In the northern suburbs, voters will elect county legislators in the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and 14th legislative districts. Learn more about each candidate below. 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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Second District (Choose one)
James Rowley (Republican)
Biographical info:
Married, three adult children
Assistant superintendent, Oneida City School District
Endorsed by: Republican, Conservative, Independence, Veterans
Lifelong resident of the town of Clay
Why are you running for office?
I think I speak for many people when I say county government has grown too big, has become more political and less transparent and tends to advance the desires of state government ahead of heeding the voices of local taxpayers. County government should not be used as a platform to advance a political agenda; rather it should focus on providing essential services at a reasonable cost. Unfortunately, New York state places many mandates upon county government that by law must be funded (for example the entire county property tax levy, and then some, is used to fund the state mandated Medicaid program — the richest, most expensive program in the nation relative to other states).
While we need to continue to advocate for a less intrusive, smaller state government, I believe there are steps we can take to make county government more accountable now. I believe we should change the form of county government by eliminating the county legislature, eliminating the county executive position and reverting to a board of supervisors’ form of government that existed decades ago. Town supervisors — the level of government closest to its citizens — would meet at the county level to determine budgets and policy. This could be accomplished through public referendum with a weighted voting system established to ensure equal representation. What better way to encourage the sharing of resources at the local level than to have local supervisors make county policy?
I find it interesting that this type of consolidation endeavor was never discussed by the Commission of Local Government Modernization – Consensus; yet the idea of an even bigger, more political, more expensive, less responsive merged city/county government was advanced without hesitation. Makes you wonder if there was a hidden agenda, doesn’t it?
Why are you the best candidate?
I have experience and a record that I am proud to share. My formal education includes a BS degree from Clarkson University, MBA from Syracuse University and a permanent certificate in School Business Administration from SUNY Brockport. My background includes extensive private sector experience in accounting and finance, occupying positions as controller and chief financial officer in a number of CNY companies.
My public sector experience includes elective office in the town of Clay as councilor, deputy supervisor and supervisor. I was the architect of the Clay police merger with Onondaga County in 2008 that saved Clay taxpayers $1 million annually.
I went on to serve as chief fiscal officer for Onondaga County from 2008-12 and was honored with a Gold Star Resolution from the entire legislature for my work during the financial crisis. I am committed to doing the right thing in the county legislature regardless of the political consequences.
What are the major issues facing the district and what will you do to address them?
While there are many issues facing the Second Legislative District that, in my opinion, are beyond the scope of local government to fix (costly state mandates, crushing state regulations that make it difficult for businesses to thrive and wasted state economic development dollars), there are a few pressing issues I am concerned about and will work to help alleviate the problems they cause going forward.
First is the issue of sewer capacity. While I am aware of the investments the county has made in sewer treatment capacity in Clay, I am skeptical when a mandate comes from county government putting a moratorium on sewer connections that effectively shuts off economic development in our town. While I am not an engineer, I know there are differing opinions with regard for the need of a moratorium and I will work closely with town officials going forward to ensure clay is treated fairly.
Secondly, in this age of Amazon, Clay is facing an issue with vacant retail space — the most notable is Great Northern Mall. While I don’t have a magic wand that will fill these spaces, I will work with developers and local officials to advance any ideas that would reconstitute these empty spaces.
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Fourth District (choose one):
Judy Tassone (Republican incumbent)
Biographical info:
I have been a life resident of the town of Salina. I raised my sons in Liverpool and my husband Bill and I have resided at our current residence since 2001.
After retiring from National Grid I ran for the office of county legislature. I am still honored to hold this seat, representing the residents of the Fourth District.
I have been a Republican Committee member for over 25 years.
I am endorsed by the Onondaga County Republican Committee.
Endorsed by the Independence Party.
A proud member and endorsed by the Lincoln Republican Party.
Chairperson of the County Facilities Committee for six years.
Member of the Environmental Protection Committee.
Past member of the Public Safety Committee, Health Committee.
Volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Everson Museum.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office again to continue the work I have dedicated myself to for the past eight years.
Why are you the best candidate?
For the past eight years that that I have served in office, the county has seen less spending, a smaller government and decreased county taxes. Right now, the county property taxes are at an all-time, historic low.
As chair of Facilities, I overlook the DOT, parks department, county buildings, OCC and the county libraries — all of which are in exceptional condition.
What are the major issues facing the district and what will you do to address them?
There are always going to be issues facing any municipality, but Onondaga County is one of the top counties in the state, a county that adheres to the taxpayer’s needs.
I want to continue to make our county a place where families can prosper in a safe environment.
I want to finish the trail around the lake “Loop the Lake” and see that Onondaga Lake becomes the economic engine that it can and will be.
I am and will always be committed to my constituents, serving their needs.
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