Barre, N.Y. – It’s been said family and politics don’t mix.
Tell that to folks in the town of Barre in Orleans County where one race is bringing two relatives together on one ballot.
John Henderson is running to keep his position as town justice.
His opponent, Bert Mathes, calls Henderson grandpa.
Now, it wasn’t supposed to be this way.
Henderson, after 24 years as town judge, wanted to give up the gavel.
He then encouraged Mathes to run.
Mathes set his sights on the seat and received the Republican endorsement.
It was then Anderson realized he needed one more year to receive his pension.
“I told Bert I’m going to have to run,” Henderson said.
But Mathes was already locked onto the ballot meaning there had to be a race.
“I just feel like I have another candidate and that’s all,” Henderson said. “We just separate our public life from our family life.”
Nice to know two candidates can stand in different camps, yet sit at the same table.
“We’ll have our Thanksgiving dinner together,” Henderson said.
