Christopher Moss spent three decades in various capacities with the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office, including 13 years as the elected sheriff, but it was apparent he had aspirations for higher office.
Moss was elected sheriff in 2005, winning reelection in 2009, 2013 and 2017. In 2014, he ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor after Republican gubernatorial hopeful Rob Astorino, the Westchester County executive at the time, asked him to be his running mate.
Moss finally got the chance to move up in 2018 when he won a three-way race for Chemung County executive and a chance to replace 18-year incumbent Tom Santulli, who was retiring.
Now Moss is seeking his third four-year term as county executive and he faces a June 23 Republican primary challenge from Mark Margeson, chairman of the Chemung County Legislature.
Moss shared thoughts on the important issues of the campaign with the Star-Gazette:
Question: What was your original motivation for running for county executive?
Moss: My motivation came from a desire to continue serving Chemung County in a different, broader capacity. After 30 years in public safety and county operations, I saw opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen services, and promote economic stability. I wanted to bring a results‑driven, accountable approach to county government and ensure residents received the high‑quality services they deserve.
What professional and personal background experience qualified you to serve as county executive?
I brought more than 30 years of experience managing complex operations, large budgets, and diverse teams. As sheriff, I oversaw four divisions, 150 employees, and a $12 million budget while serving 86,000 residents. That experience — combined with my background in public administration, community development, and intergovernmental collaboration — prepared me to manage a county government with a $300 million budget and numerous departments. I feel I have the proper mix of both education and experience to continue to serve as county executive.
What are your top achievements during your tenure as county executive?
I’m proud of several accomplishments:
What are some of your top priorities for the next four years if you are re‑elected?
My priorities include:
Your primary opponent also has experience in county government. What is your message to voters who want to know what makes you the best candidate for the job?
I respect anyone willing to serve, but my message is simple: experience matters, and results matter. I have a proven record of managing large, complex county operations, delivering financial stability, reducing taxes, and improving services. My leadership has been tested over decades, to include a global pandemic and I’ve consistently delivered for Chemung County residents. I’m focused on continuing that progress and building on the momentum we’ve created.
More information
For more information, go to moss4exec.com, or the Moss campaign Facebook page.
Other Chemung County races
There are also Republican primary races for four county legislature seats.
The primary election is scheduled for 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 23. For more information, visit chemungcountyny.gov/420/Board-of-Elections.
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: ‘Results matter.’ Chemung Co. Executive Moss makes case for reelection
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
