The 2019 general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. For information about polling places and early voting, visit ongov.net/elections or contact the Onondaga County Board of Elections at 315-435-8683.

In the town of Clay, there are two candidates for town supervisor, four candidates for three seats on the Clay Town Board, three candidates for two town justice positions, and one candidate running unopposed for town clerk. The Onondaga County Legislature’s 2nd District has two candidates and the 14th District has one candidate running unopposed.

Read on for the candidates’ profiles. Candidates are listed alphabetically.

Onondaga County Legislature: 2nd District

Includes the western portion of the town of Clay.

Nodesia R. Hernandez (challenger)

Democrat, Working Families Party

Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family) and political affiliation/experience:

Nodesia Renee Hernandez has lived in the town of Clay for the past 25 years. She is mother to three children. Hernandez is CEO of the Minority Paralegal Association, chairs the Executive Paralegal Section of the Onondaga County Bar Association, is a member of the Clay Democratic Committee, a member of the League of Women Voters, 100 Women Who Care and is secretary of the National Action Network. She is also the director of community outreach for State Sen. Rachel May. Hernandez was a field organizer for Dana Balter’s congressional campaign. She has volunteered with mayoral and judicial campaigns.

She has a BS in legal studies from Syracuse University and a New York State Paralegal Certificate. She has also studied in the master’s program at the School of Education at SU.

Why are you running for office? What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?

It’s time for fair races with choices. It’s not a fair democracy if races are constantly unopposed.

I am running because It should be our voice, not their voice, that is paramount in our government. That means our legislative meetings should be publicly broadcast and always open to the public. That means implementing tenant protections so that landlords can’t force our neighbors out of their homes. That means having a full and open process with community input before any future developments are allowed. That means no more back room deals between our elected officials and the developers who care more about profit than community. As elected officials we need to take things one step further and not only when we are scared of losing elected seats.

A major issue deals with the lack of transparency, which has cause a lost of trust within Onondaga County. Developers have taken control of our government, ruining our open spaces, pushing out our local businesses, and eliminating many of the things that have made our community so wonderful.

James J. Rowley (incumbent)

Republican, Conservative, Independence

Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):

I was born and raised in the town of Clay, attended Liverpool High School and earned a BS from Clarkson University, an MBA from Syracuse University and my permanent certificate in school business administration from SUNY Brockport. I worked in various accounting and finance roles in the private sector. My public sector experience includes 12 years in town government, including supervisor, and four years as chief fiscal officer for Onondaga County. I was recognized for my work during the “great recession” with a gold star resolution from the Onondaga County Legislature.

Additionally I am board treasurer for the Northern Onondaga Public Library, a member of the Clay Board of Ethics and a Section III boys lacrosse official. I work for the Oneida City School District as assistant superintendent for finance.

Political affiliation/experience:

The Republican, Conservative, Independence and Veterans of Onondaga County political parties have endorsed me.

Why are you running for office?

I believe the majority of residents in my district want a rational legislator who will look at all sides of an issue and make an informed decision in the best interests of the district or county as a whole. Unfortunately, state government makes it very difficult to manage at the county level. There is an increasing desire to impose new mandates and regulations on local government. A prime example is the recently passed “criminal justice reform” which handcuffs judges and prosecutors and puts more emphasis on the rights of criminals over victims.

What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?

We need jobs, economic development and an expanding tax base so that property taxes can be reduced for homeowners in my district. I support the proposed warehouse development on Morgan Road that will pay substantially more in property tax under a PILOT agreement than the current golf course, and whose 1,000 jobs will have significant economic spinoff effects.

We need a real re-development of the Great Northern Mall. I support the county executive’s efforts to rein in large delinquent taxpayers, like the current owner of the mall.

Finally, we need to push back on the overreach of state government. In my work both as an administrator in the education system and as an elected official, the mindless overreach of state government in imposing mandates and conjuring up layers of regulations nullifies local control of government and imposes a heavy tax for compliance.

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Onondaga County Legislature: 14th District

Includes the eastern portion of the town of Clay and the village of North Syracuse.

Casey Jordan (incumbent, unopposed)

Republican, Conservative, Independence

Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):

I have resided in my present home in the town of Clay with my wife and three children for the past 20 years, and maintain a law office in the town.

Political affiliation/experience:

I previously served on the Clay Planning Board and have represented the 14th District for the past 13 years.

I am a registered Republican and am endorsed by Republican, Conservative, Independence and Onondaga County Veterans parties, and the CSEA, Plumber and Steamfitters and the Painters Local 31 Unions.

Why are you running for office?

While in office, I have scrutinized every expenditure of county government and opposed unnecessary, unwise and inappropriate expenditures, and have fought to reduce the size and scope of government.

I believe that I have been a major factor in effectuating the positive changes that have occurred in Onondaga County and have been a strong force against needless and wasteful spending. My job is not done, however, and I am anxious to continue my efforts to make Central New York fiscally sound, financially prudent, and economically vibrant.

What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?

Jobs, the economy and public safety. We have an outstanding workforce, respected educational institutions, abundant natural resources, numerous attractions and the most beautiful countryside. To improve the local economy and create new jobs, we must therefore redouble our efforts to market our community and sell the many attributes that Central New York has to offer.

We must also complete the installation of all necessary infrastructure to make the White Pines Industrial Park as “turn-key” as possible for a large employer, and streamline the process of setting up businesses in Central New York.

Lastly, we must advocate for and put pressure on our state representatives to ensure that the state assumes full responsibility for all state mandates and economic programs, which presently place an inordinate burden on local taxpayers.

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Clay Town Clerk

Jill E. Hageman-Clark (incumbent, unopposed)

Republican, Conservative, Independence

Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):

I have lived in my Bayberry home for the past 18 years. I have one daughter, Jacquie, who is pursuing her Ph.D. at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. I also have two dogs, an American Eskimo named Beck and a rescued Greyhound named Stormy. I am involved in Greyhound rescue.

Why are you running for office?

I am a Republican. I am currently the town clerk for the town of Clay and have held this position since 2009. I enjoy the diverse services that this office provides to the community and the opportunity to interact with the residents.

I love the connection to the residents. We have a great town and I am proud to be a part of it and wish to continue to serve.

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Clay Town Justice (vote for 2)

Brian J. Lauri (incumbent)

Republican, Conservative, Independence

Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):

Brian’s service extends nationally as a colonel in the Air National Guard, having been called to active duty twice since 9/11 including a tour of duty in Iraq with the Joint Special Operations Task Force.

He has also served as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 150 at St. Rose of Lima, and is a deacon at Sacred Heart Church.

Brian is married to his wife Christine and they have two sons, Joshua and Zachary, who serves in the United States Coast Guard.

Political affiliation/experience:

Brian is seeking his fourth term as a judge for the town of Clay. For the last 12 years he has worked tirelessly to assure that the town court addresses those persons charged with crimes in a firm but fair manner. He puts special focus on teenagers who are charged with committing serious crimes in an effort to help prevent them from going down the wrong path. He created a monthly DWI court session, which focuses solely on DWIs, thereby resolving those cases much more quickly. He also started New York state’s first online system for public access to a town court criminal docket.

He previously served as the president of the Onondaga County Magistrates Association, and is also a member of the New York State Magistrate’s Association. Brian has also been specially selected by the chief administrative judge to assist as a judge in multiple other jurisdictions throughout Onondaga County.

He is endorsed by the Republican, Independence, Conservative and Onondaga County Veterans parties.

Why are you running for office?

I am running for reelection because I believe that my experience in thousands of criminal cases during my tenure as both a former prosecutor and a judge makes me uniquely qualified to continue to serve as a town of Clay Judge. I have always provided a focus on teenagers charged with crimes to try to do what I can to get them back on track without the damage of a permanent criminal record.

Beth Lockhart (challenger)

Democrat

Ms. Lockhart did not return her questionnaire by the deadline.

Jeffrey J. Schiano (challenger)

Republican, Conservative, Independence

Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):

I was born and raised in Liverpool. This is my hometown. My wife and I are raising three children here. I am wholly committed to the fair administration of justice and the safety of our community.

I am a trial attorney with almost a decade of experience. I received my undergraduate degree from SUNY Binghamton, and my law degree from Syracuse University College of Law. In 2016, I began my own practice, where I represent clients in many areas of the law.

I had the honor of serving our community as an assistant district attorney where I was charged with a simple but profound task: to do justice. I was a felony prosecutor, where I worked to slow the proliferation of gang violence in Onondaga County. I was a narcotics prosecutor, where I fought the war against heroin. But my true passion was holding child predators to account for the most depraved acts imaginable. As deputy bureau chief of the Special Victims Unit, I worked with the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, Vera House and local law enforcement to ensure that child predators were brought to justice. I spoke at our local schools and community forums about the opioid epidemic, cybercrime and other issues.

Political affiliation/experience:

I have been endorsed by the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Veterans parties. I have also been endorsed by the New York State Police PBA and the Onondaga County Deputy Sheriffs’ Police Association.

Why are you running for office?

The town of Clay is the largest town in Onondaga County. To run efficiently and effectively, our court requires a judge who is proficient in criminal law and understands all sides of the criminal justice system. I bring a decade of criminal law experience to the bench and I will ensure that justice is done each and every day.

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Clay Town Supervisor

Damian M. Ulatowski (incumbent)

Republican, Conservative, Independence

Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):

I am the supervisor for the town of Clay, home to 60,000 residents and the fourth lowest taxed town in the county. North Syracuse has been my home since 1979. My wife Mary Ellen and I have enjoyed 40 years together, raised two children and currently enjoy three grandchildren. I’ve been actively involved in the community for decades coaching Little League and basketball. I serve on a number of boards including the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority and am president of the Onondaga County Board of Supervisors. I am also employed by Affordable Benefit Concepts, Inc., where I serve as a benefit consultant.

Political affiliation/experience:

I am a Republican and am endorsed by the Republican, Conservative and Independence parties. I spent eight years as town councilor on the Clay Town Board, two years as deputy supervisor and 10 years as supervisor.

Why are you running for office?

I am in the middle of several cost-cutting initiatives that will continue the town’s commitment to smaller government. At the same time, some of these projects involve embracing emerging technologies, like solar and alternative energy sources, some of which have not been fully implemented. In spite of this the town experiencing substantial savings as a result of these initiatives.

What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?

Roads continue to be at the forefront of issues facing the town. It is my intention to add additional funds so that we can step up our road paving projects throughout the town, focusing on those that are most severely affecting residents and the town’s ability to maintain them. To this end, we have purchased a new paver that current projects have demonstrated 30% greater efficiency allowing us to complete more paving in less time. The town of Clay has continued to stay under the 2% NYS tax cap for the last several years, helping us to deliver a predictable budget.

Ronald Verwij (challenger)

Democrat

Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):

Ronald Verwij was born in the Netherlands outside of The Hague in a suburb called Rijswijk. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1985 and settled in Onondaga County. In 1992 Ronald became an American citizen. He earned an associate degree in computer information services from Bryant and Stratton College, and continued studying at Syracuse University where he completed computer and networking certification classes as a Microsoft network engineer. Ronald has worked for Onondaga County for 20 years in the information technology department and lives with his wife and two daughters in Liverpool.

Why are you running for office?

If elected, Ronald’s goal is to control urban sprawl while making smarter planning decisions. He wants to increase government transparency and connect town of Clay residents with the town board using technology so that they may be a part of discussions on issues and topics even if they are not able to attend the bi-weekly meetings. Ron is also dedicated to preserving and improving the environment in and around the town of Clay for a better future for our children.

What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?

Road repair and maintenance is one of the topics I hear about most from the constituents. The current budget is only $500,000 for the entire town of Clay. I would like to reevaluate how our tax money is being allocated and find a better way to fund the maintenance of our roads.

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Clay Town Board (vote for 3)

Joseph A. Bick (incumbent)

Republican, Conservative, Independence

Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):

I am a registered nurse and manager for St. Joseph’s Health. I have a master’s degree in nursing from Le Moyne College, a bachelor in nursing from SUNY IT and an associate’s degree from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing. I served in the Army Reserve for 11 years including service in Afghanistan and am a disabled veteran.

I am married with two children.

Political affiliation/experience:

I have been a member of the Clay Republican Committee since leaving the army in 2005 and have served on the Clay Town Board since 2007.

Why are you running for office?

I feel compelled to insert logic and reason into public policy. Serving on the town board affords me the opportunity to do that.

What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?

Taxes and infrastructure are the main issues. Keeping taxes as low as possible while not letting the community crumble is the challenge that requires careful attention.

The type and location of development is a big issue. Considering the pros and cons carefully is something I’m fully committed to.

David J. Hess II (incumbent)

Republican, Conservative, Independence

Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):

Married 25 years (Kristin). We have two children, David (24) and Kelsey (22). Graduate of Liverpool High School and Niagara University. Clay resident since 1997. Former board of directors for Seneca River Little League as well as NYS Planning Federation and small business owner in the city of Syracuse. Currently I am a 30-year utility employee.

Political affiliation/experience:

Registered Republican. I have been endorsed by the Conservative, Independence and Onondaga County Veterans parties.

Why are you running for office?

Having served on the ZBA (3 years), and Clay Planning Board (4 years) for the town and now on the town board for 5 years I have had the opportunity to assist in keeping Clay as a premier community within Central New York. Since being elected to the town board, we have been under the NYS tax cap each year, I believe in keeping costs low while taking advantage of any and all grants available that will benefit the residents of Clay whom I continue to enjoy assisting.

What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?

The town streets continue to be an area of concern for residents within the town. While numerous roads have been paved over the past few years there are still many in need of repairs. This year we authorized the purchase of a new paving machine. This will enable the town to be less reliant on our contractor’s availability and serve the community better. Another emerging issue is maintaining our retail corridors while e-commerce is on the rise. We need to develop creative methods of ensuring the storefronts prosper and can compete.

LaToya Jones (challenger)

Democrat

Ms. Jones did not return her questionnaire by the deadline.

Eugene Brently Young III (incumbent)

Republican, Conservative, Independence

Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):

I am an attorney practicing in Syracuse. I live on Liffey Lane in Clay, am married and have one child. I previously was a 22-year member of the Moyers Corners Fire Department.

Political affiliation/experience:

I am an eight-year member of Clay Town Board seeking reelection. Formerly, I was a 30-year member of the Clay Zoning Board of Appeals.

What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?

I believe the main issues facing the town of Clay in the immediate future are infrastructure and mandated expenditures. On infrastructure, I support keeping the repair of roads, storm sewers and sanitary sewers a priority. By this I mean placing all funds we can spare into the accounts for repairs. The town has a long-term plan based on a road survey to fix roads and we are considering doing the same for sewers. Long-term issues are the development of land north of Route 31 and on this I support the Northern Use Land Study which says the land should be used for residential development and supporting any reasonable industrial development in the town.

We face funding mandated programs by the state without compensation and rising costs of healthcare insurance for employees which is tremendously expensive. We have been able to somewhat limit rising healthcare insurance by shopping for better deals and other ways. We will continue to work hard to do this in the future. The town board has never gone over the 2% cap on a rise in taxes but continues to deliver good services to the town.