BRISTOL — For the second November in a row, Bristol voters will be deciding who will lead the town as supervisor.
And for the second November in a row, the race pits Laura Abplanalp, who took office as town supervisor on Jan. 1, and Michael McClain, director of facilities and operations for Canandaigua schools.
Abplanalp defeated McClain a year ago by a 362-294 vote margin. But a state election law that went into effect last year moved local elections to even-numbered years.
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 Ontario County election results as they become available at democratandchronicle.com.
So, a person elected last year to office with a two-year term has to run again this year. The same idea applies to those elected to town offices with four-year terms; they have to run again in 2028.
Abplanalp is running on the Republican and Conservative party lines. McClain is running on the Democratic and Common Ground party lines.
In-person early voting starts Saturday, Oct. 24, and continues through Sunday, Nov. 1. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Both candidates were emailed the same questions. Their answers have been lightly edited.
Laura Abplanalp
Laura Abplanalp was born and raised in the Detroit area, then after college came to Rochester to work at Eastman Kodak Co. She and husband Cal, happily married for 38 years, moved to Bristol 22 years ago, and are parents to five grown children.
In 2022, she retired at 62 after building a 40-plus year career finishing as a business unit director at L3Harris. She is a passionate STEM mentor and teacher, and an active member of the Bloomfield Rotary. In addition to spending time with her two new grandsons, she likes to read, ski, sew and play piano, and actively volunteers for High Frontier Quilts of Valor, draping over 100 veterans with healing, handmade quilts.
Michael McClain
Michael McClain is a 29-year resident of Bristol. He and wife Christine raised three children here, and they plan to raise their families here as well.
McClain worked his way up from a part-time custodial worker to director of facilities for the Canandaigua Central School District. He also has operated an electrical and general construction business. He enjoys working on classic cars and engine rebuilding.
Both candidates answered questions about their views.
What is the most important issue facing residents in the town of Bristol, and what would you do about it if elected?
Abplanalp: Bristol is a wonderful rural community with a quiet way of life, which is why, like many others, we chose to call this home and raise our family here. When I became supervisor, my attention was immediately focused on several areas:
— Frozen pipes: January was the coldest month in a very long time, freezing the pipes in the Town Hall. This led to an effort to implement energy-efficiency updates including a new furnace, ductwork and insulation, resulting in a healthier, more comfortable environment for employees and residents.
— Park upgrades: Our tennis courts are beyond repair. When a grant opportunity became available, our team completed the exhaustive application and submitted all the supporting documentation in a very short period. Thanks to all who contributed their time and talents, we were awarded the grant to refurbish the courts into a safe, accessible, multi-use facility for both tennis and pickleball.
— Highway Department: Spring came with more torrential rains than we’d seen in a decade, washing out several of our roads and culverts. With the need for new equipment to complete the work, we quickly convened our highway committee, and after a few very productive meetings, presented the board with a robust 10-year plan, enabling a cash purchase of a new roller. We now have a plan we can afford for truck and equipment purchases and operations and maintenance to provide the capability needed to maintain safe and well-kept roads.
— Code enforcement: Building season soon started, and given the volume of permits and inspections, we moved from contracting part-time code enforcement officers to posting a position, interviewing, hiring and training a full-time code enforcement officer to meet our community’s needs.
While solving these challenges benefits our residents, they all come with a cost. Driving fiscally responsible plans and budgets at both the town and county level delivers what residents need most — no financial surprises (low to no tax increases). I will continue to apply my disciplined schedule and financial management skills every day and work toward a balanced budget at both the town and county level that meets our community’s needs.
McClain: If elected town supervisor, I will establish committees and actively seek community input so that the decisions we make reflect the priorities and concerns of Bristol residents. I will support the Pay It Forward Food Pantry and the important work that Paula Hicks-Sowersby does for our community, while also looking for additional ways to help residents who are struggling during these difficult times.
Working with our community, county and state partners, I will develop a long-term plan to address Bristol’s aging infrastructure and ensure that we are planning responsibly for the future.
As a longtime resident of Bristol, I believe voters should have the opportunity to choose a town supervisor who lives in and is deeply invested in the Bristol community. I have committed much of my life to serving the people of our local communities.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
Abplanalp: I am ready to continue to serve this community, honoring our small-town, rural values and working hard to ensure that we preserve our quality of life in a fiscally responsible, affordable manner, supporting all that call our amazing town of Bristol home. I will build on the successes of the last year and with renewed focus support our current industrial and agricultural businesses, attract new community-friendly businesses, and ensure our vital community services receive the necessary resources to maintain, enhance and expand their capabilities.
McClain: For 44 years, I have worked for the Canandaigua City School District, where I have been responsible for maintaining more than one million square feet of building space and approximately 100 acres of property. I prepare an annual budget that is presented to local taxpayers and includes the maintenance and repair of the district’s buildings and properties. I also identify and supervise capital improvement projects designed to protect and improve the district’s infrastructure.
Throughout my career, I have supported organizations that are essential to our community, including the volunteer fire department, library and historical society. Their contributions are immeasurable, and a simple “thank you” never seems like enough for all they do.
I have a long-term, proven record of serving the people I represent, supporting our community, and carefully managing budgets to protect taxpayers. I will bring that same commitment to the town of Bristol.
As you go to the polls this year, take a moment to reflect on the events of the past several years and the future you want for Bristol. Look beyond party lines and consider the candidate’s experience, commitment, and connection to our community.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Who's on my ballot in Bristol? Election 2026 candidates
