Fire District Election Results

On December 9^th, residents of the Taghkanic Fire District turned out to vote in the district’s first-ever election, marking an important milestone in establishing a stable and accountable governance structure for our fire protection services.

Five candidates stood for election to serve as the district’s commissioners, and the results reflected both strong community engagement and a high degree of consensus among voters. The final vote totals were as follows:

• Abbie Hodgson: 61 votes

• Andrew Soltano: 55 votes

• Vinnie Kobos: 55 votes

• Jeff Browne: 55 votes

• Scott Marinoff: 55 votes

There were no write-in votes.

Because four candidates received the same number of votes, term lengths for those seats were determined by a random drawing, as required by state law. The resulting terms are:

• 5-year term: Abbie Hodgson

• 4-year term: Scott Marinoff

• 3-year term: Jeff Browne

• 2-year term: Vinnie Kobos

• 1-year term: Andrew Soltano

This staggered structure ensures continuity and institutional knowledge, with only one commissioner seat up for election in future years.

In addition to electing commissioners, voters were asked to consider three propositions to establish capital reserve funds, essential tools for responsible long-term planning and financial stability. All three propositions passed by strong margins:

1.      Capital Improvement Reserve Fund: Passed, 59–8

2.      Equipment Capital Reserve Fund: Passed, 59–8

3.      Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund: Passed, 60–7

These reserve funds will allow the district to plan ahead for major expenses, such as facilities, equipment, and fire trucks, without placing sudden or excessive burdens on taxpayers.

Taken together, the results of this election send a clear message: the community supports a thoughtful, forward-looking approach to fire protection and fiscal responsibility. The newly elected board looks forward to working collaboratively with the Fire Company, district residents, and local leaders to ensure that Taghkanic remains safe, prepared, and well served for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who voted in this first election.