Rochester Mayor Tom Richards is trying to clarify comments made about his political future.
This is due to the fact that Richards remains on the ballot on the Independence and Working Families party lines after losing the Democratic primary to Lovely Warren. There has been a push in recent days by the Independence Party and others to get people to vote for Richards. Richards previously said he was endorsing Warren and was not actively campaigning.
Richards has now issued a statement saying that he was called by local radio personality Bob Lonsberry who asked about his intention should he get enough votes to win the mayoral election. Richards says he reiterated his belief, that to his mind, not campaigning means you don’t win the election.
Richards says the scope of the Independence Party effort makes him realize there is a possibility he could be the top vote getter.
In his most recent statement, Richards says he would never abandon the responsibility of being mayor if he was elected, and would serve for as long as it takes to ensure the continued growth and stability of the city.
Also on the Tuesday ballot for Rochester Mayor is Green Party candidate Alex White.