First posted by wktv.com
HERKIMER COUNTY, NY – With the primaries less than 24 hours away, there are several interesting races in our area, including the one for Herkimer County Coroner.
Two funeral directors are running in District 3. Each has been in the position at least once, and the kicker – they’re related.
What could be more awkward?
According to GOP Incumbent County Coroner Vincent A. Enea, ” If he was the incumbent coroner I would not run against him. I guess that’s the easiest way to put it. It’s hard, it’s awkward, and it’s unusual.”
He’s been in the seat since 2011.
His opponent, his own nephew Daniel Enea was in the same seat from 2006 to 2011. He says he vacated the position for another opportunity.
But he’s back for a second bite at the apple, on the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines.
When asked about whether family dinners would be awkward he replied, “I eat my dinner, that’s about it.”
District 3 covers both the Town and Village of Herkimer, the City and Town of Little Falls, as well as the Towns of Schuyler, Stark, Warren and Danube.
The two men, uncle and nephew, will go head to head in Tuesday’s primary.
Vincent Enea spoke tonight with some honest commentary about this odd situation.
“Let’s just say you’re right. Sunday dinner would be awkward. I’ve been in the funeral industry, which goes almost hand in hand with the coroners’ since September of 1981. There’s a degree of compassion that needs to exist for this job,” said Vincent Enea.
“I think that we’re both looking for this position so we’re both running for it, and we’ll see what happens,” said Daniel Enea, adding he’s one of the few coroners who received a continuing education accreditation from NYS.
If Daniel Enea loses the GOP Primary, he’ll still get another shot on the Independence line.