Oswego has elected its youngest mayor in city history. The 25-year-old Republican Billy Barlow captured 54 percent of the vote, solidly defeating his Democratic challenger Amy Tresidder by 12 points.
Barlow's youth became a focus point early on in the race. Tresidder, a grandmother with six years of experience on the Oswego County Legislature, stressed that Oswego needs maturity and experienced leadership. In one campaign advertisement, she noted that Barlow doesn't pay property tax or utility bills because he lives with his parents.
"I worry about his lack of experience," Tresidder said after the results of the election were announced. "I worry about the influence others may have on his administration."
But, Barlow, who has been on the Oswego Common Council for two years, has embraced his age throughout the campaign. Barlow said his youth will be an asset to his administration.
"I look forward to using my ambition and energy that I have being 25 years old to come up with new ideas and propel Oswego into the future," Barlow said.
Barlow plans to first work on revitalizing the city's code enforcement and community development departments. When he assumes office in January, Barlow will also be the youngest mayor in New York state.
Slightly more than 4,000 votes were cast in the mayoral race. Incumbent Mayor Tom Gillen (D) ran as a write-in candidate. There were 97 write-in ballots, representing 2.4 percent of the vote.
