Aiello and Sherburne file for independent mayoral lines: Lincoln vs. Common Sense

By RICK MILLER

Olean Star

OLEAN — Both candidates in the June 24 Olean mayoral primary have filed for independent ballot lines in general election in November.

Mayor Bill Aiello and Amy Black Sherburne met Wednesday in a debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters. 

Sherburne was guaranteed a spot on the November ballot because she was nominated by the Democratic Party.

Aiello was not endorsed by the city’s Conservative Party as he had been in the past.

Until he filed independent nominating petitions for the Lincoln Party, Aiello, who is seeking a fourth four-year term, needed to win the Republican Primary against Sherburne to proceed to the November election.

Sherburne is eyeing a second or third line on the November ballot with the independent Common Sense Party.

Prior to his election to the mayor’s post, Aiello served 32 years with the Olean Police Department and eight years on the Cattaraugus County Legislature, including two years as majority leader.

Aiello said he wants to continue the progress made during his tenure, including the reconstruction of North and South Union streets and East State Street. He’s also looking forward to the $25 million West State Street project approved earlier this year by the Common Council.  

Sherburne said in her announcement that “the real work of a mayor is to cut costs and spend within our means.” She promised to “propose and initiate innovative ideas that will increase revenue for our city with a focus on sustainability and sensibility for our future.”

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