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McAllister Issues Statement About Watches Bowing Out

October 5, 2017

Statement From Steuben County Surrogate Court Judge candidate Pat McAllister:

WAYLAND – Steuben County Assistant District Attorney Patrick McAllister’s path to election in November as Steuben County Surrogate Court Judge has cleared considerably, with the announcement his former opponent, Chauncey Watches, has suspended his campaign for the judgeship.

Watches announced his campaign suspension on his Facebook page and through a published release.

McAllister credited the voters for his solid 2,988 -2,665 win in the Sept. 12 GOP primary.

“First of all I want to thank all my supporters, in every party, for their confidence and their votes,” McAllister said. “I also want to assure all county residents I will do my utmost to serve their interests as surrogate judge. I want to acknowledge Chauncey, his family, his staff and his supporters who ran a vigorous campaign. I look forward to working with Chauncey as we both do our part to serve justice in Steuben County. I also still encourage everyone to get out and vote on Nov. 7th”

McAllister said he will extend his campaign by continuing to meet with voters from all parties during the weeks leading up to the Nov. 7 General Election.

Watches explained his decision to suspend his campaign came too late to have his name removed from the November ballot, adding as a sitting justice he is prohibited from endorsing McAllister.

“I’ve known Pat McAllister as a friend for a long time and I wish him well,” Watches said.

McAllister announced his candidacy in early February and conducted a strong grassroots campaign.

An attorney for 35 years, and former county legislator, McAllister now maintains a private practice in addition to his work as a county assistant district attorney.

His work in Steuben’s Surrogate Court includes the probate and administration of estates and all aspects of guardianship proceedings and adoptions. He also has experience in felony matters and Family Court, where he has represented hundreds of children.

McAllister looks to fill the vacancy left by county Judge Marianne Furfure, who will retire after 20 years on the bench.


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