NORWICH – It’s not too early to begin feeling out the political landscape in Chenango County as June 7 marks the day when designating petitions for government positions will be made available for circulation and town caucuses may be convened.

All 23 county supervisors and most offices at the town and City of Norwich are up for election come November. Only one supervisor, Town of Afton’s Robert Briggs, has thus far announced his decision not to run again. With the exception of political newcomers representing Bainbridge, Columbus, Guilford and Sherburne, most supervisors have been in office for several two-year terms.

Republican Scott M. Sutton of Norwich, who has twice taken on incumbent Democrat James J. McNeil for City of Norwich Wards I, 2, and 3 supervisor, said he was not ready to announce whether or not he will run again. In 2009, Sutton lost by a count of 310 votes to McNeil’s 460.

Chenango County Board of Elections staff are encouraging candidates to stop down to their offices on the first floor of the County Office Building to receive a copy of the political calendar and have any questions answered. Anyone interested in running no matter your party affiliation may also call the Board of Elections at 337-1764 or 337-1765.

The most obvious issue bound to sway Chenango County politics leading up to the general election is hydraulic fracturing for natural gas; or ‘to drill or not to drill.’ The issue has consumed the tiny town of Afton for months already, with pro-drillers and anti-drillers lining up on both sides of road use regulations that were created and passed in December, revoked last month and currently remain under review by a special committee.

Briggs, who has come under intense scrutiny for his handling of the road use matter, said his decision to retire was based on his age and number of years in public service.