On March 18, citizens in the village of East Syracuse will vote to fill two Village Trustee positions for the village board. The open seats to be filled currently belong to Barbara Falcone Quonce, who currently serves as the deputy mayor, and Trustee James Carr, who is up for re-election.
Three candidates are running for the two seats in the upcoming election. The People’s Party has endorsed two candidates: Janet Mattox and James Carr. The Town of DeWitt Conservative Party has endorsed Bernie Ment.
The Eagle Bulletin believes it is important for citizens to get to know their candidates better and make informed decisions on the March 18 Election Day. We’ve asked each candidate to answer a questionnaire to present to our readers.
The East Syracuse Village Election will be held Wednesday, March 18, at Village Municipal Office second floor, 204 North Center St., East Syracuse from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Name: James E. Carr, Jr.
Political Affiliation: People’s Party
Education: ESM High School, Technical school, US Navy and Apprenticeship at Local IBW #43
Work experience: Union Electrical Member Local IBW #43
Political Experience: East Syracuse Village Trustee for 7 years
Why are you running for a seat on the village board?
I’m running again to continue the fiscal responsibility in the village. I want to improve the village to encourage the tax rate to decrease to entice people to come so we can see growth of the village. I want to see more economic growth in the business sector too, but the tax rate has to continue to improve.
What would be your main goal as a trustee?
To get the tax rate down for the village so it is competitive as far as business goes and as far as getting a younger generation into the village.
What are the top three village issues you would like to address if elected?
No. 1 and 2: Tax rate. The tax rate is the basis about why things are not happening in the village, We can’t attract business or younger population to come to the village.
No. 3: Village efficiency. We have to continue to become more efficient and competitive to keep our community active.
Why should citizens vote for you?
My passion is to see the village of East Syracuse succeed. I grew up here and I have a long history of family that live here. My father, grand-father and great-grandfather all live here. I want to see the village return to the state it was previously. It’s a great place to live and raise a family.
Name: Bernie Ment
Political Affiliation: Conservative Party
Education: Studied Radio Television, Journalism and Critical Analysis at OCC
Work experience: Self-employed Certified Loan Closing Specialist and Mobile Notary, e-Bay entrepreneur and antiques dealer, Freelance writer
Political Experience: Current Chairman of the Town of DeWitt Conservative Party and Onondaga County Party Secretary, Former member of the East Syracuse Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Board.
Why are you running for a seat on the village board?
I’ve lived in the village since 1997 and have adopted it as my home. I’d like to give back to my adopted community by contributing thoughts and ideas that might serve to save the taxpayers from undue overspending by the village board.
What would be your main goal as a trustee?
To be responsive to the needs of village residents and taxpayers
What are the top three village issues you would like to address if elected?
Taxation and Economic Growth: In East Syracuse, we have the lowest average income of any village in Onondaga County, yet we have one of the highest tax rates, which just doesn’t seem right. We need to balance the needs of the community with an ability to control the costs or the current trend of owner occupied properties migrating into rental units will continue. Young people starting out in life won’t want to buy a home here because of the high taxes. Also, we need to look closely at the fire department issues. There have been some serious blow ups between the department and the village board of late. Cooler heads need to prevail and we have to find a solution that will work for the fire department as well as the village in the long term. Lastly, we have a number of codes and ordinances on the books that deserve to be reviewed and adjusted to make the village a more user-friendly municipality.
Why should citizens vote for you?
As I proved during the police department merger vote of last year, I don’t take any responsibility lightly. I wrote and distributed an unbiased information sheet to inform villagers as to what was at stake if the merger vote were to fail. I hand delivered those flyers to virtually every door in the community. I will approach this position with the same zeal. Board members need to remember that they don’t work for the village, but for the taxpayers. But at the same time, we as also have an obligation to keep the village functioning like a well-oiled machine.
Name: Janet L Mattox
Political Affiliation: Peoples Party
Education: University of Rochester; ESM Graduate
Work experience: United States Postal Service, Supervisor Customer Service, 31 years – retired
Political Experience: None
Why are you running for a seat on the village board?
With my work and finance experience, I believe I can be a positive influence on the board.
What would be your main goal as a trustee?
To maintain a good quality of life for the village residents. What are the top three village issues you would like to address if elected?
Keep taxes at a stable rate, increase revenue by promoting business growth within the village and safety of our residents.
Why should citizens vote for you?
I have been a village resident for over 30 years. As an owner-occupied landlord, I am acutely aware of the problems facing both renters and homeowners in the village. I have ideas to implement tax savings in the village, as well as promote growth. I bring a wealth of experience to the board with my background in customer service; in relations with businesses as well as individuals, and strong financial practices as evidence by increases revenue at the Carousel Post Office when I was in charge there. I have been at my current residence in the village for over 20 years and am fully invested in protecting the rights of our residents. I am married, with three grown children, currently retired and able to devote quality time to the issues in the village.
