On Nov. 3, voters in the town of DeWitt will get the opportunity to cast their ballots for the town supervisor, town clerk and three town councilor positions. Each race is contested. For town supervisor, incumbent Democrat Ed Michalenko running against Republic candidate Greg Schittano; for town clerk, incumbent Democrat Angela Epolito is running against Republican candidate Patricia MacCasland; for town council, incumbents Kerry Mannion and Karen Docter, both Democrats, are running for reelections in their seats. Current town board member Jack Dooling (D) is not seeking reelection. Three other candidates running for town board are Mike Durkin, a Republican, Dan Wagner, a Republican, and Sam Young, a Democrat. Currently, the seven-seat DeWitt Town Board is made up entirely of Democrat members.

The staff at the Eagle Bulletin feels that it is important for voters to be informed of their candidates when it comes to local elections. Candidates in each race were given identical questionnaires and asked to respond and return for publication in the paper prior to the election. Here are the responses from the candidates for town councilor. Candidates and their responses are listed in alphabetical order.

Town Councilor Candidates

Karen Docter

Party affiliation(s): Democrat also (endorsed by Conservative and Veterans’ parties)

Political experience: Town of DeWitt Councilor, Town of DeWitt Police Commission, Town of DeWitt Business Advisory Committee, Town of DeWitt Democratic Party, Onondaga County Democratic Committee.

Education: Syracuse University College of Law (Juris Doctor), Syracuse University School of Education (Master of Science in Education), Syracuse University College of Human Development (Master of Arts in Child and Family Studies), Cornell University College of Human Ecology (Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies) and Onondaga Community College (Associate of Arts in Humanities).

Work experience/organizations involved with: Attorney in private practice (23 years) concentration on representation of children in support, paternity, custody, visitation and divorce proceedings, as well as juvenile delinquency and persons in need of supervision matters, abuse and neglect proceedings and family offense proceedings. Mediation and collaborative law practitioner; Court Evaluator; Guardian ad Litem; speaker on family law issues for the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department’s Attorney for the Child Program; the Onondaga County Bar Association; the New York State Bar Association; the National Business Institute; the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts; and at Syracuse University College of Law.

Organizations: New York State Child Welfare Court Improvement Project., Rotary Club of DeWitt, Inc., Central New York Collaborative Law Professionals, Onondaga County Bar Association, New York State Bar association.

How long have you lived in DeWitt? 42.5 years

Why do you believe citizens should vote for you? I was appointed to the DeWitt Town Board in January, 2015; since then I have been actively representing the best interests of our Town’s residents and businesses. I personally research issues and weigh consequences before I vote. My decisions are grounded in realism and economic reality. I listen respectfully to each person who speaks at o public hearings or calls me. I have put my own stamp on such diverse issues as lawsuits, refinancing, assessments and appraisals, staff retention, funds expenditure, animal control, traffic problems, community outreach and environmental concerns. If I am elected, our residents and businesses will have stability in representation as I continue to serve the best interests of our town and to advocate for economic development balanced with environmental interests while also ensuring that the hard earned tax dollars of our residents are spent wisely for the good of each resident and the community as a whole

What do you think you would bring to the DeWitt Town Board? I bring an eclectic perspective to the Board coupled with almost a year of experience as an appointed Board councilor.

During law school, I took courses in addition to family law including zoning, civil and criminal procedure, products liability, patents and contracts. This knowledge enhances decisions I have been making for the good of the town.

I also hold advanced degrees in child development and education. By virtue of these studies, I have learned methods of effective communication with people from many different backgrounds who have specialized concerns. I am a staunch supporter of diversity in our town’s business and residential life and I love talking to our residents. I encourage folks to contact me with their concerns. I am pleased I have been able to provide answers to most questions.

I am able to plan for both long range and short term goals and objectives and I utilize best practices for effectuating those goals and objectives. In my months of service on the Board, I have actively contributed to many projects and concerns that affect the wellbeing of our town, from waste water management to environmental clean up to supporting a new business directory venture. I bring to the board a vested interest in all parts of DeWitt.

What do you believe are the top three issues in the town of DeWitt? I believe that the three (3) top issues in the Town of DeWitt are:

1. Promotion of economic growth within environmental and aesthetic parameters, continuing the provision of excellent services for Town residents at the best possible value

2. Protection of our town’s wetlands and critical habitats for creatures and native plant life, keeping DeWitt a “Climate Smart Community”, enhancing collaborative efforts between our town and New York State.

3. Community safety, traffic concerns.

What would you do as a Town Councilor to address these issues?I have been addressing these issues since my appointment and shall continue to do so.

I always visit all locations so I understand the concerns. I participate in meetings and events even when I am not obligated to do so, such as Moving DeWitt, Field of Dreams, Butternut Creek Trail, Fiddler’s Green, Solarizing CNY, Helping Hounds, Canal Days, Franklin Park dedications, firefighter events, neighborhood cleanups, local association meetings, neighborhood block parties and the like. That way, people know that I am approachable and ready to help them.

I have studied the environmental concerns that face our burgeoning town and have educated myself as to policies, laws, procedures and codes on the statewide and local levels. I am able to, and I have so moved, to amend the existing DeWitt Town Code to protect adjacent wetlands. I have approved tree planting contracts and I have made decisions regarding “zombie” properties, fire protection and water management issues. I have participated in Public Hearings and neighborhood meetings for stop signs, pedestrian walkways speed limits and speeders.

As a DeWitt councilor, I am also an active voting member of the Police Commission; I review reports, vote on budgetary requests, and present issues to that agency brought to my personal attention by town residents.

Resident satisfaction is my goal.

Mike Durkin

Party affiliation(s): I am a registered Republican. For the election, I have been endorsed by Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform Parties.

Political experience: none

Education: Bachelor of Arts – Political Science, Hartwick College, ‘95

Family members: Kate (wife), Cassidy (16), Connor (13) and Macy (10).

Work experience/organizations involved with: I have 20 years of sales and management experience. Currently, I am a Sales and Leasing Agent with CBD Brokerage, LLC where I’ve worked since 2010. I am an active board member of Jamesville DeWitt Youth Athletics Association (2007-present) and was co-director of JDYAA Lacrosse from 2009-2014. I am also an active member of the Gyro Club of Syracuse.

How long have you lived in DeWitt? I grew up in DeWitt, attended Jamesville-Dewitt schools and have lived in DeWitt or the greater Syracuse area my entire adult life.

Why do you believe citizens should vote for you? As I mentioned, I have lived in DeWitt for most of my life and now my wife and I are raising our family here, so I am passionate about the future of our town. Our town faces many challenges such as a shrinking commercial tax base, stagnant growth and under-utilized properties. If elected, one of my top priorities will be to restore our town’s image as being “business friendly.” We must encourage businesses to remain here, while simultaneously encouraging new businesses to come here! A strong commercial tax base is vital to our long-term stability. As a commercial real estate agent, my work reminds me on a daily basis just how many under-utilized properties are located throughout the Town. As Town leaders, we must prioritize the re-purposing of these properties, such as ShoppingTown Mall, so that their highest and best use can be achieved. Finally, if elected, I will approach every discussion and every decision with an open mind, fresh perspective and transparency.

What do you think you would bring to the DeWitt Town Board? I will bring balance. By that I am suggesting that my ideas, my character, my values, my thoughts and perspectives may be different than those currently on the board. If elected, I will be the youngest board member, so I will offer a unique perspective. My perspective will be beneficial to the decision making process. A diverse board encourages healthy debate and better decisions.

What do you believe are the top three issues in the town of DeWitt? In no particular order, I believe the top three issues are: a shrinking tax base, public safety and strained relations with the village of East Syracuse. As I mentioned previously, our commercial tax base is not nearly as strong as it could/should be. While, I feel that our police department is exceptional, most town residents do not realize the extent of the efforts our officers put forth every day to ensure our safety and comfort. To that end, I hear residents asking for more coverage, whether it’s to curb speeding vehicles, reduce home/auto break-ins, or simply more officer visibility so residents feel more comfortable walking in their neighborhoods after dark. Throughout my campaign, I have also learned that relations between the town and the village of East Syracuse are strained, which is a shame and must be resolved.

What would you do as a Town Councilor to address these issues? If elected, a major priority will be to listen to current town business owners and operators to better understand their hardships, their challenges, and their objectives. The town cannot risk losing more businesses. While, there will be situations when a business leaves our area for reasons beyond our control, I am confident that if our town was more accessible and hospitable to our commercial entities, we would have greater success in retaining and attracting businesses to reside here.

In respect to public safety, I would like to meet with our law enforcement leaders and learn more about their challenges, their successes and their strategic plans. I would like to know if adding more officers is practical, affordable and/or warranted. I would want to have the conviction to know that our town has studied the impact of more officers, more importantly, what were the results? Nothing is more important than the safety of the town residents and our neighborhoods.

I also plan to find out how relations with the Village have become strained? Is it the result of consolidating government services, such as police and fire protection? How do we resolve this conflict and then attempt to bridge this divide. Consolidation of government has merit and is often appropriate, but can be difficult, especially when life safety services such as fire protection is the root of the conflict. If elected, helping to resolve the dispute between the town and the village will also be one of my priorities.

Kerry Mannion

Party affiliation(s): Democratic Party, Conservative Party and Veterans Party

Political experience: DeWitt Town Board 2008 to present, Deputy Supervisor 2009 to present.

Education: MBA, Syracuse University. Bachelor’s Degree, University of Notre Dame.

Family members: My wife Carolin and I are the proud parents of six children; Jack, Natalie, Stephanie, Maggie, Luke and Nicholas.

Work experience/organizations involved with: I have been an independent commercial real estate agent for the past 28 years, currently serving as Director of Office Leasing for COR Brokerage. Over the years I have been actively involved with JDYAA and Little League acting as a coach and volunteer.

How long have you lived in DeWitt? We have lived in the Orvilton section of Dewitt for over 23 years.

Why do you believe citizens should vote for you? As a current member of the town board, I have been an active results-oriented board member. As chair of the budget committee for seven years, I have consistently and successfully fought to keep our town tax rate under the mandated 2 percent tax cap. We have accomplished this by implementing many long term annual savings programs such as: consolidating our tax receiver with the town clerk, taking advantage of early retirement programs offered by New York State, updating our Comptroller’s Department, along with an ongoing focus on increasing efficiencies within the town.

What do you think you would bring to the DeWitt Town Board? I bring an experienced logical voice to town government. Dewitt offers the best place to raise a family with strong neighborhoods while also offering businesses a convenient and first class environment in which to work. I will continue to work with both residents and businesses to promote the strengths of our town. We need to strive for economic growth and jobs while maintaining the solid community involvement of our neighborhoods in Dewitt, East Syracuse and Jamesville.

What do you believe are the top three issues in the town of DeWitt? There are always important broad issues facing our town. One that stands out right now is the successful redevelopment of the ShoppingTown Mall. The proper redevelopment of this parcel is key to the quality of life for our residents and a very important contributor to our tax base. Of course, fiscal restraint and the need to contain, cut and curtail town spending is always a top issue, along with the successful development of our quality of life projects including sidewalks, alternative energy, park development, strong police force and the general maintenance of our neighborhoods.

What would you do as a Town Councilor to address these issues?I will continue to work with the owner of ShoppingTown and the town’s planning board to facilitate the successful redevelopment of this property into a first class mixed use property. When redeveloped properly, this important parcel will provide the town’s residents with a centerpiece project of which to be quite proud. As chair of the budget committee, I search daily for ways to operate more efficiently, striving to keep our tax rate stable.

I will continue to be an advocate for all the town’s “green” initiatives while insisting on strong involved neighborhoods.

Daniel J. Wagner

Party affiliation(s): Was a long time Democrat, switched to Republican after Obama Care and NYS Safe Act passed.

Political experience: Was asked to run for Village of East Syracuse Trustee by local Judge Don Benack and several business men in 2012. Election Inspector for 8 years. Joined Young Democrat at 17. Have knowledge of NYS Municipal Law through working with several Municipal’s over the years including water bill, tax receiving, budgeting, accounts payable, general ledger, highway, fixed assets, courts, permit zoning and property assessment. My 2.5 years on the village board has greatly enhanced my knowledge of how the political process works and the responsibilities of being a board member.

Education: St. Mathews, Bishop Ludden, ESM Regents Diploma, 10 years of night school at OCC.

Family members: Son Daniel, his wife Maria and two grandsons who live in East Syracuse. Daughter Angela and husband Greg live in Fremont. Father’s family were German immigrants and mother’s family were Irish immigrants in the late 1800s.

Work experience/organizations involved with: Started a computer software company in 1980. It grew from two to town employees in four years. We worked installing 30 turn key computer systems through out Upstate New York. I have worked with many owners, comptrollers and management boards over the years in defining, measuring and accomplishing business objectives thought out the years. Managed all aspects of running a business. I believe in hiring smarter people than myself to get the job done. I was union steward at 19 in a 60 person shop for Communications Workers of America. Achieved Boy Scouts STAR Rank Senior Patrol Leadee. Was involved in ESM Pop Warner Football Board for three years, coached Charlie Brown basketball for three years, CUB Scout and Webelos for five years, East Syracuse Lions Club, NCR Corp., Dumac Business Systems.

How long have you lived in DeWitt? I grew up in the Village of East Syracuse to age 20. I moved to the Fremont area of East Syracuse in the town of Manlius for 35 years, but moved back to East Syracuse in 2011.

Why do you believe citizens should vote for you? I will bring more transparency to town issues and will do my best to study and review all issues brought before the board with the best long term interests of the town of DeWitt residents and tax payers.

What do you think you would bring to the DeWitt Town Board? Boards set policies, budgets, pass laws, make agreements, hire and fire employees that effect every resident, business and tax payer in their towns . This power is not to be taken lightly by board members or the voters. We all must remember that it is the municipal employees that have to implement the policies set by the Board that make all the services provided in our town’s work. Boards change every two to four years and can leave unintended consequences for the tax payers. Our local taxes (village, town, county and school) are the largest expense for most residents. I will do my best to make the most economical decisions based upon facts for the town of DeWitt. I will work with all board members regardless of political affiliation for the benefit of the town.

Sam Young

Party affiliation(s): Democratic

Political experience: Elected to Jamesville-DeWitt Board of Education 2002-14; Board of Ed. President 2013-14; Board of Ed. Finance Committee Chair; DeWitt Police Commissioner, 2014-15; DeWitt Zoning Board of Appeals 2015

Education: Jamesville-DeWitt High School; B.A., Brandeis University; J.D., University of Pennsylvania School of Law.

Family members: Robin Young, public school librarian, Avi Young, student at SUNY Binghamton, Sarah Young, senior at J-D High School.

Work experience/organizations involved with: Director of Advocacy, Legal Services of Central New York; practicing attorney since 1993.

How long have you lived in DeWitt? Since 1973

Why do you believe citizens should vote for you? I have lived in the town of DeWitt for most of my life. I grew up in this community, and raised and educated my children here. I have worked hard to maintain our excellent schools, strong neighborhoods and healthy environment. I have always been active in public life and community work. After serving on the Jamesville-DeWitt Board of Education and several town boards and commissions for many years, I know how the town of DeWitt functions. I have the experience, knowledge and understanding necessary to serve the people of DeWitt as a town councilor.

What do you think you would bring to the DeWitt Town Board? I served on the Jamesville-DeWitt Board of Education from 2002 to 2014, including terms as president and finance committee chair. As a board of education member, I worked to promote fiscally responsible budgets while maintaining quality programming for district residents. I was instrumental in introducing and keeping programs such as Chinese language and string music, while consistently adopting tax rates that fell within the state’s tax cap. As a DeWitt Police Commissioner and Zoning Board of Appeals member, I promoted strong neighborhoods through robust police services and a sensible approach to zoning.

As a Town Councilor, I will work to maintain and improve our neighborhoods, increasing access for pedestrians and bicyclists; improve efficiency of government by increasing shared services between town, county and school districts; and preserve our environment and natural resources through the use of sustainable energy and land use policies. I would bring my ability to work well with others, a willingness to listen to the community I serve, and a commitment to help town government effectively provide the services that our community needs and deserves.

What do you believe are the top three issues in the town of DeWitt?

1. Comprehensive planning that will be welcoming to new and expanding businesses, while preserving the residential character of our neighborhoods.

2. Protecting our environment through sustainable land use policies.

3. Maintaining our neighborhoods.

What would you do as a Town Councilor to address these issues? As one of the largest and most well-established communities in Central New York, DeWitt enjoys strong neighborhoods, a healthy tax base and important natural resources. We are a community of many neighborhoods, connected by an infrastructure which keeps DeWitt functioning. We are fortunate to have many retail and manufacturing businesses, which are a source of employment and tax revenues to help pay for the services which DeWitt needs. We are also blessed with parks, waterways, trails and recreational opportunities which make DeWitt such a rewarding community to call home.

As our economy changes from a manufacturing-based to a service-based economy, our challenge will be to balance the need to welcome new and expanding businesses into DeWitt, while supporting our existing and growing residential neighborhoods, and maintaining our environment and natural resources. I will promote comprehensive planning which considers and balances these competing needs. Our planning must be friendly to new and existing businesses, considering the impact of those needed businesses on our residential neighborhoods and environment.

I will work to make sure that our neighborhoods remain safe and cohesive. I would like to increase opportunities for pedestrians and bicyclists to access shopping, services and recreational opportunities from their homes. I would like to see our students have a safe walk to and from school, as well as effective after-school programs to keep our children safe and occupied between the school bell and the dinner bell.

The town must adopt sustainable land use policies, considering the impact of our growth and development. We must work to prevent our growth and development from outpacing our infrastructure, in order to avoid unintended consequences such as flooding and pollution (including noise and light). This is a delicate balance that needs to be achieved, but I believe that I am ready for the challenge.