February 10, 2011

Rathbun enters mayoral race

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T he race for mayor of the village of Whitehall will be a three-way affair.

Former Granville resident Bill Rathbun, the former owner of Rathbun’s Maple Sugar House, has filed papers to be listed on the independent line in the March 15 election.

He joins Republican Ken Bartholomew, who is currently a village trustee, and Democrat Dan Telisky, who has held a number of local offices.

Bartholomew defeated Rathbun in the Republican caucus. Bartholomew and village trustee candidate Dan Welch have also petitioned and will be on the independent line.

Rathbun had said prior to the causcus that he would file as an independent if not chosen,

Welch, a Republican, is one of three people running for two trustee positions. The others are Democrats. They are incumbent Michael LaChapelle and local businesswoman Marge Mohn.Bartholomew and Walt Sanford were elected to the board last year.

If Bartholomew wins the election and becomes the mayor, , the board will choose a one-year replacement.

The board will note be limited to current candidates and could choose any village resident to finish Bartholomew’s remaining time.

That will be determined after the board is seated

Mayor Francis “Fra” Putorti and Trustee Sally Raino did not run this year.