationship with Margeson and other county legislators.
Margeson won the June primary contest, 2,516 to 2,003, representing more than 55% of the votes cast.
Nevertheless, Moss feels when all general election voters review his record and assess the qualifications of all candidates, his accomplishments will stand out.
“An election should provide voters with a complete picture,” Moss said. “In the months ahead, I will continue discussing the accomplishments of my administration, the priorities that will shape Chemung County’s future, and the records and decisions voters should consider before choosing their next county executive.”
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Despite losing primary, Chemung County executive will stay in race
Reporting by Jeff Murray, Elmira Star-Gazette / Elmira Star-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jeff Murray, Elmira Star-Gazette | USA TODAY Network
