This year, Perinton residents will cast their ballots for five town positions, two state Supreme Court judgeships and a Family Court judge.
To help inform your vote, we sent brief questionnaires through the party chairpersons to all candidates in contested races. Those with expanded information and photos below responded to the questionnaire. Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and space.
Election 2025: Early voting starts Oct. 25 in NY. What Rochester-area voters need to know
Early voting is available to all voters in Monroe County from Saturday, Oct. 25 through Sunday, Nov. 2. Polls are open for regular voting between 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4.
You can look up where you can vote on Election Day at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov. Check back with the Democrat and Chronicle for the full election results as they become available.
Perinton Town Supervisor
Ciaran Hanna, R, C (incumbent)
Age: 62
Current or prior elected office: Served as Perinton Town Supervisor since 2018. Previously served on the Perinton Town Board (2014-2018) and Monroe County Legislature (2006-2013).
Professional experience: Earlier in my career, I spent many years working in my family’s business, H.P. Neun, in the Village of Fairport, and later went on to found my own small business.
Top priority: As town supervisor, my focus is on protecting what makes Perinton a great place to live while planning responsibly for our future. We’ve maintained one of the lowest town tax rates in Monroe County, reaffirmed our AA+ credit rating, and stayed under the state tax cap, all while securing millions in grants to reduce the taxpayer burden. We’ve strengthened public safety, increased support for our first responders, and continued close coordination with law enforcement. From improving sidewalks and roads to enhancing parks, trails, and senior transportation, I’m committed to keeping Perinton safe, affordable, and family-focused for generations to come.
Jennifer M. Townsend, D, WF
No reply received in time.
Perinton Town Board (2)
David Belaskas, R, C (incumbent)
Age: 59
Current or prior elected office: Perinton Town Councilman
Professional experience: Currently, I serve as Director of Engineering for RTS. I’m a New York State Licensed Professional Engineer and Building Code Official, and served as Past President of the American Society of Civil Engineers – Rochester Chapter.
Top priority: As a member of the Town Board since 2019, I’ve focused on keeping Perinton safe, affordable, and family-focused while enhancing the quality of life for all residents. I’ve supported responsible investments that maintain our low tax rate, strengthen public safety, and expand recreation opportunities. Together, we’ve added new sidewalks, created accessible playgrounds, expanded senior programs, and invested in parks and trails, including an award-winning skatepark that has become a community favorite. I remain committed to thoughtful planning and delivering results that keep Perinton a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
Mike Cialini, R, C
Age: 49Current or prior elected office: None.Professional experience: After serving in the U.S. Air Force, I’ve continued my commitment to service as President of the Perinton Overseas Veterans, Inc., and Past Commander of Fairport VFW Post 8495. I work in weather operations for the Federal Aviation Administration and also serve part-time in safety and security for the Fairport Central School District. For more than a decade, I’ve coached Red Rage Baseball, Fairport Football, and Fairport Little League.Top priority: My priority is to continue serving my community with integrity and a focus on what matters most: safety, family, and quality of life. As a veteran, coach, and parent, I understand the importance of teamwork, accountability, and investing in the next generation. I’ll support responsible budgeting that protects taxpayers, strengthens public safety, and meets the needs of families and seniors. Service before self has always guided me, and it’s how I’ll approach every decision as town councilman.
David M. Masterson, D
Age: 61
Current or prior elected office: None.
Professional experience: Recently retired after owning and operating my own electrical contracting business in Fairport for over 30 years. As a resident of this community for more than 36 years, I’m deeply invested in its future.
Top priority: If elected to the town board, my priorities will be to: Create more opportunities for open, transparent communication between town leadership and residents. Continue supporting inclusive and adaptive community programs. Encourage responsible development that balances growth with our community’s character. And preserve and protect our valuable open green spaces.
Emily E. Mischler, D, WF
Age: 49
Current or prior elected office: I have served as a Fairport Village Board Trustee for the last 6 years.
Professional experience: Elementary School Teacher
Top priority: I believe our town’s priorities should focus on balanced development, sustainability, green space preservation, pedestrian safety, and accessibility with community engagement. Balanced development ensures we grow sustainably while meeting the diverse needs of our residents. Sustainability is crucial for minimizing our environmental impact and making sure we provide for future generations. Preserving green spaces enhances our community’s quality of life, offering areas for recreation and relaxation. Pedestrian safety is vital, as it promotes a healthier lifestyle and encourages more people to explore our town on foot. Lastly, ensuring accessibility along with active community engagement allows all residents to voice their opinions and feel included in shaping our future.
Perinton Town Clerk
Andrew G. Gilchrist, D, WF
Age: 43
Current or prior elected office: None.
Professional experience: Manager of Data Strategy and Systems Administrator at Water for South Sudan
Top priority: Prioritizing Perinton residents, I will modernize the town clerk’s office by leveraging technology to streamline processes, making services efficient and user-friendly. I’ll ensure transparency by making all town information readily available and easy to understand, empowering residents with knowledge. Accountability will be upheld through the highest standards of fiscal responsibility and ethical conduct. Furthermore, I’ll enhance accessibility, making vital information and services easily reachable for all, which includes providing a readily available list of known scams to raise awareness and help protect our community.
Janelle Reed, R, C (incumbent)
Age: 45
Current or prior elected office: Perinton Town Clerk since 2022
Professional experience: I previously served as Recreation Supervisor for the Perinton Recreation & Parks Department, gaining more than a decade of experience in community programming and management. I’m an active member of the Monroe County Clerks Association and previously served as Executive Secretary for the Genesee Valley Recreation & Parks Society.
Top priority: As Perinton Town Clerk, my priority is to continue enhancing public services while ensuring exceptional customer service. Our office has expanded online accessibility, streamlined operations, and introduced convenient programs like Family Passport Day and free shredding events to better serve residents. I also enhanced the Peddlers Permit Program with additional safety measures to better protect residents and promote peace of mind in our neighborhoods. I’m proud to lead an office that serves with professionalism, integrity, and a genuine commitment to our community.
Perinton Town Justice
Matthew Lenhard, R, C
Age: 53
Current or prior elected offices: None
Professional experience: Trial attorney for 25+ years with Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC. Litigated 50+ jury trials to verdict with a proud record of successfully representing businesses and individuals.
Top priority: The top issue in this campaign is public safety, because keeping Perinton safe is essential to preserving the quality of life that makes this community such a special place to live and raise a family. I am honored to be the only candidate endorsed by the Rochester Police Locust Club and the Finger Lakes Police Federation, whose members work every day to protect our community.
Charles D. Steinman, D, WF (incumbent)
Age: 75
Current or prior elected offices: I am one of two current Perinton Town Court judges. I was first elected in 2021.
Professional experience: I have been a practicing litigator for 50 years. I was formerly with the New York State Attorney General’s Office and have been in private practice since 2015.
Top priority: As a judicial candidate, I cannot speak on any issues other than my qualifications.
— Kayla Canne covers community safety for the Democrat and Chronicle with a focus on police accountability, government surveillance and how people are impacted by violence. Follow her on Instagram @bykaylacanne. Get in touch at kcanne@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Who is on my ballot in Perinton? Election 2025 candidates
Reporting by Kayla Canne, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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