Race for Rome Mayor is Tight, Absentee Ballots Still Need to be Counted
By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: November 9, 2011
It looks like Rome's conservative mayoral candidate Joseph Fusco
may have finally unseated incumbent James Brown. This is Joseph Fusco's second
attempt running for mayor.
Candidate Joe Fusco leads with 51 percent of the votes while incumbent Jim Brown follows closely behind with 49 percent of the votes.
Mr. Fusco says he anticipated a close race against the 8-year incumbent Republican.
Although absentee ballots have yet to be counted, Mr. Fusco says he is still confident and optimistic.
He says he appreciates Jim Brown dedicating eight years of his life in service to the city.
"It's a lot of work... I've been in the public sector most of my life and when you are out there every day doing what you think is right for your community and donating a lot of your time and working towards goals.. It takes a lot out of you and your home life. It is a lot of dedication and he should be appreciated for that," says Fusco.
Although Mr. Fusco has not claimed victory yet, he says the first thing he will do when (and if) he steps into office is to look at the 2012 budget.
According to the Oneida County Board of Elections, the city of Rome sent out almost 400 absentee ballots.
As of right nearly 300 of those ballots have been returned. Mayor Brown declined to comment on the results at this time.
Candidate Joe Fusco leads with 51 percent of the votes while incumbent Jim Brown follows closely behind with 49 percent of the votes.
Mr. Fusco says he anticipated a close race against the 8-year incumbent Republican.
Although absentee ballots have yet to be counted, Mr. Fusco says he is still confident and optimistic.
He says he appreciates Jim Brown dedicating eight years of his life in service to the city.
"It's a lot of work... I've been in the public sector most of my life and when you are out there every day doing what you think is right for your community and donating a lot of your time and working towards goals.. It takes a lot out of you and your home life. It is a lot of dedication and he should be appreciated for that," says Fusco.
Although Mr. Fusco has not claimed victory yet, he says the first thing he will do when (and if) he steps into office is to look at the 2012 budget.
According to the Oneida County Board of Elections, the city of Rome sent out almost 400 absentee ballots.
As of right nearly 300 of those ballots have been returned. Mayor Brown declined to comment on the results at this time.
