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GOUVERNEUR The unexpired one-year term of Christopher A. Miller, who resigned as mayor Wednesday, will be on the ballot in November.
Deputy Mayor Ronald P. McDougall, a member of the Independence Party, has the support of officials in both the Republican and Democratic parties for the position. Logistics of how to nominate Mr. McDougall or other candidates are unsettled.
Im definitely interested, Mr. McDougall said. Once it gets sorted out, well move forward.
As deputy, Mr. McDougall already has taken over the duties of mayor.
Republicans had their caucus to choose candidates for the village Board of Trustees on July 21, nominating Shelly Washburn to run for a one-year trustee term, and incumbents Charles W. Newvine and Mr. McDougall to run for two-year trustee seats.
Mr. Millers resignation gives Republicans an opportunity to caucus again for the mayors position, Republican St. Lawrence County Election Commissioner Thomas A. Nichols said.
Gouverneur Republican Chairman Eldon B. Conklin said he is willing to schedule another caucus but wants to talk to Mr. McDougall first about endorsing him for mayor and having a vacancy committee then select a replacement for him for the trustees post. Mr. McDougall, who also already has filed an independent nominating petition with the Board of Elections for a trustee seat, would have to decline the nomination for trustee to run for mayor.
Mr. Conklin said Mr. McDougall took up a leadership role when he was needed by the village and has the time and skills to be mayor.
I think hes the right man for the job right now, Mr. Conklin said.
Democrats, who had been led by Mr. Miller, had not caucused yet.
At this point, we are organizing and figuring out what were going to do, said Mark J. Bellardini, the county Democratic chairman. Im sure well have a caucus.
Mr. McDougall is an asset to Gouverneur, he said.
Everybody knows and respects him, Mr. Bellardini said.
Candidates who wish to file independent nominating petitions requiring 40 signatures have until 5 p.m. Tuesday to do so, Mr. Nichols said.