It has been four years since any political seat in the village of Baldwinsville has been contested – this year there are four candidates vying for three trustee seats and two candidates vying for one justice seat.
Incumbents Mark Wilder and Dick Clarke, as well as former village Trustee Rick Presley, who retired from the position in 2009, are on the ballot, in addition to new comer Mike Shepard. Trustee Carrie Weaver will not seek a third term.
Village Justice Elijah Huling Jr. is being contested by justice candidate John Murphy, Jr.
The mayor’s seat is also on the ballot, but incumbent Joseph Saraceni is not being contested.
This year, candidates for trustees’ seats and the mayor’s seat will run for three-year terms, while village justice candidates will run for four years.
The election will be held Tuesday March 15 and polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m. at Village Hall, 16 West Genesee St. in Baldwinsville.
The Messenger recently caught up with trustee candidate Rick Presley to get some insight into his views for the future of Baldwinsville. His responses are featured below:
Rick Presley
Village Trustee Candidate
Village Party
Residency: 33 years
Community Involvement: Village Party member for 22 years; Trustee for 20 years; Deputy Mayor for six years
It has been four years since a village trustee seat has been contested. In your opinion, why has there been a lull in political involvement and what has prompted the call to action?
People lead very busy lives. When it is perceived that there are no significant issues, we can become complacent. Now and over the next few years, the village will face serious financial challenges. Rather than sit on the sidelines and complain, I believe my public service experience and financial background offers the type of knowledge necessary to ensure the village makes sound and prudent decisions for taxpayers.
Decreased revenues, reduction/elimination of sales tax money, an already over-burdened taxpayer base – How do you propose getting village spending in line with revenues?
Village government has to evaluate and prioritize the services it offers. We must then decide which services it provides are critical, which services can be shared and which services are beyond our financial realities.
What issues are facing Baldwinsville? How do you propose handling these issues?
The Village of Baldwinsville is a fairly efficient government entity. The issues we face are not unlike all government issues now in the news – the taxpayer is over-burdened. It is my goal to re-examine the services we provide and determine if they are essential and are being delivered in the most cost effective manner.
Why should voters elect you for village trustee?
I hope village residents will vote for me based on my past service and experience. I have no hidden agenda. I will work diligently for the betterment of the Village of Baldwinsville.
