Bath GOP to run only one for village board
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

BATH - The Bath Republican caucus Thursday nominated only one individual for upcoming elections to fill two positions on the village board.

James Stewart, an East Washington Street resident who works in the Steuben County Probation Department, will likely join the board in the spring following the March 20 village elections.

Current Republican board members Robin Havens and Nancy Becker declined to seek re-election.

Becker Friday told The Courier she plans to travel more in the upcoming year. "I don't think it would be fair to take on the responsibility (of serving on the board) and not follow through," she said.

Havens at presstime Friday could not be reached for comment.

Reached at his home, Stewart, 45, said he has worked for the Probation Department for 14 years. He is married, and has two children.

The village board is expected to deal this year with the controversial issue of the former Dana Lyon elementary school building, which faces possible demolition and the construction of an Eckerd's drugstore in its place.

Local historical preservationists are resisting the development, and the matter has been in litigation.

Stewart said he has no opinion regarding the future of the Lyon.

"I've got to learn more about it," he said. "I haven't formulated any decisions."

Bath village Democrats are to meet next week to nominate their own candidates for the village board, which currently is made up entirely of Republican party members.