The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Election Day Result Stories

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No Change In The 107th Assembly District

As “spirited” as the area’s congressional race was, the contest for the 107th New York State Assembly district seat was perhaps one of the most cordial of any of the races around, both candidates sticking to the issues.  Incumbent Republican Jake Ashby defeated his Democratic challenger Tistrya Houghtling by about four percentage points. 

Assemblyman Jake Ashby gives the thumbs up as he voted on Tuesday in his hometown of Castleton. First elected to the post last April in a special election, Mr. Ashby retained his seat by defeating Tistrya Houghtling in the general election. Photo provided.

Mr. Ashby won the seat in a special election in April of this year, replacing former Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin who resigned to become Rensselaer County Executive.Houghtling is currently the Town Clerk in New Lebanon, and this was her first try for an office outside of the town level.

Other Voting Results

Yes to Games of Chance

This past summer, the Petersburgh Town Board approved a Local Law that would allow non-profits and community organizations, to conduct games of chance as part of their fund raising efforts.  That law was subject to a public referendum, and as such, was on the ballot for town voters.  Not much of a gamble here, as the voters gave the new law overwhelming approval.

In Stephentown, voters were asked to approve a measure that would see funding for the Stephentown Memorial Library nearly double, to $95,000, the amount of its annual operating budget.  Supporters claimed the library has become a community hub, and that the impact on the overall tax bill for property owners was small.  By about a four percent margin, voters approved the increased funding level.

County Legislature

When legislator Ed Manny passed away earlier this year, his Democratic colleagues wanted the full legislature to name Carol Weaver as his replacement.  Instead, the Republican majority choose Kim Ashe-McPherson, which increased their majority in the legislative body to 14-5.

Ms. Ashe-McPherson had to seek the seat outright this year, and faced Carol Weaver.  The Democrat Weaver claimed the seat back for the minority by a nearly 2 to 1 margin.

Around the Capital Region, incumbents were generally returned to office state and congressional races, save for Mr. Faso and Mr. Abelove.