by Rachel Hunter
The Village of Gouverneur Republican Party Caucus convened Saturday, May 16, at 9 a.m. at the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center, where party members gathered to select their nominees for two Village Board of Trustees seats to be decided in the November 3, 2026 village election.
The caucus drew 23 attendees, including 17 eligible Republican voters. Gouverneur Republican Committee Chairperson Marion Bowhall opened the meeting by welcoming those present, leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and reading the official caucus notice. She reminded attendees that the purpose of the caucus was to nominate candidates for the two trustee positions, each carrying a two‑year term. Bowhall appointed three tellers (Carrie Bowhall, Casey Canell, and Jeff Stowell) who were sworn in before assuming their duties.
A contested race for caucus chairman emerged between incumbent trustee Charles Newvine and trustee Troy Besaw. Voting was conducted by secret ballot, with Newvine prevailing 12–5. Following the tally, the caucus unanimously approved the appointment of former NYS Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava as Caucus Secretary.
With organizational matters complete, Chairman Newvine opened nominations for the two trustee seats. Trustee Shelly Simons-Washburn placed the name of political newcomer Theodore Walters into nomination, seconded by Trustee Troy Besaw. Trustee Simons-Washburn then nominated Newvine for a new term on the Village Board, with Walters offering the second.
After no further nominations were brought forward, Besaw moved to close the polls and authorize the secretary to cast one ballot for the slate of Walters and Newvine. The motion was seconded by Simons-Washburn and carried without objection, securing both men as the Republican nominees for the November election.
Caucus Chairman Newvine then opened the floor for comments. Walters accepted the nomination.
Newvine addressed the room at length, emphasizing party unity and encouraging greater public participation. “It’s been a long time that we have been trying to do this. Small town politics goes a long way,” he said. “The Democratic nomination means something. This nomination means something. We’re Republicans. We have to start to get together. We have to get the right people in the right positions.”
He continued by urging residents to engage directly with local government rather than relying on online commentary. “There’s a lot of opinions out there, especially on social media. The information is on the tips of your fingers, but I would politely ask you to attend board meetings. We have them on the third Tuesday of every month. Same place. Same time. Get actively involved in this community because it does not look good right now. I’m hoping that it looks better.”
Newvine concluded by encouraging others to consider public service. “Anyone else who wants to get involved, throw your hat in the ring. It is not an easy task.”
With no further business, the caucus was formally closed.
For more information about the upcoming 2026 Primary and General Election, visit stlawco.gov.