WXXI: Democratic Party Endorsed Slate Wins Council Primary (2009-09-16)

In the Rochester, the Democratic primary is essentially the election, with no Republicans on the ballot for November.

That means that the five winners of Tuesday's primary will likely wind up in council chambers in January.

Newcomers Loretta Scott, Matt Haag and Jacklyn Ortiz all picked up at-large council seats.

And incumbents Carolee Conklin and Dana Miller kept their seats.

Gladys Santiago, council's president, did not retain her seat - nor did incumbent John Lightfoot.

Haag says residents wanted people in city council with fresh ideas.

"The three of us who weren't incumbents and were elected tonight are small business owners, professional, and [are] within academia," says Haag. "And I think that's what people were looking for - politics not as usual. And they spoke pretty resoundingly on that tonight."

Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy released a statement saying that he was "pleased" that all five of the candidates that were officially endorsed by the Democratic party won. He says they will bring "a great wealth of knowledge and experience" to bear on the issues of public safety, education and economic development.

There were 14 candidates up for only 5 spots on the November ballot in the city council race.