Hand, Merritt face off in Monroe County Legislature primary
The two candidates running for the Republican nomination are Scott and Jack Merritt. Outgoing County Legislator Tracy DiFlorio, a Republican, is running for the state Assembly. The winner will face Democrat Marvin Stepherson in November.
Both candidates were asked four questions and given 150 words to respond to each.
More: What to know about the 2025 primary election in Monroe County
Scott Hand: I bring 35 years of experience working at UPS, where I learned the value of reliability, efficiency, and accountability—principles I believe are essential in public service. Over the course of my career, I've solved complex logistical challenges, and delivered results under pressure—literally and figuratively. I was also in a position to stand up for the rights of fellow workers and ensure their voices were heard. In that role, I gained firsthand experience negotiating, resolving conflicts, and building consensus—skills that directly translate to the collaborative work required in the Monroe County Legislature.
My career has been defined by commitment: to my coworkers, to accountability, and to doing what's right, even when it's hard. I know how to advocate, how to listen, and how to deliver. That's the kind of leadership I'll bring to the Legislature—grounded in real-world experience and dedicated to the people I serve.
Jack Merritt: I've spent my career fighting for conservative values, working for several Republican elected officials from Republican Senator Rob Ortt to the Republican Conference of the Legislature itself. I've also served on numerous campaigns to elect strong Republican leaders across Monroe County. As a Chili resident raising my family here, I understand the issues we face because I live them firsthand. I know how government works and how to get results without the politics. I'll bring a common-sense, accountable approach to county government and always put the needs of Chili residents first.
Merritt: I'm running to fight for working families who built this community and to help the next generation stay here in Monroe County. Too many young people are leaving because they don't see opportunity here, and too many of those who spent their lives here feel forced away. They're being driven out by high taxes, rising crime across the county, and a lack of opportunity. I want to change that. I'm running to protect our values, restore trust in local government, and ensure Chili families have a real voice in the decisions that affect them.
Hand: After 35 years at UPS, I've had a front-row seat to the everyday challenges working families face in Monroe County. I decided to run for the Monroe County Legislature because I want to bring real-world experience, common sense, and dedication to a role that directly impacts people's lives.
I've always believed that showing up, following through, and doing the right thing—especially when no one's watching—are the cornerstones of leadership. Now, I'm ready to take that mindset into public service and work for the kind of practical, people-centered policies our communities deserve. I want to be part of building a county government that listens, acts, and delivers for everyone.
Hand: One of the greatest challenges facing Chili is managing growth in a way that preserves the character of the town while meeting the needs of a changing population. With new housing developments, commercial projects, and infrastructure upgrades underway, it's essential that we plan smart—balancing development with green space, traffic flow, and access to services.
For Monroe County as a whole, affordability and access are key concerns. Whether it's housing, transportation, or healthcare, too many residents are struggling to keep up. We also face challenges in maintaining aging infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and ensuring that every part of the county—urban, suburban, and rural—has a voice in decision-making. I believe we need leadership that listens, plans ahead, and puts people first. That's the kind of approach I want to bring to the Legislature.
Merritt: Our county is seeing more crime, more excuses, and less accountability. We need safer streets, better infrastructure, and leaders who will stand up for residents. County-wide, families are struggling with affordability, EMS delays, and rising property taxes. People feel ignored and overburdened. The county must refocus on the basics: safety, roads, and reliable services - without wasting taxpayer money on political pet projects or failed programs.
Merritt: County government needs to get back to doing its basic job: keeping families safe, roads drivable, and taxes low. We need fewer press conferences and more results. That means restoring trust, investing in what matters, and actually listening to westside towns like Chili. I'll fight to make government more transparent, more efficient, and more responsive to the everyday concerns of working families and taxpayers across Monroe County.
Hand: Throughout my career at UPS, I built a reputation for showing up, solving problems, and doing what makes sense—not what's politically convenient. I'm running for the Monroe County Legislature because I believe our government needs more of that same practical, grounded approach.
To me, common sense means listening first, cutting through the noise, and making decisions that actually work for everyday people. It means investing in the essentials—safe neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, accessible services—while keeping a close eye on how taxpayer dollars are spent. It means putting politics aside to get things done. We need leaders who understand the real-world impact of every policy and who don't overcomplicate what should be simple. That's the kind of representative I intend to be—clear-headed, level-handed, and always working in the interest of the people I serve.
— Steve Howe reports on weather, climate and the Great Lakes for the Democrat and Chronicle. An RIT graduate, he has covered myriad topics over the years, including public safety, local government, national politics and economic development in New York and Utah.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Hand, Merritt face off in Monroe County Legislature primary
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