Chili voters will choose between longtime incumbent David Dunning and challenger Emily Kalouch for town supervisor in the Nov. 3 election.
To help inform your vote, we asked each candidate to describe their biggest priority if elected. You'll 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.
Who is running for Chili town supervisor?
The following candidates are running for Chili town supervisor, which is a two-year term:
- David J. Dunning (incumbent)
- Emily Kalouch (new candidate)
Meet the candidates
David J. Dunning, R, C
- Resident: Chili
- Family: Wife, Karen
- Occupation: Chili Town Supervisor, has served since 2008
- Community involvement: Chili Town Supervisor
- Previous political experience: Chili Town Supervisor
What is the most important issue facing residents in the community you hope to represent, and what would you do about it if elected?
Affordability: While Chili is one of the most affordable towns in Monroe County, many residents with low to moderate income struggle to make
ends meet. I can do my part to keep our property taxes down, increase exemption rates for low-income seniors and disabled veterans. I will continue to work with our state and federal partners to support cost saving measures seek local tax saving grant opportunities.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
Having served the people of Chili for 19 years, I have a proven track record of responsible spending and keeping property taxes stable. Under my administration, we have increased opportunities for families to enjoy low-to-no cost programs and activities. We have protected our residential properties from over development, increased transparency with Online access to pretty much anything you want to know. I have maintained an open-door policy, making local government more accessible.
We have streamlined processes and created standards for local development. Built a new Community Center, modernized our Highway and DPW facility, renovated Town Hall to provide easier access to the most used departments. Made many Parks improvements and so much more. All with limited impact on local taxes by way of Federal, State and County grants. I love what I do, I love working with our resident and businesses to make Chili the best it can be. I believe I have served Chili with openness, honesty and transparency and would be honored to be elected to another term.
Emily Kalouch, D, WF
- Resident: Chili
- Family: Husband
- Occupation: Program Manager
- Community involvement:
- Previous political experience: N/A
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 biggest theme I hear from residents is that they want Chili to be more responsive to the needs of the people who live here. At the doors, I hear about the need for more sidewalks, revitalized plazas, businesses that better serve families, and more housing options for young families and older residents looking to downsize.
As Supervisor, I would bring my background in business and project management to these challenges: listening to residents, setting clear priorities, and working collaboratively to turn good ideas into achievable projects. As the mother of a three-year-old raising my own family in Chili, I also understand firsthand many of the everyday concerns families bring to me. I want to build on what Chili already does well while making sure residents have a meaningful voice in where we go next.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
I respect my opponent's 18 years of service to Chili, but I offer a different perspective and a new generation of leadership. I am a political outsider with a professional background in program management and business, a master's degree in Political Science, and the lived experience of raising a young family here in Chili.
The issues residents talk to me about are issues I experience too. I understand why the lack of a sidewalk on a busy road matter to a parent, why today's housing market is difficult for young families and older residents looking to downsize, and why people want to feel that their local government is listening to them.
I've been knocking on doors and talking directly with residents since early summer because I believe good leadership starts with listening. Experience in office matters, but so does bringing fresh energy, new ideas, and a willingness to meet people where they are. That's the perspective I would bring to the Supervisor's office.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Who's on my ballot in Chili? Election 2026 supervisor candidates
