Town Supervisor candidates
Mark Nicotra
Background info (age, family, political affiliation, work history, etc.)
Age 39. Registered Republican. Endorsed by the Republican, Independence and Conservative parties. Town supervisor 2008 to present. Fourth Ward councilor from 2002 to 2007; photojournalist for WSTM TV, 1994-2001, 2004-2007; legislative aide to Senator John A. DeFrancisco, 2002; lector at St. Daniel’s Church; board of directors – L’Arche Syracuse; board of directors – Italian American Athletic Club; president – Lincoln Republican Club.
Why are you running for office?
For over 60 years my family has lived in Salina. I have a vested interest in the future of this town. The residents I serve are not only my constituents; they are my friends and neighbors. I owe it to them to continue working with the town board to make Salina a great place to live.
Why are you the best candidate?
My record of accomplishments, teamwork and efficient and effective government make me the best candidate for town supervisor. Throughout my decade of service to the town of Salina, my top priority has been to improve the quality of life for Salina residents. My approach to government has been a simple one… provide essential services to taxpayers at a cost that doesn’t overburden their pocketbooks. As town supervisor, and with the full cooperation and teamwork of the town board, we have held spending in check while bringing efficiency and professionalism to town government. Quality of life at an affordable cost, that is what I have preached over my 10 years in town government, that is what I will continue to do if I’m honored with your vote on Nov. 8.
What are the issues facing the town and how will you address them?
My main concern is controlling spending (which we have done a good job of in the town). This is becoming more difficult, though. The problem is that there is some spending we have no control over. For example, state mandates, pension, fuel and insurance costs are out of our control. Where we can control spending, we have. So with costs going up and revenue going down, the only way out of this problem is to try to attract new businesses and taxpayers to the town or cut essential government services. I would prefer the growth option. The best way to do that is to cut down on red tape and promise to make the land use approval process as simple as possible, which we have done.
Even with a very difficult economic climate, the town of Salina has not forgotten its aging infrastructure. With the help of the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), Salina was able to win grants to help with consent orders within the Mattydale Sewer District. These grants come in the form of principal forgiveness and will save Salina nearly two million dollars in principle and interest.
Above all else, constituent service has continued to be my top priority. Responding to the residents‘ issues and concerns keeps me on the forefront of the issues that affect our residents. This will continue to be the mainstay of my service to Salina.
Patrick Foster
Biographical information (family, employer, political affiliation, age, number of years in home, etc.):
I am 57 years old and have been married to Sandra for 27 years. We have three children and six grandchildren. We have lived in the town of Salina for over 21 years. I am currently semi-retired having served in the US Army for eight years and worked for the Syracuse Housing Authority for 19. I have been active in the community serving as president of the Nate Perry PTA, the Liverpool High School Marching Band Boosters and coaching youth basketball.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because I believe the current leadership has become disconnected to the community. They fail to understand the impact of their actions; or lack of action, on the residents and taxpayers of the town. To state it bluntly, the town has not been managed well the last several years. I have listened to my neighbors vent their frustrations regarding the board’s mismanagement and decided to run for office.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I have over 25 years of management and leadership experience dealing with and finding innovative solutions to problems. Developing a culture of open dialog and communication is key to finding areas for improvement and efficiencies that will enable the town to provide better and more cost effective service. I also have the technical background with infrastructure that will enable the town to make the right decisions while obtaining the most effective use of our engineering and other contract services.
What are the issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
There are a vast number of issues currently facing the town including Proposition No. 1 to buy the Burdick car dealership, the loss of the ambulance district that served thousands, flooding from a failed storm water system across the entire town, sewers backing up into residents homes in Lyncourt, a failure of town officials or employees to call residents back regarding problems, and ever increasing taxes. These problems all point to a failed system of management and control that must be remedied.
There are no easy solutions to some of these challenges, but I do know increasing the town services tax by over 8 percent to buy a car dealership and move town hall and the highway department there is not a good idea. I would not remove property from the tax rolls and make it exempt. I would look at the repair issues for those two buildings; prioritize the repairs and make the critical ones first. I would hold public hearings in a timely fashion to explain the findings and seek input from the taxpayers, and not rush the residents with only six weeks before a vote on a proposition. The storm water problem is complex and needs study to find practical solutions instead of ignoring the problem which is what is happening now. Advocating for the town residents with the responsible county departments can help with the sewer problems until they are resolved. Holding each town department head accountable to the town supervisor for complaints about their areas of responsibility will resolve many issues. An in depth review of the town operations with employees will assist in finding activities that can be made more efficient and effective to reduce costs which will help in holding down tax increases.
First Ward Councilor candidates
Colleen Gunnip
Biographical information (family, employer, political affiliation, age, number of years in home, etc.):
Age 49, one son Joseph age 25, Republican, Conservative, Independence. Onondaga County, administrative director personnel/staff development from January 2008 to present. Salina First Ward councilor and deputy supervisor from 2008 to present. Previously employed in the office of the Onondaga County Executive, 2006-07; Onondaga County Legislature assistant clerk, 2004-06; Salina town clerk, 1992-2003; Salina tax and water department, 1987-1991; Salina comptroller’s department, 1979-1986.
Why are you running for office?
Serving as the First Ward councilor over the last four years has been extremely gratifying. The ability to work on issues that affect our community, our taxes and our standard of living has been challenging. I have been able to accomplish the goal of keeping our tax rate flat, while continuing to provide all town services, as well as much needed infrastructure improvements. There is still much more I would like to accomplish in order to make sure Salina continues to be a great place to live and raise a family well into the future.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I think I am the best candidate for Salina First Ward councilor because of my 29 years of government experience. It is this experience plus my conservative vision and watchful eye on town spending that make me the best person to represent the resident of Salina’s First Ward. My leadership skills provides a unique set of skills to help get through these crucial times. I have worked with the town board to seek out grant opportunities, receiving $2.4 million this year from New York State Department of Conservation for sewer repairs. I continue to explore opportunities to share services with other local governments including Onondaga County and the village of Liverpool. I am always looking for ways to provide services more efficiently and cost effective. I have taken a proactive approach and successfully implemented financial planning to ensure funding for the resurfacing and reconstruction of roadways in Salina’s First Ward neighborhoods. As a lifelong resident of Salina’s First Ward, I truly understand and care about the concerns of the residents I have been elected to serve.
What are the issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
The last four years have been very difficult and have required fiscal responsibility and creative answers to our problems. We are faced with trying to deliver services to our residents consistent with the taxes they are paying, while expenses increase and state and local revenue continue to decrease. We must continue to investigate opportunities to consolidate or share services. We must work with other local governments to find ways to save tax dollars. Improvements to our aging infrastructure, including town hall, highway garage, parks, roads, sewers and drainage systems, continue to take priority, especially during this tough economy. We have established a long term comprehensive fiscal plan to make the necessary improvements without increasing the financial burden on the taxpayers. I will continue to work with our federal, state and local officials to find grant opportunities to maintain this important infrastructure without putting the burden on the taxpayers.
Linda Young
Biographical information (family, employer, political affiliation, age, number of years in home, etc.):
I am 57 years old, but my “to do” list will take me another 100 years to complete. I grew up in the First Ward in the town of Salina, where I have lived my entire life, and with my sister, bought a house in the Village of Liverpool about 15 years ago. I am running on both the Democratic and Independent tickets. I am a long-time union member (NYSUT/AFT) and I am also endorsed by the CNY League of Humane Voters.
I graduated from the State University at Oneonta with a B.S. in education, Syracuse University with an M.S. in education, and Syracuse University with an M.L.S. in information studies and am now retired after almost 32 years as a teacher and librarian. I have also taught needlework and crafts classes in adult education for various school districts, and lectured frequently on such diverse topics as quilting, knitting and feline behavior.
Almost 20 years ago, I recognized a problem developing not only in our community, but in all CNY communities: cats are often abandoned to the streets and left to reproduce. Since no help was available from any public agency, I decided to do something about it myself. My sister and I started a non-profit organization, KittyCorner of CNY, whose mission is to help people with cat problems (and cats with people problems). Since shelters and rescues are always full, leaving no place for unwanted animals to go, our mission has expanded to include bringing exemplary animal-related programs home to CNY. In 2005 I was one of the founders of the Spay and Neuter Syracuse Clinic (SANS) where more than 10,000 pets of persons of low income have been sterilized to date.
Why are you running for office?
I have seldom missed a town board meeting since I began attending in 2008. At the request of a previous board in 2003, I volunteered as a consultant as they wrote the “cat law.” Unfortunately, subsequent boards grossly misinterpreted the law to the point that any cat complaint might be handled by randomly trapping cats, even pets, for minor “annoyances” at a cost to taxpayers of $150 per cat, amounting to as much as $20,000 per year. Cats who were too wild to adopt out were killed. A molehill which bothered a few vocal people became a mountain for all taxpayers to finance.
While cats were the initial impetus for my involvement, my observations regarding the handling of this issue convinced me that a little creativity and common-sense coupled with a willingness to listen and research would provide a higher level of service to the taxpayers.
Board member Jim Magnarelli was highly supportive of our suggestion to replace the $20,000 annual expenditure for killing cats with a fair and sensible approach implementing volunteers. He, among others, convinced me to run, and I am stepping up to the challenge on behalf of all who are frustrated with wasted money and “representatives” who don’t listen. What began as a narrow issue has now evolved into a much broader mission.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
As one who lives on a fixed income, I know what it’s like to struggle more every year, figuring out what to give up nest just so that I can meet the next tax bill on my home. I won’t forget that at budget time, and I know that taxpayers expect me to be as careful with their (our) money as I have to be with my own.
With a background in information, education and the non-profit sector (where we have to do everything with nothing) I feel that I can bring flexibility, excellent problem-solving skills, and a clear understanding that it’s best to invest in solutions that in looking for someone to blame. I believe strongly in working with others and listening to all sides. We need new ideas, and the more people who share them with us, the better.
What are the issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
The town hall issue is huge, of course. If the taxpayers decide to go ahead with the “new” town hall at the former car dealership, it would be my job to see that it’s done as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible If they decide to repair the present town hall, we will have to take on the responsibility of repairing it, a buck which has been passed from one board to the next for the past decade, and if I am part of it, I look forward to exploring our options.
An issue that affects as many people as the discontinuation of the ambulance district requires research and discussion. There wasn’t much or either when the decision was made. Reliance on the opinion of the town attorney should not supplant informed legislating. To do less leads to rash, one-sided decisions. The public should at least have been informed and given a chance to comment before this decision was made.
The issues which are among the most important to me are those that affect my constituents every day of their lives. Road repairs and drainage are big problems in many neighborhoods, and have been for years. Whether they are county issues or town issues, these people deserve some answers.
Second Ward Councilor candidates
V. James Magnarelli
Background info (age, family, political affiliation, work history, etc.)
Age 60; Married to Francine Varisco; professor at Cazenovia College. Children Alex (29), employed by Apple, Allison (15) sophomore at Christian Brothers Academy. Endorsed by the Democratic and The Working Families parties. Retired from Niagara Mohawk/National Grid after 35 years in customer service; Currently part time public utility consultant.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for re-election for a second term on the town of Salina board representing the town’s Second Ward. After serving one two-year term, I decided that there were several items I wanted to see accomplished during the next two years; completion of the capping of the former landfill site, resolving the renovation and safety issues at our current town facilities, developing a better law for the humane and cost effective resolution of the overpopulation of cats within the town of Salina, and continue to develop a spending plan which enhances the infrastructure of the town while keeping town property taxes as flat as possible.
Why are you the best candidate?
I feel I can best serve the residents of this town based on the experience I gained talking with customers during my many years at the public utility company. I have learned to understand what people’s needs are by listening to their concerns and acting on what I feel are the most compelling issues. I was raised in a middle class family and am quite aware of the stress people feel who are overwhelmed with spiraling costs especially taxes at all government levels, while salaries are frozen and unemployment is at record proportion. The town of Salina has a large senior population whose incomes are fixed. I feel that I am best qualified to be sensitive to monitoring or town spending while providing services which enhance their quality of living in this community.
What are the issues facing the town and how will you address them?
The most immediate issues facing the town is the resolution of the buildings housing our highway department. These facilities are in desperate need of renovation. The result of the proposition to purchase a new facility on the November ballot will give the voters the opportunity to give our board the direction as to the way we need to provide our work force with a safe and secure environment.
The completion of the landfill capping is another major project which needs to be resolved within the next year. The longer the delays, the greater the costs become. The finalization of this project is long overdue.
And finally, the ongoing maintenance and repairs to the town’s sewer and drainage systems. We have a very old infrastructure and we need to wisely spend our dollars where they can be most effective to best serve our neighborhoods.
Tom Saya
Background info (age, family, political affiliation, work history, etc.)
- Family: Married to Roxanne for 39 years. Son TJ and daughter Patty (deceased 2008), granddaughter Angel Lee. Served one term as Salina Second Ward Councilor 2008-2010; member of Salina Zoning Board of Appeals 2006-2007; owner, Saya’s Auto Sales; 20-year employee of General Motors, retiring in 1994.
Why are you running for office?
As a longtime small-business owner, I became frustrated by the obstacles government seemed to be putting in the way of people who are simply trying to make a living. Instead of always complaining about it, I decided that I was going to help solve the problem and run for office. It has been very gratifying to me to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
Why are you the best candidate?
I’m the best candidate because I understand the Second Ward’s needs and goals better than anyone else. I have served on the town board in the past, and I have also served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and was able to hear directly from my neighbors about the problems they are having. As a town board member, I was very involved in several important projects that had an impact on the second ward.
What are the issues facing the town and how will you address them?
The Second Ward issues continue to be making sure home values are maintained through acceptable property maintenance.
My background in running businesses also makes me very concerned about the need to keep taxes down. High taxes kill economic growth and in Salina, the only way we will see our revenue grow is through attracting new or expanding existing businesses. While our constituents have come to rely on a certain level of services from the town, they are suffering during this down economy. We have to make sure that we have the correct balance between the need for service and the ability of our residents to pay for those services. I am very pleased that Salina seems to be leading the way in working with our neighboring towns and the county to share services and to save the taxpayers money. We need to find more efficiency in government services like any good business would do.
Third Ward Councilor candidates
Gerald Ciciarelli
Biographical information (family, employer, political affiliation, age, number of years in home, etc.):
Age: 51. Born and raised in Mattydale. Married to Robin for 22 years with four sons, Dominick, Daniel, David and Dario. Registered Republican with Conservative and Independence endorsements. Financial/investment advisory services for 11-plus years and currently senior investment advisor with The Mutual Fund Store. Served on the Town of Salina Zoning Board of Appeals. Previous business owner/operator including real estate investor for 22 years in Florida. Several years as community volunteer including president for the Mattydale, North Syracuse, and Liverpool Vikings Pop Warner Organization.
Why are you running for office?
Over the last few years I have seen this town operating like a business. I commend the town board for their efforts to maintain a business environment regardless of political affiliations. The age of this town’s infrastructure presents many issues to deal with and will need sound business decisions to address going forward. With the current economic and political environment our country, state and county is facing, I believe will ultimately impact our town with mandates and less funding to deal with these issues. Chris Benz decided not to run for re-election so I decided to get involved in hope of continuing the business synergy that has been established for the benefit of our community.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Although I do not have a background in politics I do possess the experience and qualities to manage responsible financial decisions in many different areas. I have several years of both business and investment management experience. I am a take charge leader within a team environment that can help motivate people to focus on the objectives. I was born in this town and appreciate the pride of our community history that I would like to help revitalize. I will approach things proactively by developing plans that addresses both short and long term impact that ultimately is in the best interest of the community.
What are the issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
The issues that have been addressed to me consistently is the sewer/drainage (age of infrastructure), capping of the dump and quality of life deteriorating in some areas as the main topics.
First and foremost is to focus and maintain the things we need, then whatever resources are left for the things we want. The town has already completed a study to address sewer/drainage areas in need of repair. I intend to become familiar with the study in detail and continue addressing the items as a board member focusing on costs as part of a comprehensive plan over time. The capping of the dump is being addressed in the same manner as the sewer and drainage therefore I will do the same.
The issue of “quality of life” is an issue that has been evolving over time to what is considered a problem frustrating the residents of our community in the Third Ward. I remember the days growing up in this community and how involved everyone was. Unfortunately not only our community but society in general has changed to a level that people tend to be too busy with their lives to get involved with things around them until it affects them directly. There are many great people and positive things in our area. Just like the media though, “bad news sells” and everyone gets focused on the negative issues which sends the wrong message. I plan on focusing on the positive things and build on that image while attacking the negative issues with an aggressive attitude of “if there is a will, there is a way.” Simply put, one person cannot fix a community so I will be challenging people to get involved with a common focus. Instead of making excuses of why things can’t get done, let’s find a way to make things happen.
Candidate Mike Giarrusso did not respond to our request for information.
Fourth Ward Councilor candidates
Michael J. Del Vecchio
Background info (age, family, political affiliation, work history, etc.)
Age 60; retired. Son Michael, and daughter-in-law Ashley and grandson Anthony. AAS in data processing from Onondaga Community College; BS and master’s in business administration from Columbia College. Salina Fourth Ward councilor. Party affiliation: Republican, Independence and Conservative.
Why are you running for office?
I have always been someone who likes people and trying to help them with their problems. One way to do this is to volunteer in the community and I have done this in numerous ways, being a baseball coach for over 25 years, being the president of the Lyncourt-LeMoyne Little League, and being very involved in District 8 Little League and Liverpool Babe Ruth baseball. I have also fought to keep important programs at Lyncourt Junior High School and St. Daniel’s Church going. A logical extension of my community service and volunteer work is to represent Galeville and Lyncourt on the town board. I get much satisfaction from helping someone solve their problems as they get having their problem solved. I like to treat all constituents as my extended family.
Why are you the best candidate?
I know that I am the best candidate because I have done this job for the last four years and my education, my communication skills and my compassion for people make me the right candidate. I had 30 years with Carrier Corporation, and I worked well with my fellow workers. I was a team player, just as you need to be on the town board. My communication skills are excellent as I listen to the constituents concerns and then act on them. I know that I am in the people’s business because I always put the constituents first. I work hard to give them a solution to their problem but even if I can’t solve their problem, I always give them an answer to their question. My one and only priority is the town of Salina and the fine people who live here.
What are the issues facing the town and how will you address them?
As the Fourth Ward councilor, there are many local issues that I have to deal with. Unfortunately, there have been more and more calls dealing with crime and vacant houses in my Ward. It is vital that as Councilor I work closely with my constituents to notify the sheriff’s department of the vandalism that is taking place and develop a plan to make sure our area is more closely monitored. Complaints about property maintenance, especially related to abandoned houses, continue to come in and this requires vigilance on my part and the code enforcement office to clean up these vacant properties so that we can all enjoy our neighborhoods. I also do my best to ensure the Fourth Ward is represented on any projects that are deemed necessary. I have to keep fighting to make sure our residents are not overtaxed. This is becoming more difficult as revenue from the state and from other sources continues to decrease. The town board is doing their best to minimize increases in the budget. I intend to work with the town supervisor and other town board members to reduce this tax increase even more for the final 2012 budget. We have to collaborate with Cicero and Onondaga County and other agencies so we don’t provide duplicative services to our fine town. The time for turf wars and fighting over which level of government provides what service has to come to an end. This will provide the town flexibility in the upcoming years, we must be proactive, not reactive.
Carrie Woods-Roseamelia
Background info (age, family, political affiliation, work history, etc.)
I am 35 and have been married to my high school sweetheart, Tony, for 15 years. We are raising two sons Nicolas and Owen (ages 8, 7). I graduated from SU with my master’s in ‘06 and expect my PhD in ‘12. I am a social science researcher and instructor at Upstate Medical University. I am endorsed by the Democratic Party, Working Families Party, SEIU and League of Humane Voters.
Why are you running for office?
I am running because I’m concerned with our representation in the Fourth Ward. My neighbors have real concerns including water and sewer flooding their basements, the loss of the ambulance district, and stray cats leaving behind their (ahem) trail as they go. Oftentimes, my neighbors’ complaints go unanswered, yet all the while, their taxes go up. Tax increases in Salina are particularly burdensome to seniors who live on fixed incomes and don’t want to lose their homes. I could complain, or run for office as a responsive and fresh voice for my community, the choice was simple.
Why are you the best candidate?
I am the best candidate because of my research experience and capabilities as a program evaluator and analyst. I understand that to get to the bottom of an issue, all aspects of the problem must be assessed, all stakeholders must be heard, and sometimes you need to think creatively.
What are the issues facing the town and how will you address them?
The issues facing the town are great: declining tax revenues combined with a need for greater infrastructure work (i.e. drainage and sewers, town building repairs, etc.). These challenges need to be addressed at the neighborhood level. For example, we shouldn’t close our town hall (a staple of the Galeville community) because the highway department needs major renovations. Furthermore, we shouldn’t buy Burdick on Old Liverpool Road and hand it over to the town (or later the county) because we’d lose a vital tax generating commercial space. My neighbors want less government owned buildings and more locally owned businesses. Period. Yet, I agree that something must be done with respect to the highway department but the solution must be more fiscally responsible. Alternative solutions can be found if we’re creative (see Green Building commentary posted on 9/27/11 in Post-Standard). We need a board that looks for grants and has greater community involvement in community decisions.
Please know that though our challenges may seem great, there’s no place I’d rather raise my boys than in Salina. We have the very best schools and neighbors! I respect my neighbors’ diverse ideas to the concerns we have and hope to have their vote on Election Day.
