As the Nov. 3 election day approaches, the Eagle Bulletin hopes to facilitate the public’s interest in local governments by presenting candidate questionnaires for all of the elections that the paper covers.
For the upcoming election in the town of Manlius, the supervisor seat is up for reelection, as well as the town clerk and three town councilor seats. This year, all of the candidates are running unopposed for the seat they are seeking for reelection. Current Manlius Town Supervisor Ed Theobald and current Manlius Town Clerk Allison Edsall will run for reelection.
Current Manlius Town Councilors are running to keep their seats on the town board, including Nick Marzola, John Loeffler and Richard Rossetti, who was appointed to the board earlier this year when Jason Cassalia left the board to serve as undersheriff under Onondaga County Sheriff Gene Conway.
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, even if they are running unopposed. 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 the town supervisor, town clerk and town councilor races. Responses are presented in alphabetical order by last name.
Town Supervisor
Edmond J. Theobald
Political affiliation: Republican. Endorsed by Republican Party, Conservative Party, Independence Party and Veteran’s Party.
Background/bio: Married 37 years to Bridget and we have three grown adult children and one grandchild. Resident of Minoa for 36 years. Owner of Edmond J. Theobald Financial Services since 2001 and have been in the Insurance and Financial Industry since 1977. Graduate with AAS Degree from SUNY Morrisville and Cazenovia Central. US Army Veteran (1972-74).
Political experience: Town of Manlius Supervisor (2010-present), Village of Minoa Trustee (2004-2010) and Town of Manlius Republican Committee Chairman (2008-2010).
What do you believe is one of the biggest problems the town of Manlius currently faces?
When I first ran for Town Supervisor and then elected, I clearly stated that it was important that I bring to the town similar operational methods as a business owner would in a private sector, but still, understanding there are differences between the two entities. So, my approach to what may be considered problems, I refer to them as challenges and opportunities. Whether they are unfunded mandates passed down to us from the state, drainage, community development or public safety issues, we handle all of these head on and resolve them each on their own individual basis successfully.
Why do you want to continue to serve as a Manlius Town Supervisor?
To begin with, I really enjoy being town supervisor. Handling the day-to-day operations, as well as meeting with our residents on a regular basis, whether it’s visiting with them when I see them come in to Town Hall, or their stopping in my office with questions, calling me, emailing me or sending letters with their concerns, which sometimes can be very challenging, I welcome their interaction. Plus, we have a great team which makes my job easier with all of our departments who are professional in every way and help me look good. It has also afforded me the opportunity to work closer with Albany serving on the Association of Towns Executive Committee and dealing first hand with the legislative process and how it affects all of our town municipalities.
What will be your top priority in your next term?
As Chief Financial Officer, my top priority will always be the same as I have made since I have been town supervisor and that is to keep our town taxes under control. Fortunately, this has been a successful accomplishment and one which I could not do on my own and have an excellent board to work with that strives for these same goals. Another top priority which I have stressed as Town Supervisor, is that all of our employees continue to treat our residents as our customers and that we are here to serve them because this is who we work for each day and that we continue to treat them with respect and offer them the best possible service we can.
Town Clerk
Allison Edsall
Political Affiliation: Republican and I have been endorsed by the Conservative, Independence and Veteran’s Party.
Background / bio: I was elected as Manlius Town Clerk in 2008. Prior to my position as town clerk, I worked for the village of Manlius as the court clerk. I have a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Le Moyne College. I live in the village of Manlius with my sons Michael and Noah.
Why do you want to continue to serve as a Manlius Town Clerk?
I would like to continue serving as town clerk because I love serving the community that I live in. I am always looking for new ways to provide our community with more efficient and helpful customer service.
What will be your top priority in your next term?
I am currently working on updating the website for the town of Manlius so that residents will be able to access more information and services. My goal this year is to enhance our website so that it acts as an E-Town Hall that is a available to residents anytime and from any location.
Town Councilors
John Loeffler
Political affiliation: Republican Party (registered). Endorsed by Republican Party, Conservative Party, Independence Party and Veteran’s Party
Background/bio: Married to Karen Loeffler. We have three sons, including Danny and Jack, who graduated from Fayetteville-Manlius High School, and Josh who is currently a senior. I have lived in the town of Manlius for the last 27 years.
Education: BS and MS in Engineering from Syracuse University, MBA from Cornell University. Currently work as Global Product Manager for Carrier Corporation.
Political experience: Member of the Manlius Town Board, member of Republican Committee.
What do you believe is one of the biggest problems the town of Manlius currently faces?
One problem we have faced consistently over the last several years is the combination of low economic growth and increasing state mandates putting severe pressure on our annual budgets (and property tax rates by extension). This is a common issue for most municipalities across upstate New York. We work hard to continuously improve services and efficiency at the town level, but until we can improve the environment for growth and limit the increases in state mandated programs, we will face limited choices in our budgeting and tax policies.
Why do you want to continue to serve as a Manlius Town Councilor?
Manlius has been my home for more than 25 years. My children were born and raised here and my family and I have a deep commitment to the community and a real interest in its future. I have been an active and outspoken member of the town board for the last several years in part because it is a way to give back to the community. With the support of the residents of Manlius, I hope to continue this service in the future.
What will be your top priority in your next term?
To continue help our town board focus on strong fiscal management and continuous improvement of services. I believe that this is a primary expectation of the residents of the town.
Nicholas J. Marzola
Political Affiliation: Proudly received the esteemed endorsement of the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Veteran’s parties.
Background / Bio: I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 35 years of progressive diverse finance, accounting, operations and executive management experience. I am employed as the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Hollowick, Inc., located in the village of Manlius. My wife Patricia and I live in the village of Manlius and have three grown children, all of whom attended F-M schools. We are members of the Immaculate Conception parish.
Political Experience: Served as a Manlius Town Councilor for the past 14 years and before that served as a village of Manlius trustee for two years. Also served on the both the Village of Manlius Planning and Zoning Boards. For the town, I am the Chair of the Budget and Finance, Fire and EMS, Technology and Professional Services Committees, and am the Highway Department Liaison.
What do you believe is one of the biggest problems the Town of Manlius currently faces?
All municipalities in New York State are under significant fiscal stress from both low assessment growth and cost increases from outdated mandated policies, tax cap and regulatory requirements from Albany. Thankfully, your town board operates in a fiscally responsible manner and understands that management of cost structure and operations is the only way to maintain and continue your stable tax rate. As evidence of your board’s stewardship, I am extremely proud to note that for the past three years your town has been awarded the highest fiscal solvency rating a New York State municipality can receive. This rating gives you assurance that your town has minimal fiscal stress, is fiscally strong and solvent, is prudently managed and consistently approaches its fiscal affairs.
Why do you want to continue to serve as Manlius Town Councilor?
The opportunity to serve my community in an elected position is one that I cherish, respect and am sincerely proud of. I am in public service to ensure our town is financially sound and operates prudently, to listen and respond professionally, yet to temper decisions based on the overall public good. My enthusiasm, commitment, practical approach and love to serve are evident. I enjoy being a councilor, interacting with my constituents, discussing issues and bringing value. My skills sets and professional experiences as a CPA and seasoned financial management executive are unique to your board, which inures both financial accountability and an operational approach to town government.
What will be your top priority in your next term?
Continue to focus on operational excellence, financial and budgetary stewardship to ensure a stable tax rate, prudent zoning and planning management, enhanced constituent service and innovation in the way the town operates and conducts business, including increased inter-municipal cooperation with our villages, schools and county wherever possible.
I pledge to you my continued commitment and focused effort to ensure that our town continues as the outstanding community we are all blessed to live in. It is a distinct honor to represent and serve you.
Richard A. Rossetti
Political affiliation: Registered Republican, endorsed by the Conservative Party, the Independence Party and the Veterans Party
Background/bio: I currently serve as President of a local real estate development and management company. My career spans more than thirty five years in the real estate and construction industries. Prior positions included; Accounting Manager of one of the largest mall developers operating in the Northeastern United States, Vice President of a real estate management and consulting company located in New England, CFO of a heavy/highway construction company operating throughout the Mid-Atlantic States and served as an adjunct Accounting Professor at a local College. Prior to being appointed to the Manlius Town Board, I served on the Town of Manlius ZBA and Town of Manlius Planning Board including serving as its Chairman. I hold both a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and a Masters degree in Accounting and I have completed several continuing education courses in the real estate field.
Political experience: This is my first experience as a political officeholder.
What do you believe is one of the biggest problems the town of Manlius currently faces?
I believe the biggest problem facing all New York municipalities relates to finances. The continued struggle to provide the necessary services to the constituents while keeping our controllable costs down, absorbing the costs that we are not able to control and keeping taxes as low as possible is an annual challenge.
Why do you want to continue to serve as a Manlius Town Councilor?
My wife and I have lived in the town of Manlius for 28 years and have truly enjoyed our experience. I have always believed each of us should do what we can to improve the community in which we live. For the past 12 years I have tried to do just that by serving the town in various capacities. I would like to continue to use my knowledge and experience to help in any way I can.
What will be your top priority in your next term?
Work with business representatives, elected officials, town employees and constituents to responsibly grow our town while dutifully preserving our quality of life.
