CHENANGO COUNTY – The political scene in Chenango County is heating up early as several longtime politicians have announced that they will be stepping away from public office.

In addition to Sheriff Thomas Loughren’s resignation, effective June 8, the following officials have confirmed that they will not be running in the November elections: Alton B. Doyle, supervisor of the Town of Guilford; Harry W. Conley, supervisor of the Town of Sherburne; Town of Sherburne Councilman Sherman Record; Town of Sherburne Clerk John McDaniel; Town of Sherburne Justice Francis Faulkner; Town of Afton Highway Superintendent William Latham and Town of Afton Clerk Shirley A. Haynes.

Longtime Afton Supervisor Robert Briggs, who is 78, said he would run again only because the town is losing two officials already. “I didn’t intend to run, but I just don’t feel very comfortable walking away with three new people here,” Briggs said.

June 9 is the first day candidates for office in New York may begin circulating their petitions. Undersheriff Ernie Cutting, a Republican, has announced his decision to run for sheriff.