LIVINGSTON COUNTY – The first official fundraiser of the 2015 County Judges’ race was held in the newly restored Riviera Theater Friday night by candidate Kevin Van Allen.
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Van Allen gave a brief speech at 5:45p.m. Friday, with many local figures in politics in attendance, including County Chairman Eric Gott, Sheriff Thomas Dougherty, and Geneseo Town Supervisor William Wadsworth.
“Tonight, we take it to the next level,” said Van Allen. “My naysayers out there say we should have waited four more years, but the time is now. I have a terrific team of people behind me. The people are great, and the honor to be here with all of you is great.”
Van Allen will seek Republican designation as a Republican candidate for Judge in the 2015 election. Incumbent Judges Robert Wiggins and Dennis Cohen have also asked Republican Committee members for their support as the they seek re-election.
The Republican Committee will later take a weighted vote, and the two winners get the party’s official endorsement. Traditionally, those that do not win at the committee level do not continue to campaign, but given the unpredictability of the last two major county elections, nothing is out of the question.
Van Allen pointed out that if re-elected, both Judge Wiggins and Judge Cohen will ‘age out’ in 2019, and have to retire before the end of their potential ten-year terms.
Judge Wiggins and Judge Cohen have yet to roll out their first official campaign events.
PHOTO CAPTION: Top – The Van Allen campaign van outside the Riviera marquis Friday night. Middle – (L-R) Kevin Van Allen and his campaign board member, David Hoffmann. Bottom – The crowd mingles inside the Riviera. (Photos/Conrad Baker)