Sharon Norcross is one of five village of Camillus residents to have filed petitions with the Onondaga County Board of Elections to run for village trustee.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday March 18 at village hall.
Sharon Norcross
53 First Street
Occupation: Village Clerk/Treasurer of the village of Phoenix
How long have you lived in the village of Camillus?
I have strong roots in the village of Camillus and have lived here my whole life. My father owned Mike & Nate’s Gas Station in the village for 35 years and served on the Village Board as a Trustee. My grandparents owned a shoe repair/dry goods store on Main Street before there were malls. My great-grandparents owned a farm in the town of Camillus a mile outside of the village.
Are you involved with any clubs or organizations?
I volunteer for community events that I feel are important, for example, Beach Day for Breast Cancer. I helped start the Christmas Tree Lighting in the village of Camillus in 1997. I was co chair for FebFest for seven year,s which was sponsored by the town of Camillus, the Camillus Chamber of Commerce and the village of Camillus. FebFest is a winter festival that donates money to youth-oriented charities.
Why are you running for trustee?
I truly care about the people in the Village of Camillus and I am committed to enhance their quality of life.
What do you think you would bring to the table as trustee?
I feel that my most important asset is my experience. I have worked as a Village Clerk/Treasurer for 26 years I have a lot of knowledge about Camillus.
When you think about your village, what do you consider to be the biggest “missed opportunity” of village board?
The biggest “missed opportunity” of the village board was not allowing the Camillus VFW to continue to use the meeting room for their meetings. The VFW was forced to meet elsewhere for eight months and finally only after public pressure this decision was rescinded. This action showed a great disrespect to the American veterans and tarnished the image of the current Village Board.
What is an accomplishment of the board that you applaud or admire?
Over the years I most admired the Village Board that fought to keep the Camillus Fire Department part of the Village in 2004. I also appreciated the efforts of the board and volunteers in organizing the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Village of Camillus. Affordable housing for the elderly was a big concern, as many of the homeowners wanted to live in the village but could no longer maintain their home. The village board worked closely with Charles Rock Associates in the renovations of the Camillus Elementary School and also with Two Plus Four Construction and the Town of Camillus Housing Authority to annex land and complete Connelly Acres. Both projects provided subsidized housing for the elderly.
If elected, what is the first goal or project you would like to tackle or address?
{Q}I would like to see the abandoned Sunoco gas station occupied with a gas station and a mini mart. {Q}
How many meetings attended in last year (an estimate)?
I have attended at least six or seven meetings over the last year, but have reviewed the minutes for each meeting.
