In Salina, voters will elect a town supervisor, councilors for the First, Second, Third and Fourth wards, a town justice and a tax receiver. Learn more about each candidate below. Tax Receiver Alicia McCollum, who is running unopposed, did not return her questionnaire.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. To determine your polling place, visit ongov.net/elections/index.html and click on “Polling Place Locator” or call the Onondaga County Board of Elections at (315) 435-8683.

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Town supervisor (choose one)

Mark Nicotra (Republican incumbent)

Biographical info:

• Registered Republican
• Endorsed by the Republican, Independence and Conservative parties
• Town Supervisor 2008 to present
• Fourth Ward Councilor 2002-07
• Photojournalist – WSTM TV, 1994-2001, 2004-2007
• Legislative aide to Sen. John A. DeFrancisco, 2002
• Lector – St. Daniel’s Church
• Board member – Bishop Grimes High School
• Commission member – Consensus
• Board of directors – Italian American Athletic Club
• Chairman – Lincoln Republican Club
• Member – 2009 Class of 40 Under 40
• Member – Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
• Member – Plank Road Chamber of Commerce
• Past board member – L’Arche Syracuse, Inc.
• Past board member – Syracuse Regional Airport Authority

Why are you running for office?

For more than 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 16 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 — 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 16 years in town government, that is what I will continue to do if I’m honored with your vote on Nov. 7.

What are the major issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?

Continued attention to Salina’s infrastructure.   

• Completed road and drainage improvement projects throughout the town.
• Successfully received grants to complete park renovation projects.
• Updated capital improvement list to plan long-term infrastructure projects.

Continuing to find ways to save taxpayers money.

Worked with other town supervisors, village mayors and Onondaga County on shared services to create cost savings and efficiencies through all levels of local government.   

Continued stabilization of the town’s tax rate. 

Responsible spending and a reduction in operating costs (while maintaining all essential services) have all contributed to a stable tax rate.

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.