2025 Candidates & Lawn Signs
- TCDC Webmaster
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
We are excited to announce that seven Tioga County Democratic candidates will be on the ballot in November. Local races are just as important as national elections. Every vote counts!
Lawn Sign request form is at bottom of this post.
Tioga County Legislature District 2
Jo Ellen Rose
A lifelong Owego resident and University of Rochester graduate, Jo Ellen is running for Tioga County Legislator. A retired Cornell University professional, she brings extensive leadership experience from her roles with organizations like Racker, Catholic Charities, and the Tioga County Democratic Committee. Rose has managed complex budgets and operations, preparing her to tackle the challenges facing county government. Deeply committed to her community and shaped by a lifetime of listening and advocacy, she pledges to be a transparent, empathetic, and hardworking representative for the people of Tioga County.
Owego Town Council
Kyle is a U.S. Air Force veteran and Program Manager for a Department of Defense contractor. He moved to Owego with his wife and two children in 2022 and is currently completing his MBA at Syracuse University. With 13 years of military service and a strong background in logistics, program management, and strategic planning, Wipert is focused on economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and transparent communication. He is committed to fostering a business-friendly environment and ensuring residents are informed, heard, and actively involved in shaping Owego’s future.
Owego Town Council
Emily McClintock
Originally from a small town in Ohio, Emily brings a strong academic background with studies at Ohio State University, Alfred University, and the London School of Economics and Political Science, where they developed a data-driven approach to policy. Now a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, they have worked across rural New York, seeing firsthand how community infrastructure impacts individual well-being. Since moving to Owego with their partner, they’ve become deeply committed to the town and its future. They are running for Town Council to protect and improve essential services, preserve local character, and ensure Owego remains a vibrant, welcoming place for all.
Newark Valley Town Supervisor
Kathleen Grant
A thirty-year resident of Newark Valley, Kathleen is dedicated to keeping the town thriving, healthy, and stable through effective and responsible management. She holds a BA in Psychology from SUNY Cortland and an AAS in Addiction Counseling from TC3. Her professional experience includes work with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Binghamton University, and the Department of Social Services, where she gained skills in public service, budgeting, and committee leadership. Outside of her career, she enjoys life with her three grown children, a cat, a large dog, and ten chickens, and spends her free time camping in the Adirondacks, canoeing, reading, gardening, sewing, and knitting.
Nichols Highway Superintendent
Jeff Blow
Jeff, a lifelong resident of the Town of Nichols, is a 17-year veteran of the Town Highway Department. He has worked under three Highway Superintendents and served as Deputy Superintendent for eight years. Since December 25, 2024, he has been the acting Highway Superintendent following the previous superintendent's resignation. With hands-on experience in all aspects of the department—from equipment operation and snow plowing to office management—Blow is committed to being a working superintendent, leading by example alongside his crew. He is now running for the permanent position, aiming to improve road safety and maintenance for the community.
Candor Town Council
Robert Hanno
A 35-year resident of Candor, Robert is a retired Lockheed Martin professional with a background in financial systems and security analysis. He has long been active in the community - as a youth soccer coach, TCYSA officer, and Chair of the Candor Town Planning Board. He played a key role in developing the town’s Comprehensive Plan and, with his wife Mary, serves as a Preserve Steward for the Logan Hill Nature Preserve. Hanno is committed to thoughtful growth, sustainability, and making Candor a welcoming place for both young families and older residents.
Tioga Town Council
Kerry Root
Kerry, a lifelong resident of the Town of Tioga, is running for Town Council. A retired small business owner with experience in finance and regulatory compliance, Root also brings 15 years of service on the Tioga Town Planning Board, where he currently serves as Chair. A U.S. Army veteran, he values leadership, integrity, and teamwork. Root is committed to securing revenue for the town without raising taxes and ensuring residents’ voices are heard in local government.
