Plans are already taking shape for the Erie County sheriff election in 2021, and local party organizations report no shortage of candidates.
The chairmen of the Republican, Democratic and Conservative parties all say discussions are well underway about candidates for an open seat next November. Though Republican incumbent Timothy B. Howard has made no official announcement and did not return a phone call, party sources say he is not expected to seek a fourth term.
As a result, Democrats appear to be conducting preliminary talks with three candidates: Dennis J. Richards, chief of detectives for the Buffalo Police Department; Brian Gould, assistant chief of the Cheektowaga Police Department; and Bernard A. Tolbert, the former FBI agent who narrowly lost to Howard in 2017.
But retired Sergeant Rick Lauricella has officially announced and has even established a website supporting his candidacy. A Democrat who says he will speak to all parties, he had a long career in the Sheriff's Office before becoming chief of the Village of Akron Police Department.
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"We're in it to see where it goes," he said. "I'm with the Democratic Party first and foremost, but the Republicans cross-endorsed the DA, and hopefully they would look at me, too."
On the Republican/Conservative side, the names most often mentioned include Karen Healy-Case, who works in security for M&T Bank, and John Garcia. Both are retired from the Buffalo Police Department.
"These are two really good candidates," said Erie County Republican Chairman Karl J. Simmeth Jr. "We've got some time yet, but they have been reaching out to the town chairs and talking to people. We'll be taking a closer look at this after Thanksgiving."
Healy-Case said she has been talking with GOP and Conservative leaders about becoming the county's first female sheriff, citing her experience, credentials and education.
Erie County Conservative Chairman Ralph C. Lorigo said he also is impressed by the two prospective GOP candidates who have come forward so far, adding no Democrats are yet seeking the minor-party line.
"I'm disappointed because this is one of those offices like district attorney or Supreme Court that's supposed to be not as political," he said, regarding Democrats' lack of interest in his line. "But I certainly think a woman or minority on the Republican/Conservative side would be a good thing."
Tolbert emerges as an intriguing name in the mix because of his unexpectedly strong showing in 2017, when he lost to Howard by only about 3,700 votes. He is a former special-agent-in-charge of the Buffalo FBI who also unsuccessfully challenged Mayor Byron W. Brown in the 2013 Democratic primary.
"I've had discussions with people but no formal talks. There are a lot of considerations," Tolbert said. "But I think I have something to offer, can do the job, and bring something positive to the position."
Richards, a 37-year veteran of the Buffalo Police Department, said he has been discussing the run with people in the business and political communities.
"I'm certainly exploring a candidacy and have had conversations with the chairman," he said. "I'm a lifelong Democrat; it's my party, and I hope to get party support. I realize petitions are coming up in February."
Gould could not be reached for comment.
Party leaders are already making 2021 plans just weeks after the 2020 election because of the accelerated political calendar approved by the state Legislature and governor in 2019 following the Democratic takeover of the State Senate. Though candidates formerly began circulating designating petitions in June each election year, signatures are now sought beginning in February.
