For the 2026 elections, Gates residents will cast their ballots for town supervisor. The winner will serve a two-year term.
This year, we asked candidates what issues they plan to prioritize, if elected. You can find their responses below.
Polls are open for regular voting between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. You can look up where to vote at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov. We'll have live Monroe County election results as they become available at democratandchronicle.com.
Gates town supervisor
Nick Coffee (Democratic, Working Families)
Age: 44
Residence: Gates
Family: Married
Professional role: Entrepreneur/ Founder of United Structural LLC
Community involvement: I’ve volunteered with organizations such as CASH, Habitat for Humanity, ABC, and as a long time soccer coach.
What is the most important
issue facing residents in the community you hope to represent, and what would you do about it if elected?
The Town of Gates last year was faced with a nearly 20% tax levy increase, blowing past the tax cap. According to the most recent town board meetings, the Town is on pace for another increase, once again exceeding the tax cap. While our taxes continue to increase, the quality of local services seems to be on the decline. I believe that our Town deserves the basic services like sidewalks and streetlights. I also believe that these basic services should not require higher taxes. I will work with County, State, and Federal officials to pursue the same grant funding that other towns are already receiving for these projects. Gates should no longer be left behind.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
During my campaign, I've had the privilege of meeting and speaking with so many voters about our great Town and its government. The message I hear again and again is that residents don't feel heard or respected by that government. Concerns, whether about the safety of our roads or the shape of our community's future, are too often met not with action, but with deflection and disdain. Your town government should be the first place you turn when you have concerns about your community. When you're a resident here, you deserve a Supervisor who will fight for you at every level of government. I am ready to be that advocate.
Cosmo Giunta (Conservative)
Age: 57
Residence: Gates
Family: Married with three children
Professional role: Currently serves as Gates supervisor. Previously served as the town clerk/receiver of taxes and as deputy town clerk.
Community involvement: He has held positions such as president, vice president and treasurer for the Gates Youth Soccer League.
What is the most important issue facing residents in the community you hope to represent, and what would you do about it if elected?
Public safety is one of the most important issues facing Gates residents, and it remains a top priority for me. We have strengthened our Police Department to 36 officers, providing the staffing needed for proactive policing and responsive service.
Public safety also includes maintaining the infrastructure residents rely on every day. Over the past year, the Town resurfaced 10.7 miles of roads, replaced 2,100 feet of sidewalks, installed 1,800 feet of new gutters, and repaired or replaced 30 catch basins.
If re-elected, I will continue supporting our police department while making responsible investments in roads, sidewalks, drainage, and other essential infrastructure. My focus will remain on delivering effective town services, protecting our residents’ quality of life, and keeping Gates a safe, strong, and well-maintained community.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
Gates has been my home for my entire life. I have lived here for 56 years, graduated from Gates Chili, raised my family here, and built my career in this community. I have a personal stake in our town and a strong understanding of the people and neighborhoods I serve.
I bring 35 years of combined private- and public-sector experience, including 20 years in the private sector and 15 years serving the Town of Gates, with the past 8 years as Town Supervisor. That experience has taught me the importance of responsible management, accountability, accessibility, and delivering results.
I am also actively involved in the civic and community organizations that help make Gates a great place to live. My record reflects my commitment to this town and to working every day on behalf of its residents.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Who's on my ballot in Gates, NY? Election 2026 candidates
