Town Supervisor Candidates:
Biographical information:
Judy A. Boyke
6303 Muskrat Bay Road
Brewerton, New York
Family: Married to Edward W. Boyke, Jr. Three married children. Candiece and Walt McArdell, grandsons Tyler and Brandon. Scott and Ellen Woodard, grandson Brien and granddaughter Brianna. Missy and Patrick Brown, grandsons Zack and Shane Brown.
I am a life resident in the Town Cicero, living in Brewerton as well as my parents, grand parents, and great grand parents dating back into the 1800’s. My parents Art and Helen Sadler built their home in 1939 in Brewerton. My two sisters and I grew up learning about life because our two brothers were born with Muscular Dystrophy. My father was an entrepreneur having a coal business, fuel oil business, started the first trash pick up business in Brewerton, plus a dump trucking business. They were part of the original forming of the Brewerton Volunteer Fire Department and auxiliary. I learned very early in life from my parents about responsibility, caring for others, not being afraid of getting my hands dirty and giving a days work for a days pay.
I graduated from Central Square School and received my formal education from General Electric any many college classes. I am retired from General Electric after 33 years. During my employment I spent most of my career in the Sonar Division. As a supervisor I developed and established process procedures and work routines required for supporting fields in the Transducer Assembly Operation. I supervised 70 hourly union employees working in a controlled manufacturing environment. I worked with government personnel following strict procedures to comply with government specifications. I established efficient methods to create job interest and versatility. As a Production Project Manager I developed master schedules and implemented them. I prepared resource planning data to assist Shop Operations in level loading personnel plus assisted cost estimators developing plans for supporting personnel associated with individual programs.
I am a licensed Realtor in New York State. I am an elected director with the Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors. I have been an entrepreneur owning several small businesses for many years. I am a member of the N. Syracuse Chamber, Brewerton Chamber and Cicero Chamber of Commerce. Cicero Democratic Committee, South Shore Association, South Shore Auxiliary, and Oneida Lake Association. Volunteering with Cicero Senior’s, St. Agnes, Canteen, Children’s Miracle Network and Meals on Wheels.
I am seeking re-election of the position of Supervisor – Town of Cicero
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Why am I running for office?
Since being elected and taking office in 2010 I know that the Town of Cicero needs a full time Supervisor. I have made that my top priority during the past 22 months. I have just gotten started by implementing an open door policy and addressing the lack of fiscal accountability. Working with all departments to create a friendly atmosphere with our constituents in mind is just a part of the many plans that have been instituted. I have implemented strict cost controls measures that saved $200,000 in the first year. I called for an internal audit to all departments that handle money on a daily basis. Upon the completion of that audit a red flag was raised to out source a more thorough audit in the Justice Department. That audit is still on going and is in the hands of the District Attorney. I feel that we have just gotten started addressing the many issues within our town and it is crucial that we continue our mission to keep the Town of Cicero moving forward.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
This is a full time position which requires a dedicated person who will be a full time Supervisor. I am retired, I have grown children with families of their own.
I am committed to continuing the strong leadership with integrity and fairness for the Town of Cicero. Interfacing on a daily basis with all departments while serving on, or overseeing the many committees has given me the experience and understanding of the Town’s operations. I have and will continue to dedicate all the time necessary to provide the service that this elected position requires. I have a well rounded background and experience in finance, administration, project management, scheduling and supervision. My strengths include being organized, ability to communicate both oral and written, interpersonal relationship skills, decision making, and being a strong leader. My sense of pride and respect for the people in our town has been proven with my open door and taking the time to listen to anyone who comes to see me. In some cases they did not get the answer that they wanted to hear but I took the time to listen. My mission to bring the Town of Cicero back to the people has just begun; I believe that I am the best candidate to continue that mission because I have not commitments to any other job and I have a flexible life style that allows me to be there for the Town of Cicero.
What are the issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
1 -Town budget –
Mandates – 2% Tax Cap – benefits mandated by union contracts which
Include medical, retirement, workman’s compensation. These come right off the top. With the continued loss of revenue from town services, mortgage tax and soon county sales tax we must tighten our belts and put together a budget that will serve the town without reduces services.
In 2013 not only will be lose $600,000 revenue but will are also going to lose at least $400,000 more towards credit for our county tax. We are taking measures now so that will not be a major impact in 2013.
2 – Infrastructures – In the past several years there has not been a
comprehensive plan in place to repair the roads within the Town. A plan to address is in process of being implemented utilizing modern technology to produce this plan. Because of the magnitude of the repairs and the approximately 114 miles of roads the cost will have to spread out of several years. This will go under capital improvements within the Town.
3 – Shared Services –
Continue dialog looking at ways to share services that would bring a cost or time savings without reducing services to residents.
4 – Traffic –
Continue to work with Gov. Cuomo, Charles Schumer and Senator Gillibrand in an effort to divert the traffic from the Rt. 81 interchange in Cicero.
Working with the State to coordinate the traffic signals through out the town so that traffic has a better flow, especially during high traffic hours.
Biographical information (family, employer, political affiliation, age, number of years in home, etc.):
Jim Corl
Family: Wife, Amy who is a school teacher with the North Syracuse School District and three children, James (age 9), Jonathan (age 7), Elizabeth (age 2).
Employer: Corl Law Office, located in Cicero (next to Thee Diner)
Political Affiliation / Endorsements: Republican, Conservative, Independence, Friends of Cicero Police
Age: 36
Residence: Bridgeport / Grew up in Cicero and graduated from Cicero-North Syracuse High School, LeMoyne College and Syracuse University Law School
Why are you running for office?
Cicero is not only my hometown, it is the place I have been running my small business, Corl Law Office, since 2002. More importantly, Cicero is where my wife, Amy, and I are raising our children. Like all parents, we want what is best for our children and we would very much like them to choose to live in Cicero when they grow up. The best way to ensure that option is appealing to them is to lay the foundation for a future in Cicero that is welcoming to both families and businesses. By continuing my focus as a public servant on keeping taxes in check and encouraging economic development in a forward-looking manner, I know we can have a Cicero that is appealing for generations.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Experience matters. I am the only candidate in this race with the breadth and depth of experience necessary to be an effective leader.
During my eight years as a councilor, I have scrutinized eight budgets and vigorously opposed ones with excessive tax increases. For example, last year, I opposed the largest tax increase in seven years that my opponent managed to push through. Also, I have seen my opponent’s proposed budget for next year and once again there is more of the same -another tax increase. Cicero deserves better leadership.
My opponent continually complains about the past at the expense of getting things done for the future. I choose to focus my energies on what lies ahead for Cicero. History teaches us that no community has ever complained its way to prosperity.
I have worked with elected officials in other municipalities on shared service agreements to save Cicero residents tax dollars. Most of the time, my opponent opposes these money-saving ideas. I have met with business owners to discuss how we can work together to bring greater opportunities to Cicero. As a small business owner myself, I know the responsibility of having employees who depend on their jobs in Cicero for their livelihoods.
I owe a great deal of my accomplishments to the outstanding education I received in central New York. As a graduate of C-NS High School, LeMoyne College, and SU’s College of Law, my background provides the necessary tools needed to understand just what it takes to lead the town of Cicero.
What are the issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
Taxes are on everyone mind these days. When I am out campaigning, this becomes evident very quickly. We need to get smarter with the tax dollars we receive and tighten our municipal belt. When family budgets continually get pinched, government should be making it less burdensome on them. Sharing services is a great way to accomplish this objective.
Economic development and creating a business friendly climate are other popular issues. Over the course of two years my opponent has wasted time and thousands of tax dollars looking into the past. I on the other hand have been talking to individuals who want to get things done. There is tremendous potential in our town. We need to pick up the pace when it comes to projects like the one in Brewerton. Last week I heard about a proposal for a big project proposed for just over the bridge. That whole area has been underappreciated for too long. I have a history of working successfully with businesses and other government entities. That is exactly what I intended to do if elected. There is a bright future ahead for Cicero. It will require hard work and it will not happen overnight, but if we have the right leadership it will happen.
For more information, visit jimcorl.com.
Town Council
Tim Burtis
Biographical information (family, employer, political affiliation, age, number of years in home, etc.):
I am 45 years old and married to Chris. We have two boys, Theo and Alex. Brewerton has been our home for 13 years. I am the finance director at Driver’s Village.
As a member of the Cicero Republican Committee, I was honored to receive the endorsement of my peers in March of this year to run as a candidate for Cicero Town Councilor. In the months that followed I was privileged to have also earned the endorsements of the Conservative, Independence and Veterans parties. Most recently, I received the endorsement of the Friends of Cicero Police.
Why are you running for office?
Everyday in my work I see firsthand the strain we are under in regard to finances. Many in our community live paycheck to paycheck. I want to try to help all Cicero residents by containing costs and holding the line on taxes and spending. I am here to serve my town with my talents during a time of need.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
With 19 years of experience in finance and business, I will bring a much-needed understanding of money management to the town board. The fact that I have never run for office before, yet still managed to earn the support of more parties than any other town of Cicero candidate – for any office -clearly demonstrates my ability to rise above the rhetoric and speak to the issues.
What are the issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
The biggest issue facing the town right now is taxes. You don’t have to work in finance to realize that there are exactly two ways to balance a budget. You can increase the revenue side or decrease the expense side. Unfortunately, what government does is far too often the former and far too infrequently the latter. To the government, taxes are revenue. To the citizen, taxes are an expense. When government increases their revenue, they do so by increasing our expenses. The time has come for us to do what it takes to get both taxes and spending under control. I plan to help expand the tax base by encouraging new business development in Cicero. New businesses will help us build a stronger economic framework in our town.
As a parent, I am also concerned for the safety of the children of our community. In the past year or two there has been a lot of talk about getting rid of our police department in hopes of saving a few dollars. It was never proven that eliminating the Cicero Police would save any money. More importantly, gambling with the safety of our children is simply not an option to me. While I am pleased that citizens are looking for ways to lower expenses, getting rid of a police force that knows its population is a dangerous idea. Having a town with less police protection will only invite crime. If elected, I will do all I can to ensure our children remain safe. I proudly support the Cicero Police Department.
Vern Conway
Endorsed by:
Republican Party
Independence Party
Veterans Party
Friends of Cicero Police
This year marks 100th anniversary of when my family purchased the land on which my home and business reside. Cicero has been home to my family since the 1950s. My wife Bonnie and I have five children, 13 grandchildren and we are expecting our 11th and 12th great-grandchildren this year. Our home serves as the gathering place for many family events each year. We love Cicero and can’t imagine living anywhere else.
I have owned and operated Aero Marina Conway, Inc. since 1955. Starting in 1974 I worked with the town of Cicero and the Cicero Fire Board. I am a life member of the South Bay Fire Department where I served 17 years as the chief and assistant chief.
Why are you running for office?
Being a public servant is a role the people of Cicero have honored me with for decades. It is both humbling and rewarding. I am running for Cicero Town Councilor again because I believe I can continue to help make Cicero a great place to raise a family and run a business.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
People are tired of partisan bickering. I have always had an excellent rapport with both major political parties. This is best illustrated by the fact that a Democratic town supervisor once appointed me deputy supervisor. I do not vote the party line. At every town board meeting I vote for what I believe is in the best interest of Cicero. My conscious doesn’t allow me do anything less. I have dedicated my life to public service and I am currently a Cicero Town Councilor. I am the Former Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals of which I was a member for 27 years. I am also a former member of the Cicero Planning Board and served 18 years on the Drainage Committee.
My experience makes me uniquely qualified to understand the issues facing our town and help create the best resolution to any problems that may arise.
What are the issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
Taxes are an important issue for all residents of Cicero. By looking for opportunities of shared service agreements with other government entities I will hold the line on taxes.
There are various infrastructure issues that need improvement in our town such as roads and drainage issues. These will also be important objectives for me should I have the good fortune of being re-elected. I will approach these by continuing to work with the Drainage Committee as vice chairman and also working closely with our new Infrastructure Committee.
My experience with our town fire departments is not limited just to my years of service with the South Bay Fire Department. I have had the pleasure of working with every fire department in our town. I know the importance of maintaining open channels of communication between our town government and the first responders to ensure the safety of all Cicero citizens. As a member of the town board I have always ensured that Cicero has the best tools to keep it safe. That is why I have always supported the Cicero Police Department and will continue to do so.
Joe Ruscitto
Biographical information (family, employer, political affiliation, age, number of years in home, etc.):
I am a lifelong resident of Onondaga County, a 46-year resident of the Town of Cicero, and I’ve lived in Brewerton since 1966 with my wife, Gina. We are very proud of our two teen-aged children, Reneé and Anthony, who are honor students. I have worked for 26 years at Raulli and Sons Iron Works, where I am a manager.
I have been endorsed by the Democratic Party and running on the Independent Line “A New Voice” for Cicero.
For more information regarding my qualifications, please visit the Internet at joe-ruscitto.org or email me at [email protected].
Why are you running for office?
As a lifelong member of the Cicero community, I am running for Cicero Town Councilor to serve as “The People’s Voice” that calls for fiscal accountability and transparent local government, free from hidden political agendas. I believe that our community deserves a councilor who listens to the people’s concerns and advocates on their behalf for cost-effective, reasonable solutions to our most pressing problems.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
With over 35 years of combined experience as a manager, safety officer and purchasing agent at a locally owned structural steel company and other local businesses, I am uniquely qualified to work with constituents, planners and other town board members to help Cicero achieve sustainable growth based on realistic goals and a fiscally sound business plan. I have experience in facilities management, building codes, construction project planning and budget oversight in large-scale projects involving architects, engineers, and contractors. I have the knowledge, skills, and desire to truly represent and serve the people’s best interests.
My broad range of community service includes regular participation in Cicero Town Board meetings as an appointed active member of the Cicero Town Planning Board where I raise issues affecting the Cicero Community, and I am a Board Member of the North Area Volunteer Ambulance Corp (NAVAC). Through these and other community-based volunteer activities, I am helping to ensure that Cicero residents have access to life-saving emergency services such as police, fire, and ambulances.
What are the issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
Like most New York state communities today, Cicero faces economic challenges that threaten our growth, prosperity, and the essential services upon which we all depend. To maximize the resources of our community, we must have well-planned changes based on sound budgets approved by the voters.
When elected as Cicero Town Councilor, I will improve communications between Cicero residents and council members by bringing constituent ideas and concerns to town council meetings. Additionally, I will work diligently to attract new businesses and jobs to Cicero (e.g., the new Tim Horton’s and Nice N Easy Shoppes being built in Cicero), and I will work creating plans and procedures to improve our roads and to ensure continued access to life-saving services such as police, fire, and ambulances.
Don Snyder
Biographical information (family, employer, political affiliation, age, number of years in home, etc.):
My wife Jessie and I have lived in Cicero for 29 years. We have six adult children and 14 grandchildren. We first lived in Harbor Village in Bridgeport (23 years) and currently reside on Mud Mill Road. Our children attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School. We are both active members in our church.
I frequently speak at the town board meetings because I think it is important for me to be aware and a part of the business of the town. I am a member of the town Drainage Committee, working closely with the Highway Superintendent and Town Engineer to improve drainage conditions. I am also a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and served on the Police Study Committee. I believe that my participation at town board meetings, as well as serving on the Drainage Committee and the ZBA, gives me insight into how the town of Cicero’s government works, which will be of great help with my duties as a town councilor
I have a bachelor of science degree from Syracuse University with a major in accounting. My work experience includes managing construction projects for the Delaware Transit Corporation and 30 years as the facilities manager for the Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. I have a great deal of experience working closely with architects, engineers and contractors. My experience with budgeting and contracts at the state level gives me a unique perspective in my approach to understanding problems and communicating information to the public and the voters.
Why are you running for office?
I have been closely following the actions of the Cicero town board for several years now and feel that I am at a time in my life where I am able to get more involved in the governmental process in our community. I look forward to listening to the concerns of residents and working to bring constructive solutions to those problems. My background in being responsible for large budgets and managing large scale construction projects will assist me in looking for creative solutions that will benefit all residents.
The town is facing many challenges ahead, including the 2 percent property tax increase limit enacted by the state and the loss of approximately $4 million in sales tax revenue per year from Onondaga County. These issues will put a great deal of pressure on our representatives to find ways to maintain essential services in the face of declining revenue amounts. I am ready to face those challenges and work with all of the town board members to find creative solutions. My goal is to work toward a more efficient town government while finding creative ways to maintain services to residents.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I want to see Cicero continue to be a great place to live and to raise a family. As the town has grown, the demand for services has increased dramatically, underscoring the need for a more efficient government.
The town’s roads and drainage infrastructure are aging
Computer systems have to be continually updated to reflect the new technologies and the needs of the residents
Town Hall practices have to be more flexible to make it easier for the residents to conduct business with the Town
All town services need to be evaluated on a regular basis to assure they are meeting the needs of the residents
I will consider the needs of the residents first and will work with anyone in good faith to address those needs.
I would like to take an in-depth look at each department regardless of size.
What are the tasks that each department must do by law?
What are the actual tasks that are done?
Which tasks should be continued?
Which tasks should be eliminated or delegated to another department or to another agency?
What is the monetary income realized by the department?
Can departmental revenues be increased?
I realize that taxes are an issue but I also recognize that the bulk of the taxes that property owners pay are not under the control of the town board. The school budget is the lion’s share of the taxes we pay, while county and state mandated taxes are another large portion. I understand the need for a higher level of fiscal accountability and promise to manage the town’s money like it was my own.
I will look at even the smallest expenditures to make sure public money is being spent wisely
I will ask for reports that show year-to-date expenditures in many areas
I will try to bring wages and benefit costs in line with what the majority of taxpayers experience
I will ask for a budget that the residents can understand, not just one designed for governmental accounting
I will bring a higher level of accountability to the town
What are the issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
I believe that the town’s spending priorities must be constantly reevaluated to be certain that expenditures are in line and meeting the needs of the taxpayers.
I will support the Brewerton revitalization effort and want to dedicate funds to the project
I will support consolidation efforts where expenditures are reduced and services are the same or better
I will look closely at services that can be consolidated
I will support efforts to continue to update the town’s computer systems.
I will support efforts to make it easier for residents to fully understand where there tax dollars are being spent and to access and pay for town services
While I realize that I cannot promise to make any of these improvements on my own, I do promise to work to help ensure that improvements are made at every level in the town.
Town Clerk
Tracy Cosilmon
Background info (age, family, political affiliation, work history, etc.)
Husband David (married 25 years), son John and daughter-in-law Jackie Lynn and dog Callie
Town clerk of Cicero for 10 years
Republican; endorsed by the Conservative, Independence and Veterans parties
Why are you running for office?
I thoroughly enjoy serving the public and being able to assist and provide the services that the town clerk’s office provides. I am educated and informed as to the practices and policies that will affect the community. It is important to me that, as the town’s public relations officer, I behave in a courteous, professional manner with dedication and a smile.
Why are you the best candidate?
I have 10 years of knowledge, experience and dedication as town clerk. I’m always willing to serve my community in a responsible and professional manner.
What are the issues facing the town and how will you address them?
I like to provide as much support as possible to everyone in this community. During these difficult economic times, there are a variety of issues that affect each individual personally. As town clerk, I listen and offer the proper assistance. With any issue, I truly believe that you need to work together to build a better community and make a difference.
Biographical information:
Born and raised in Cicero
11 years as highway superintendent
Family: Wife Pamela; daughter and son-in-law and grandchild Samantha and Blake; daughter Bridget Woznica; son Joseph Woznica.
Why are you running for office?
To complete the road projects and equipment upgrades I’ve stated over the last 11 years
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I was born and raised here. I have experience in the construction business. I also ran a family farm, as well as a family-owned rubbish removal business from 1980 to 1999. I’ve done this stuff my whole life. I’ve spent my whole life working in the mud.
What are the issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
Right now we’re writing new road standards, because they haven’t been updated since 2005. We’re also continuing to update road and drainage work that hasn’t been updated for the last 30 years.
