Republican Christopher L. Jacobs will be a few weeks ahead of other newly elected office holders when he officially assumes the title of Erie County clerk some time next week.
Jacobs, who defeated Democrat Maria R. Whyte on Election Day, now fills a clerk vacancy created by the May resignation of Kathleen C. Hochul, who won a special congressional election. And because the election fills a vacancy, election law allows him to assume the office once the Nov. 8 vote is officially certified, according to Democratic Elections Commissioner Dennis E. Ward.
"I'm planning to take the office when the vote is certified," Jacobs said, "considering how long the office has been vacant."
Ward said he expects the certification process to be completed some time next week. And as soon as Jacobs signs an "oath card" promising to uphold the Constitution, Ward said Jacobs is authorized to take over the office, begin his duties and draw a paycheck.
--Robert J. McCarthy
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Erie County | Erie County clerk
