Town supervisor candidates
Patrick Foster
Biographical information:
I am semi-retired and my wife Sandei and I have lived in the town of Salina for 23 years. We have three children, Wendy, Robert and Tiffany. We have six grandchildren, and Tiffany and her son Zachary (also known as Triple Z to his teammates) still live with us. I have been a lifelong Democrat that firmly believes in the social justice aspects of the party with a strong emphasis on fiscal restraint. I have been active in the community over the years with various groups and am a past president of the Nate Perry Elementary PTA and the Liverpool High School Marching Band Boosters. I have coached youth basketball for the last three years at Upward Bound and Optimists and am looking forward to the fourth season beginning soon. I am finishing up my second year coaching Pop Warner Mitey Mite (7 to 9 years old) football. I also am a member of the board for the Mattydale Vikings Pop Warner Football and am a member of the Chestnut Elementary PTO and playground fundraising committee.
Why are you running for office?
I believe that the town of Salina is a great place to live and raise a family. I also know that the Town can be an even better place with more effective management of our resources. A critical assessment of where we are, where do we want to be, and how do we get there is essential to the ongoing success of any organization and I do not believe that is happening now. Two years ago the town tried to get voters to approve a $10 million bond to buy property and move the town hall and highway department because the facilities needed drastic improvements. The voters did not approve of the idea. To date, no major activity has been done by the town to remedy the situations that made them think they needed to spend $10 million taxpayer on. Another instance would be hiring an individual that was terminated by another town for theft, and then promoting them to a department head position. One more illustration would be the Jewell Manor improvements made a few years ago where two of the three main streets had curbs installed and were repaved while one street had nothing done. Capital improvements are good when they are done fairly and equitably, but some of the people on Jewell do not feel like they were treated fairly. These are just examples that illustrate the need for more effective management.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
As a veteran that served almost eight years in the U.S. Army, I understand what commitment to public service means and the sacrifices you must make to serve your community and country. I worked at the Syracuse Housing Authority for 19 years as director of maintenance and other positions. I managed a workforce that performed many of the same tasks that a town government does, plowing roads, inspecting buildings, code issues, budgets, contracts, etc., so I am familiar with many of the day to day tasks of managing a union workforce and accomplishing difficult tasks while cutting costs to stay under budget. A hands-on approach to day to day operations is needed to increase accountability, and that is what I will do. Once again, taking a critical look at what we are doing and how to make it better is what I have done in the past and will do again for our town when I am elected supervisor.
What are the major issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
The biggest issues facing the town are increasing costs and revenue that does not increase at the same rate, making it difficult to pay for services. By ensuring that we make an assessment of town operations and then make adjustments to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness, expenses will be reduced.
Another big issue that the town has little control over is what happens to the businesses that rely on Route 81 traffic for their livelihood. By collaborating with these businesses and other interested parties we need to make sure that our voice is heard regarding the final solution. An old adage states that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so we need to make sure our squeak is the loudest.
Another issue that needs to be addressed is youth services. The children of our community are our future and we need to invest in that future. Many of our neighbor towns have a variety of programs that they either sponsor or help administratively. The town of Salina has some beautiful parks and we have a Learn to Swim program along with the pools. I have heard many complaints about the pools not being open long enough (primarily Mattydale) and about the recent charges implemented for the Learn to Swim program. We can do more and we need to do more. Children that are engaged in supervised activities are less likely to become involved with inappropriate behavior.
There are many other issues facing the town of Salina, like every other town in Onondaga County like increasing taxes, abandoned homes, tax delinquent properties, crime, etc. The key is to recognize the problems, communicate the issues to engage the community and be creative in finding win-win solutions whenever possible.
Mark Nicotra
Biographical information:
Mark Nicotra, 41
Registered Republican.
Endorsed by the Republican, Independence and Conservative Parties.
Town supervisor 2008 to present
Fourth ward councilor 2002 to 2007
Photojournalist, WSTM TV, 1994 to 2001, 2004 to 2007
Legislative aide to Sen. John A. DeFrancisco, 2002
Lector, St. Daniel’s Church
Past Board Member, L’Arche Syracuse
Board of Directors, Italian American Athletic Club
President, Lincoln Republican Club
Member, 2009 Class of 40 Under 40
Member, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
Member, Greater North Syracuse Chamber of Commerce
Lived in my house for 11 and a half years.
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 for this office?
My record of accomplishments, teamwork and efficient and effective government make me the best candidate for town supervisor. Throughout my 12 years 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: to 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 twelve years in town government, that is what I will continue to do if I’m honored with your vote on Nov. 5.
What are the major issues facing the town, and what will you do to 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. Over the last year the town of Salina has been helpful with the development of several properties, including:
Empower Federal Credit Union’s corporate HQ in the old BG Sulzle Plant in North Syracuse
Pacific Health Club in the old Bresee Chevy dealership on Old Liverpool Road
Southern Wine and Spirits expansion in Lyncourt.
New Byrne Dairy in Mattydale
New Express Mart/Dunkin’ Donuts in Mattydale
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 eistrict. These grants come in the form of principal forgiveness and will save Salina nearly two million dollars in principle and interest. These projects are nearing completion and will be an improvement on the quality of life to the residents of the project area.
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.
First Ward Councilor candidate
Colleen Gunnip
Biographical information:
Colleen Gunnip (51); son Joe (27). Salina resident 49 years. Personnel administrator for Onondaga County Department of Social Services and
Transportation. Endorsements: Republican, Conservative and Independence parties.
Why are you running for this seat?
I have been a taxpayer in the town of Salina for more than 27 years and know firsthand the issues facing our community. Serving as the First Ward Councilor over the last five years has been extremely rewarding. The ability to work on issues that affect our community, our taxes and our standard of living is challenging. Even with all that I have accomplished in Salina, there are still improvements that can be made. Over the next two years it is my goal to establish a financial vision and development plan that will be a permanent fixture in Salina and will carry our residents well into the next decade.
Why do you think you are the best candidate?
I think I am the best candidate for First Ward Councilor because of my 30 years of government experience. While serving as the Salina Town Clerk for 12 years, I was involved in the discussions surrounding most of the important decisions facing our town during that time. Over the last 10 years, I have worked in several leadership roles for Onondaga County government, including my current role as the personnel administrator in the Department of Social Services and Transportation. 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.
What are the issues facing this town/district and how will you address them?
The next several years will continue to be difficult and require 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 state and local revenue continue to decrease. We must continue to investigate opportunities to consolidate or share services, such as the agreement the current town board approved to share a comptroller with the town of Van Buren. We also need to continue to make improvements to our aging infrastructure including our town hall and highway garage. Following our financial capital plan and taking advantage of grant opportunities, such as the $2 million grant we received this year from the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation, will allow us to make these improvements, without putting the financial burden on the taxpayers.
Gunnip is running unopposed.
Second Ward Councilor candidate
V. James Magnarelli
Biographical:
V. James Magnarelli (62)
Graduate, Christian Brothers Academy (1969)
Graduate, Le Moyne College (Bachelor of Science; 1973)
Married to Francine Varisco; professor at Cazenovia College
Children Alex (31), Allison (17)
Lived at current address for 21 years
Endorsed by the Democratic, Conservative and Independence 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 have decided to run for a third term of office for a number of reasons. During the last two-year term I have seen the capping of the landfill near completion and am anxious to see that project finalized. There will also need to be a solution to our aging town hall and highway buildings that I would like to have input in. I have been actively involved in the negotiations of union contracts for our town employees, and would like to see both the SEIU and Teamsters agreements settled in the near term.
I have also developed a great relationship with a number of individuals and groups who either live or operate in Salina. I look forward to continuing these relationships.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Over the past four years I have acquired a lot of knowledge on how our town does and should operate. I feel I can best serve the residents of this town based on the experience I gained talking with customers during my many years of customer service experience. 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’s spending while providing services which enhance the quality of living in this community.
What are the major issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
The most pressing issue that faces all towns including Salina is presenting a budget to our taxpayers which reflects those expenses which will provide the services and infrastructure to our community that all residents deserve while holding the line on increases to spending.
There is also the ongoing discussion regarding the infrastructure of the town hall and highway department buildings. The time will be coming very soon where the board will need to decide between a major renovation plan versus a relocation of these facilities.
The cat law is something the board has been dealing with since its inception in 2005. This has been a personal agenda item I have taken on, as to modify this law in order to accomplish a cost effective and humane solution to the overpopulation of cats in our community.
Maintenance of our storm water and sewage is another very critical issue in Salina. Our systems are old and need constant monitoring to conform with state regulations in so far as the control of intake and infiltration to our pipelines
All of these issues can only be resolved by the collaborative effort of a responsible town board. By putting personal agendas and party politics aside, I have always been able to conduct meaningful and intelligible discussions with my fellow board members and town administrators to come up with the best solutions for our taxpayers and will continue to do so during my next term.
Magnarelli is running unopposed.
Third Ward Councilor candidates
Jerry Ciciarelli
Background info:
Gerald “Jerry” Ciciarelli
Age: 53
Born and raised in Mattydale
Married to Robin for 24 years with four sons, Dominick, Daniel, David and Dario.
Registered Republican with Conservative and Independence endorsements
Financial/investment advisory services for more than 13 years and currently senior vice president of investments with The Mutual Fund Store
Third Ward councilor, town of Salina January 2011 to present
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 past 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 more effectively than in the past. I have appreciated the town board for their efforts to maintain a business environment regardless of political affiliations. I will admit during this term in office was overwhelming at first to understand “government” and its process. I have put forth my efforts to learn and understand the process in order to continue positive momentum with the current board to make sensible financial decisions. 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. I have a very good understanding of government now and can focus even more efforts towards the issues facing us and I am very confident I can continue the business synergy that has been established for the benefit of our community.
Why are you the best candidate?
Although I have a short 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 how will you 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.
We have dealt with several mandates to fix/address issues of impact to the infrastructure and environment which will significantly impact expenses to the town.
The capping of the dump is nearing completion and will also have a significant impact to expenses.
There is an ever growing issue that no one seems to want to address; promised benefits to employees with no plan to address financially in the future (kick the can down the road). Government has historically had a short term focus which is causing issues for the long term.
The challenges this will present is to maintain the services to town residents with more expenses and less revenues within the budget guidelines. I am a long term planner and hope to bring that value to the business decision process that will impact our town not only today but for future generations as well.
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 with a common focus.
“Community is a powerful force.”
Ciciarelli is running against Mike Giarrusso. Giarrusso did not respond to our request for information.
Fourth Ward Councilor candidates
Michael DelVecchio
Biographical information:
Michael J. Del Vecchio, Jr., age 62, occupation, retired from Carrier Corporation, town of Salina Fourth Ward councilor
Party affiliation: Republican, Independence and Conservative
Education: A.A.S., data processing, Onondaga Community College
B.S., business administration, Columbia College
Masters of business, Columbia College
Family, mother, Lucy Del Vecchio
Son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Ashley Del Vecchio
Grandson, Anthony Michael Del Vecchio
Living at 413 Gaynor Avenue for 31 years
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 that is to volunteer in my community and I have done this by being a baseball coach for over 25 years; being the president of Lyncourt/LeMoyne Little League; and being very involved in District 8 and Liverpool Babe Ruth baseball. I have also helped to raise funds to keep important programs at Lyncourt Jr. High School and St. Daniels Church. I have been a chairman for the annual St. Daniel’s Harvest Festival for 12 years. A logical extension of my community service and volunteer work is to represent Lyncourt and Galeville on the town board. I get as much satisfaction from helping someone solve their problems as they get in having the problem solved. I really feel that I can make a difference for people in this great town of Salina.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I know that I am the best candidate because I have done this job for the last six 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 an answer to their problem and I always give them an answer. My one and only agenda is the town of Salina and the fine people who live here. I really feel that I am a public servant in the town of Salina.
What are the major issues facing the town and what will you be doing to 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. I would like to work out a plan with the sheriff’s department and the Local Neighborhood Watch groups to achieve this goal. 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. We are currently working on a plan to take care of the vacant and abandoned homes. Finally, in the Fourth Ward we have to continue and complete extensive drainage projects and continue to upgrade the roads in Salina.
On a townwide basis, I have to keep working to make sure our residents are not overtaxed. This is becoming more difficult as revenue from the state and from other sources continue to go down. The proposed 2013 budget has a modest increase in taxes and I intend to work with the town supervisor and other town board members to reduce this tax increase even more for the final budget. We have to continue our efforts at consolidation and sharing services like we have done over the past four years with Cicero and Onondaga County. We also have to hold all department heads accountable to control their spending. The time for turf wars and fighting over which level of government provides what service has to come to an end. Our taxpayers can’t afford duplicative services and I pledge to be a leading voice for effective and efficient municipal services. I am proud of the town of Salina and honored to be the Fourth Ward councilor.
Theodore Santaguida
Biographical information:
Age 39. Democratic and Working Families Party Candidate. Endorsed by the Greater Syracuse Labor Council, SEIU Local 200, and UAW Region 9.
I was born and raised in Central New York, and I have lived in my current home in Salina for the last 14 years. I have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), an MBA (LeMoyne College) and have just received certificates of advanced study in public administration (Maxwell School at Syracuse University). Prior to completing the courses at SU, I was a manufacturing engineer at New Process Gear for 13 years. Additionally, I am a part owner of the Syracuse Silver Knights professional indoor soccer team.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for this office because I believe that I can make a positive difference in the lives of the people in my community. This positive difference will come from being responsive to the needs of all my neighbors in the Fourth Ward. If elected, my main priority, above all else, will be to always remain accessible and responsive to all the residents that live in the Fourth Ward community. I believe that I can provide positive change by offering a fresh perspective that will spark new ideas in dealing with any challenges within the town.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
There are two main qualities that I possess that make me the best candidate for this office: my ability to work with people and my critical thinking skills.
One thing I have always taken pride in is being able to work with people to figure out solutions to problems. Through all my education and job experiences, the main thing I have learned was the importance of listening to and respecting people’s needs. I intend to listen to the needs of the residents of the Fourth Ward and pledge to provide the best services possible for them.
However, all the communication and good intentions in the world will not be helpful unless your representative can make good decisions. As an engineer, I believe I have the technical skills and experience to work with the other members of the town board in overseeing complex projects. On behalf of the taxpayers, I would work to make sure there was a fair process of assessing the progress and completion of the projects and services they pay for, while maintaining a high level of accountability for the various groups involved in those projects.
What are the major issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
In responding to the needs of the people, there are two basic issues that must be addressed by a town councilor. The first issue relies on collaboration with the other town board members. The town councilor must work with the other members of the town board to provide the services the community demands. At the same time, the board must maintain control of the budget. People expect their town to provide numerous basic services, such as sewer maintenance and snow removal. The main thing the councilor can do is to ensure these services are provided as efficiently as possible to guarantee people’s taxes are being spent wisely. To address this, I would work with the other members of the town board to examine new ways to provide these services more efficiently. As a manufacturing engineer at NPG, I have experience in working as part of a team to provide cost effective solutions to seemingly complex problems.
As I have mentioned already, the other issue that the town councilor must be responsible for is staying accessible to the community. The town councilor is the voice of the resident. When an issue arises that affects a resident and that issue something the town board can address, it is up to the councilor to make sure that the issue is reviewed properly. Through direct contact (in person meetings or neighborhood information sessions), the Internet (town of Salina web page), social media (Facebook and Twitter), I intend to maintain open channels with my neighbors.
Town justice candidates
Aaron Arnold
Biographical information:
I was born and raised in Liverpool, and my wife and I moved back here to buy a home and raise our children. As a licensed attorney, I have served as a criminal prosecutor, civil litigator, and adjunct professor of criminal law. Currently, I am Upstate Director of the Center for Court Innovation, where I work closely with judges, court administrators, and other agencies to improve and reform the justice system in Upstate New York.
Why are you running for office?
I advise courts across the country in new and more effective practices, and I want to bring this expertise to Salina Town Court. I believe our court can do a better job administering speedy, fair, and impartial justice. I will bring my experience and ideas to the court and help make it more efficient, more user-friendly, and more responsive to the community’s needs.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I bring a unique set of experiences and expertise to this race. Thanks to my job with the Center for Court Innovation, I work at the forefront of the court reform movement, and I advise courts throughout New York state and across the country to innovate and improve. I provide training to judges, court administrators, attorneys, and other justice system partners. I help courts build better relationships with the community. And I develop new programs that help courts reduce crime and promote long-term community safety and vitality.
What are the major issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
As a candidate for judicial office, I am prohibited from discussing how I would decide specific kinds of cases. However, many Salina residents have approached me and expressed concern about crime and disorder in the community. Other residents have complained about negative experiences they’ve had at Salina Town Court and demanded a speedier, more efficient, and more respectful court system. I will bring my experience as an attorney and a leader in justice system innovation to Salina Town Court and use my expertise to help the court address these issues.
Andrew Piraino
Biographical information:
Family: wife of 26 years, Anne Marie. Daughter, Maria
Employment: Self-employed attorney, concentrating in workers’ compensation law, affiliated with the Zimmerman Law Office
Political affiliation: Republican
Endorsements for Re-election: Republican, Conservative, Independence and Veteran’s Party
Age and Residence: 58 years old, a lifelong resident of the town of Salina, I grew up in Mattydale, college and marriage I lived in Lyncourt for eight years and have lived in Liverpool the last 18 years.
Education: Graduated from CBA in 1973 with a Regent’s diploma. Graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1977, with a B.A. in history. Graduated from Albany Law School in 1981 with a J.D.
Why are you running for office?
I have been Salina town judge for the last 19 years. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the town of Salina in this capacity. I believe I am the best candidate for the job, and I would like to continue serving my community in this capacity.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I believe that I am the best candidate for the job for several reasons. The town of Salina has always been my home and I have a lifelong vested interest in the people of this community, my 19 years of experience and service as Salina town judge speak to the fact that I am the best candidate.
Because I am a self-employed attorney, I am available to put in the hours that it takes to perform the duties of this office. Although the office is listed as “part-time,” a town judge is on call 24 hours a day for arraignments. Because the town of Salina court is one of the busiest courts in Onondaga County, the judge is usually in the office every day to do the administrative tasks such as setting fines, scheduling hearings, motion arguments, preliminary hearings and non-jury and jury trials. Also, as town judges do not have law clerks, we review all motions that are submitted, take care of the legal research required to answer said motions and issue decisions.
What are the major issues facing the town and what will you do to address them?
As a judicial candidate and a sitting judge, I am not allowed to comment on any specific issues or cases.
