TOWN OF CICERO – The Review sent a questionnaire to the candidates running in the town of Cicero election. Click below to read their responses.
Town Supervisor
Michael Aregano (unopposed)
Republican, Conservative
What makes you the ideal candidate?
My 21 years of dedicated service as a Cicero police officer, followed by my two-year tenure as supervisor, uniquely position me as the ideal candidate due to my deep-rooted knowledge of our community and its specific needs.
I’ve successfully resolved many of the longstanding drainage issues that have plagued our town for years. We’ve also assumed responsibility for brush collection, offering residents the convenience of compost pickup at the highway department. I built strong relationships with neighboring municipalities and local governments, I continue to work on addressing our traffic concerns in collaboration with the New York State DOT.
Why are you running for this position?
I am seeking re-election as Town Supervisor to continue fostering the positive growth of our community, and to uphold my unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for our residents.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
The imminent construction of a Micron chip fabrication facility within one-mile of the town of Cicero raises concerns about increased traffic, population growth, and development in our area. We find ourselves in the midst of a comprehensive planning initiative known as “Vision Cicero,” aimed at charting the town’s future course. This effort not only enables Cicero to prepare for the anticipated changes but also encompasses necessary updates to local codes and regulations.
In addition, we are nearing the final stages of the much-anticipated Brewerton Revitalization project, a 15-year endeavor. This project promises to rejuvenate the Brewerton Hamlet, with construction scheduled to begin in the spring of 2024.
Furthermore, we have established a strong collaborative partnership with the town of Hastings, pursuing a Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant worth $10 million. This joint endeavor is aimed at delivering significant advantages to both of our communities.
Town Councilor (vote for 2)
Michael J. Becallo (incumbent)
Republican, Conservative
What makes you the ideal candidate?
I am currently a Cicero Town Councilor, and have been elected two times by the Cicero voters..I’m:
39 years old, married to Nicole Casamento and a 34-year Cicero resident.
BA, communication and information sciences, University of Alabama; MS, sports administration, Canisius College.
Certificate of Health Information Technology, Weill Cornell Medical College.
Employed in the healthcare information technology field.
Volunteer firefighter.
Business owner.
Member, Onondaga County Fire Board; past member, Onondaga County Office of Aging Board.
Recipient for the “40 Under 40” Award from CNY Business Journal: Influential young business leader of 2015
Leadership Greater Syracuse, 2021.
Volunteer with the Cicero Little League, North Syracuse Little League, Cicero Falcons football, local Scout Troops, North Syracuse School events, and various church groups.
Why are you running for this position?
Four years ago, when I last ran for town councilor, I promised you that I would fight to: Reduce town spending, reduce town taxes, reduce town borrowing, fix the roads, improve drainage, stop pay-to-pay, and stop over-development.
I have kept my promises to you. As your Cicero Town Councilor, I:
-Voted “No” to over 17 Million Dollars in Increased Town Spending.
-Voted “No” to over 10 million dollars in increased town taxes.
-Voted “No” to over 10 million dollars in increased town borrowing.
– Have never voted to exceed the NYS 2% tax cap.
– Took a pay cut and never voted to increase my salary.
-Fought against increased fees for permits.
-Fought against draconian laws in Cicero.
-Advocated for residents’ property rights.
-Opposed improperly increasing property assessments.
-Increased road paving by double.
-Increased the amount of drainage projects.
-Instituted “Public Input” at town board meetings before the board votes on agenda Items.
-Advocated for our local first-responders.
But voting is only one of my duties as a Town Councilor. I also:
-Cut down overgrown weeds and vegetation to improve driver visibility.
-Clear trash on the roadside and under bridges on Rt. 31, Rt. 81, and Rt. 481.
-Hold monthly office hours to meet with town residents.
-Communicate with and meet town residents through-out the year, not just election time.
-Go door-to-door to meet town residents and listen to their concerns.
-Volunteer weekly at community events.
I will continue to fight for Cicero taxpayers, continue to work to lower taxes, further repair our roads, further reduce traffic congestion, and continue to listen to Cicero residents.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
The residents have identified taxes, roads, drainage and traffic as the most important issues in our community. I will continue to be the “go-to” board member to respond to resident drainage and road concerns. I am very pleased as we have been able to pave over double the amount of roads and increase the amount of completed drainage projects during my term. This has all been accomplished while staying under the 2% tax cap the last two years.
I will continue to be involved in the MICRON project located in Clay. This will ensure Cicero is not overlooked in the process. I will advocate for town residents needs by working with local, state and federal partners. We are working on a town comprehensive plan, with community feedback that outlines a framework and vision for the future of our town.
Ashley M. Hogan
Republican, Conservative
What makes you the ideal candidate?
As the only candidate in this race with school-age children, and as a working mother, I understand the struggles that many of today’s families face as prices rise much faster than wages, and as every trip to the store costs more for the same amount of groceries. That’s why it’s so important to me to work with the other councilors and the Town department heads to ensure that we are getting the best value out of the taxpayers’ dollars.
In my adult life, I have been a pharmaceutical sales representative, a critical care nurse, a stay-at-home mom, and I am now a territory manager for a medical device manufacturer. In these roles I worked with and got to know a broad and diverse range of people. These experiences have led to me having a strong ability to see things from others’ perspectives, which has in turn resulted in me being able to bring people with different viewpoints and positions together to come to a consensus.
Why are you running for this position?
My family has planted its roots in Cicero and it’s important to me to have a voice in shaping the community in which my children are growing up. People tend to pay more attention to what happens in Washington or Albany than in their own town hall, but local government has a far greater impact on our day-to-day lives than the “higher” levels. I want to play a role in my children being raised in a strong, vibrant, safe community.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
Cicero’s biggest challenge is the same as other towns – providing services in a time when prices are going up faster than wages, and families are feeling the squeeze. As a town councilor, I will fight to keep town spending down and taxes low. I will take a hard look at the entire budget, and use my background in finance to help improve efficiency, reduce waste, and get more for our residents’ tax dollars.
Obviously, the coming Micron project is poised to have a transformative impact on Cicero and the surrounding area. While we know Micron is coming, details about when or about what exactly is going to happen have been scant. Without knowing when or how fast it will be built, or what improvements for traffic and other infrastructure are being considered by the state for the area, it is difficult to plan for it. Fortunately, the current town board not only secured funding from the County for a new comprehensive plan, but it also convened a citizen’s advisory committee to assist with its preparation. It’s still in the early stages, but I look forward to being an active participant in that process.
Joan Kesel
Democrat
What makes you the ideal candidate?
My prior tenure as elected Cicero Town Supervisor, membership in the Town of Cicero Board of Assessment Review, and in the Town of Cicero Zoning Board of Appeals all imminently qualify me for the position of councilor, as I have explicit experience in the role. I know Cicero well and need no orientation to issues facing our community. My involvement as contributing board member includes the CNY Girl Scouts Council, North Area Meals on Wheels and the Northern Onondaga Public Library further contributed to a wider appreciation of the needs and challenges in Cicero. Our town of Cicero is on the cusp of major changes facing us in the coming years and my experience in town government, plus my lifetime of living here, all contribute to my qualifications to assist and lead in the pivotal years ahead.
Why are you running for this position?
Our home of Cicero may soon be overwhelmed by the incoming Micron industry and other industries that become attracted to the opportunities here. Those changes will be unprecedented, requiring that our town board be actively involved in facing new decisions and challenges to preserve our quality-of-life, while also providing business and residential opportunities. Further, the implications of the Micron engagement comes on top of the many issues already on the table, such as our growing traffic dilemma that seems to get worse each year. We need to revisit our direction and that requires adding new faces to the town board. I believe I am that person.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
I already mentioned the challenge of new industries coming our way, plus the traffic jungle with which we struggle, but I would not offend voters by implying that I would bring ‘solutions’ to problems that are non-trivial and that need much discussion and exploration, Any candidate promising quick solutions is one who does not understand the problem. What I see is the need for broader involvement and engagement of citizens in defining the road forward, and that is best served by the discussion being led by those with prior experience in facing imminent change.
Jay Riordan
Democrat
What makes you the ideal candidate?
I have the skills and experience needed to be the Cicero Town Board’s “Micron Guy.” No one who reads Eagle News will be unaware of the significance of the MICRON project, and the changes and challenges it brings.
My education is in tech (Clarkson ‘95, physics). I worked in cutting-edge systems development for military and business applications, and on NSF- and DARPA-funded research published in academic journals. I know the semiconductor manufacturing technology that is the basis for the whole Micron project and its affiliated businesses and spinoffs. Someone on the town board should know, in some detail, what Micron actually does.
From 2001, I’ve mostly worked in real estate, focused on new development. I started doing real estate in Oceanside, CA, which was in a similar situation at the time to where Cicero is now: General plans had been made, substantial investment was forthcoming (it came!) the population was expected to increase substantially (it did!), but the residents were confused about the details.
My favorite accomplishment has been organizing the residents of Oceanside, CA to be more informed and more involved in planning issues during the years 2001–2007. I hope to do the same here in Cicero as the Town’s “Micron Guy.”
I’m also very proud of the home builds I’ve organized and managed throughout Upstate New York since moving back here in 2015. This involved lots of coordination with engineers and municipal planners, whom I’ve very much enjoyed working with.
Why are you running for this position?
Councilor White is not running for re-election, so there’s an opening on the town board. I think the town of Cicero and its residents can do best by electing me to replace her and to be the Town’s “Micron Guy.”
I’m proud to be endorsed by the Cicero Democratic Committee. I have been a Democrat for most of my life, and I fundamentally share Democrat values. The national political landscape does not reflect the pressing issues we face in Cicero. We need diversity on the town board to ensure planning, economic development, and opportunity in light of Micron is addressed in a way that reflects the needs of our entire community.
I will bring the specialty of keeping Cicero informed of, and ahead of, the big changes that are already underway. I will watch out for all the residents of Cicero, and the Town as an entity, making sure we get our fair share. I’m running because I can add value to the town of Cicero by doing these things as a town councilor, especially at this time.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
The most important issue is Micron. It underscores every other big issue in Cicero. There are also particular concerns about traffic and congestion and a possible new I-81 off-ramp. Short-term rentals are a near-term concern. There are environmental concerns and concerns about population growth and new-build development. And there are concerns about simpler day-to-day things: Will our water and electricity go out as construction starts? Where can we Cicero residents get timely and accurate information about these aspects that directly impact us?
All this is made more urgent now that the “Micron Campus” extends into the Town of Cicero, with new entrances to the Campus off Brewerton Road / Rt 11. My campaign has already reached out to OCIDA on these issues. We’ve been prodding the current Town Board members for a full status update on Cicero’s Comprehensive Plan, as that process seems to be behind schedule. We’ve worked with Cicero Democratic Committee Chairperson Rob Santucci to help build a rational, reasonable, and Micron-focused Democratic presence in Cicero. Furthermore, we are trying to keep the community informed about the latest developments through social media sites like Nextdoor. We’d like to do more. We can do much more with me on the town board as its “Micron Guy.”
I respectfully ask that you vote for me this coming November. I am uniquely experienced and prepared to represent the Town of Cicero in light of the Micron project and bring a voice to Cicero now, so we can prepare for our Tomorrow before it has already passed! Thank you for your consideration, and make sure to get out and have your voices heard this November!
Town Clerk
Tracy Cosilmon (unopposed)
Republican, Conservative, Veterans Party, PBA
What makes you the ideal candidate?
I’ve lived in Cicero for 38 years, Cicero Town Clerk for the past 20 years, married with one son, one grandson.
I believe that I am the best candidate for the town clerk’s position as I have the knowledge and experience specializing in this position. With over 20 years serving as Cicero Town Clerk, I have the required hands-on experience. I have received a 2019 Safety Award, the title of “Registered Municipal Clerk” from the NYS Town Clerks Association, and have been recognized as one of the nations’ top 100 Municipal Clerks. I have dedicated myself to learning by participating in many continuing education and training courses. I have implemented the latest online technologies including town board meetings, dog license renewal, and credit card payments.
During my tenure, I have also coordinated Earth Day, Boater Safety and Defensive Driving courses, and numerous Rabies Clinics.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for this position because of my continued love for the residents of the town of Cicero. Throughout the years I have established both trust and friendships with our residents by providing knowledgeable, highly skilled, reliable and financially responsible services to the residents of our town. I will continue to strive each and every day to bring the best efforts to the Cicero Town Clerk’s office as a positive experience and a smile are what our residents both deserve and receive.
I believe that working together can make a difference and help make our community a better place. Though our office handles certain services, we try to answer any and all questions that we can, when we can, even if the request isn’t necessarily a task our office in particular performs. I aim to remain positive and helpful in serving our residents, taking interest in and going the extra mile for each request that passes through our doors. Making sure residents are comfortable and leave our office satisfied with the services provided is one of my top priorities.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
Although I do not have any voting authority in the capacity as town clerk, I am aware that there are issues facing this town. Some of these are traffic congestion, planning, safety, and environmental concerns. I will continue to listen to people and guide them to the proper channels or persons to address their concerns. I feel during these tough economic times that it is very important that we work together as a team, as there is strength in numbers. When we work together, it is amazing what productive things can be accomplished which will benefit us now and in the future.
Since we have entered into a time where there is so much uncertainty, I want more than ever to stay positive and remain helpful in serving our residents, making sure that I have taken an interest in their requests and that I have gone the extra mile so that they can leave feeling comfortable and satisfied with the assistance that has been provided.
I truly believe that working together we can build a better community and make a difference.
Editor note: Highway superintendent candidate Christopher J. Woznica, who is running unopposed, did not fill out the questionnaire sent by the Review.
