GOP Chief Quits

2-12-10

Republican Slate Moves To Fill Gap

By JIM KEVLIN : COOPERSTOWN

The village Republican Committee is heading into local elections Tuesday, March 16, without a chairman, but the impact is being minimized.
“We’re OK for now,” said Glenn Hubbell, the committee’s treasurer, who agreed to assume the helm temporarily after long-time chair Bill Waller peremptorily resigned Thursday, Feb. 4, at a meeting with candidates.
As treasurer, Hubbell said, he can continue to write checks as needed to support GOP candidates in the four weeks remaining in the campaign.
Joe Booan, Jr., said Hubbell was hosting another gathering this Thursday, Feb. 11, for the slate to talk through approaches to the campaign.
He said it has been suggested that another caucus be convened and new Republican officers elected, but that can be done once things settle down after the election.
Tuesday evening, Feb. 9, Waller released a letter announcing his decision, saying it was prompted the need to take care of his wife, Mayor Carol B. Waller, who is suffering from arthritis.
“In addition, I feel it is the proper time to step down and let others continue the traditions that were started over 30 years ago when Tom Malone and I quenched the Union Ticket and brought competitive elections to Cooperstown,” he said. “Prior to that, candidates were “selected” by a few and voted in by as little as 15 in the village’s general elections.
“The culmination of this effort was dramatically seen at our last Republican caucus, where a record number of people turned out and selected their candidates for village office.”
According to those present at Hubbell’s last week, the candidates – Booan, Doug Walker and Chip Dunn for trustee, and Mike Molly for justice – had been invited to what they believed was a strategy session at Hubbell’s home.
Instead, Waller read a statement saying he was resigning, and left.
Carol Waller had declared a year ago that she would support her Democratic deputy mayor, Jeff Katz, as her successor.
When Booan announced he would also run, his supporters were rallied to attend the Republican caucus Jan. 21 to ensure the Wallers didn’t throw the GOP nomination to the Democrat.