Ordway may throw hat into contest for Steuben sheriff
By MARY PERHAM THE LEADER

BATH - Steuben County Chief Deputy Joel Ordway is expected to announce some time in March that he's running for county sheriff.

Ordway, 45, recently filed to form a candidate authorization committee

with the county Board of Elections. That allows him to begin reporting campaign expenses and donations.

He also notified leading county Republicans in a letter sent out Feb. 14 of his intention to run.

Ordway told party members he is the "only candidate to start his career as a correction officer and climb the ranks from within to reach my current position as third in command."

Ordway had previously said he would not run against his boss, Sheriff Richard Tweddell, if he sought re-election.

He has since wavered saying he was "reserving comment until the sheriff makes a decision."

However, Tweddell has been noncommittal about his intentions.

"A couple of things have come up that I won't have answers to for a couple of weeks," Tweddell said Thursday. "I'll decide some time soon, probably next month."

It's possible, then, that the two could run against each other. Tweddell said Thursday Ordway's candidacy would not impact his decision.

Contacted Thursday morning, Ordway declined comment because he was on duty.

Ordway has been considered a potential candidate for sheriff during the last several month s. Both he and Undersheriff David Cole have been testing the waters in the event Tweddell sought retirement.

Tweddell has served as sheriff since 1999.

Already in the race is former Maryland State Trooper James Waight. The Republican announced his candidacy on Jan. 2.

Waight's announcement sparked a flurry of interest about other possible candidates, including former Inv. Wayne Cavalier.

Tweddell did not rule out another bid for office, but said he would step aside if a qualified subordinate decided to run.

Ordway is a 24-year veteran of the department and is the law enforcement supervisor for the county District Attorney's Drug Initiative. As the sheriff's grant writer, he has secured $1 million in funding and equipment since 1997.

Ordway also is president of the Canisteo- Greenwood school board.