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WJTN News Headlines for Nov. 8, 2018

Local Congressman Tom Reed says he is "humbled" by the support he has received from voters in the Southern Tier that have given him a fifth-term in the House of Representatives...  

The Corning Republican says he looks forward to representing the 23rd District once again and, pledged to stop doing something he did during this year's campaign.  In the interest of toning down the political rhetoric, Reed has announced that he's retiring the label "Extreme Ithaca Liberal."

Reed also spoke about the fact that Democrats will take control of the House in January.  He believes there may be an opportunity to bring in a new House speaker that will allow legislation to come from the bottom up -- instead of top down.  Reed says current House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer is someone that has stood out to him,  and says Hoyer is someone Democrats may rally behind instead of current Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.  Reed, who defeated Democrat Tracy Mitrano on Election Day, made his comments during his weekly conference call with Southern Tier media.


Penn Yan Democrat Tracy Mitrano came up short in her effort to win election to Congress, but there appears to be no sense of bitterness after a heated campaign...  

In fact, Mitrano this morning said she's calling for an end to the divisiveness that has plagued Washington, D-C the past several years and, has become worse since President Trump was elected in 2016.  The Cyber Security expert again warns the country is still vulnerable to attacks.

Had she been able to win, Mitrano says she would have quicked worked to "open her arms" to those who voted against her for the greater good.  She did not close the door to another possible run in two-years, but adds she's not ready to make any annoucement at this point.  However, Mitrano did say that Democratic leaders in the district should begin looking for a candidate or candidates after the first of the year. 


The western New York congressional race between incumbent Republican Chris Collins and Democrat Nate McMurray was too close to call, but the challenger appeared to realize that only after initially conceding....  

McMurray is now demanding a recount.  The Democrat addressed supporters shortly after 11 p.m. Tuesday telling them the effort was "going to come up a little short."  That prompted Collins to declare victory about a half hour later.  But, with preliminary returns showing the narrowest of margins for Collins, McMurray issued a statement early Wednesday demanding a recount, saying "the will of the voters must be heard."  Collins is seeking re-election to a fourth term while facing trial in 2020 on federal charges of insider trading.  He has pleaded not guilty.


With a new Sheriff taking over in Chautauqua County next January 1st... County Executive George Borrello says he will be helping where he can to make it a smooth transition...  

Borrello tells us today, following James Quattrone's victory Tuesday, that he thought it was a great campaign.  Quattrone defeated long-time Sheriff Joe Gerace on Election Night.  Borrello says he thinks Gerace has been a "consummate professional" for years and believes it will ring true with the transition.  Gerace has served as the County Sheriff since 1995, serving an unprecidented six-terms in office.


Universal health care, marijuana legalization and early voting are just a few of the priorities for the Democrats who have won control of the New York state Senate....
  
Democrats scored a number of big wins in Tuesday's election to seize power in the Senate from Republicans, who have long used their power in the chamber to block Democratic priorities.  Now, the party will control the full Legislature and hold all four statewide offices -- giving it enormous control over the political agenda in Albany.


A Jamestown-area manufacturer of high-quality metal products for the defense, transporation and oil and gas industries is enjoying a rebirth under new ownership.... 

Premier Precision Machining took over Rand Machine Products on Allen Street Extension in Falconer in August of 2017 and, the company recently held a grand re-opening.  President and Chief Executive Officer Kurt Grimm -- who is based in New Jersey -- says they upgraded and made some major investments into the business.

Grimm says about 65-percent of their business is with the U-S Department of Defense and, he says the new investment the goverment is making in defense has produced a new, $5-million order for Rand.  He says the Defense Department wanted Rand because of it's reputation.  Rand Machine is in the process of expanding some of their operations and, is hiring workers.  However, finding employees with the skills and work ethic needed has been difficult.  More on that later.


A federal trial is underway in New York City over challenges to the federal government's decision to put a citizenship question on the 2020 census...  

The first witness - Duke University Professor D. Sunshine Hillygus - says there is considerable evidence adding the question will depress participation by non-citizens.  U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman, who is hearing the case without a jury, has harshly criticized the federal government's efforts to delay or stop the trial.  He called them remarkable because government officials insist a speedy resolution of lawsuits is necessary so census preparations can proceed.