Party chairs see opportunities for advancement

Three of seven county council seats are up for grabs, with six candidates vying for them.\nThe democratic candidates are Julio Alonso, chief executive for Monroe County Community Kitchen and council member since January; newcomer Scott Wells, an environmental consultant and teacher; and Charles Wilson, a sergeant with the Monroe County Sheriff's Department. Republicans in the running this year are Randy May, co-owner of May Brothers Construction and council member since July; Jeff Ellington, a local firefighter who has served on the council for four years; and Doug Duncan, an investment manager. \nName recognition might be a large factor in voting for the councilmen, said Frank McCloskey, the Monroe County Democratic Chairman. He said Democrats have a stronghold in the county because many people know their names. \n"Scott and Julio have a lot of friends and supporters all over the county," McCloskey said. "They've been getting a lot of political exposure, and I think they have a good chance at winning. I'd say Charles has a good base in the county, too, because he is a sergeant."\nWhile McCloskey said the council race looks promising for the Democrats, Republican candidates have made a strong effort toward their important issues, said Monroe County Republican Chairman, Pat Salzmann.\n"Jeff, of course, has the name recognition and experience, so I don't see any reason why he wouldn't be re-elected," Salzmann said. "But Randy has really jumped in and brought himself up to speed on the issues. Also, even though Doug came in late in the race, he has really worked hard, if not the hardest than any of the other candidates, to familiarize himself with the issues and work on solutions."\nCouncilman Mark Stoops, a Democrat who will not have to campaign for another two years, said the most important quality for a member of the county council is to have knowledge and research about the issues at hand.\n"Homework," Stoops said. "It's true, you need to have done your homework on the topics. You should have the ability to make nonpartisan decisions. You need to make decisions based on what would create a reasonable outcome rather than let politics interfere"