JORDAN– After more than four decades serving as first a trustee and then mayor of Jordan, Richard Platten made the decision not to run again.
Two members of the village board, Trustees Casey Brim and Mark Gustafson have thrown their hats in the ring to succeed Platten.
Each candidate was asked to respond to several questions about their background as well as their thoughts and concerns for the community and what they would do as representatives to address those concerns.
Their responses are run in alphabetical order by last name..
Voting will take place in Jordan on March 16.
Casey Brim
My name is Casey Brim. I have been a resident of the Village of Jordan for over 20 years and a graduate of Jordan-Elbridge. I live right in the heart of the village with my wife, Kelly. I currently serve on the Village Board of Trustees, and have served previously on the Jordan Community Council and Jordan Fall Festival Committee. I work locally as the director of Jordan Ambulance, and am a member of the Jordan Fire Department.
Why are you seeking to be mayor?
Living in the Village of Jordan most of my life, I have continually been trying to give back to a community that has given me so much. Jordan is a great place to live and as mayor I would like to showcase that. With your support, I will be able to continue to serve in a greater capacity and we will be able to work to a bright future for Jordan.
What are a few of the major issues you think the community is facing or that you think need to top priorities and what would you do to address them if elected?
If elected, there will be a greater focus on communication between the village board and the residents, along with easier access to information. Bringing fresh eyes to the village budget with a focus on community needs. Finally, continue working with the board on the beautification and walkability of the village.
What else should voters know about you?
Our village is a nice place to live and visit and I want to continue on the historic tradition of being a great place to live and work. With this opportunity to bring in fresh ideas as Mayor, I hope to work with the community to bring a renewed life to the Village. With your support and involvement, we will be able to do just that. I hope to earn your support on March 16, 2021.
Mark Gustafson
My name is Mark Gustafson and I am running for mayor of the village of Jordan. I have been a resident of Jordan along with my wife, son, dog and cat since 2009. I have been a member of the village board for the past six years (the last four as deputy mayor). I am a Mason at the Jordan Lodge. My professional experience consists of sales, management and finance.
Why are you seeking to be mayor?
I am running for mayor to build on the foundation that has come before us to help create a revitalized downtown that attracts small business, while keeping our community family oriented and safe.
What are a few of the major issues you think the community is facing or that you think need to top priorities and what would you do to address them if elected?
A few of the upcoming issues:
Taxes: The amount we pay for the services we want. During Covid19, everyone has had to tighten their belts fiscally, and the Village of Jordan is no different. With state and county funding in question, our board has been working with departments to cut expenditures where practical and to identify future savings as we move forward. Our goal is to hold the line on taxes.
Water Project:
The Villages of Jordan and Elbridge and the Town of Elbridge are working together on a water project that will replace the old water mains with new pipes in our service area. This new infrastructure will modernize our system, saving money on maintenance and over time, setting the stage for growth.
Downtown development:
Our downtown is adding small business & we will continue to make it a priority to attract future small businesses to our village, through downtown improvements.
New development:
Replacing water lines (and the potential to add over time) will “set the stage” for new residential construction.
This can be accomplished while we keep the small community feel of the Village of Jordan.
Our community events: Memorial Day Parade, The Jordan Fall Festival, The Tree Lighting Ceremony, are looking more likely as we move through this pandemic. These events are what help make Jordan the Village we love. Please remember as we re-open this year: volunteers are always needed and welcome. The sense of community is what our village needs now. I hope to see you all at the community events.
What else should voters know about you?
If anyone has any questions or comments, contact the village and I will get back to you at my earliest convenience.
I am asking for your vote for Mayor March 16, 2021 at the Jordan Library.
Thank you for your support.