The 2019 general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. For information about polling places and early voting, visit ongov.net/elections or contact the Onondaga County Board of Elections at 315-435-8683.
In the town of Cicero, there are two candidates running for town supervisor and five candidates for two seats on the Cicero Town Board. There is one candidate running unopposed for town clerk and one candidate running unopposed for highway superintendent. The Onondaga County Legislature’s 3rd District has two candidates and the 5th District has two candidates.
Read on for the candidates’ profiles. Candidates are listed alphabetically.
Onondaga County Legislature: 3rd District
Includes portions of the towns of Cicero and Manlius.
Gary E. Williams Jr., the Democratic challenger for the 3rd District, did not return his questionnaire.
Tim Burtis (incumbent)
Republican, Conservative, Independence
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
I have been a resident of the town of Cicero for 35 years and CNY has always been my home. I work for Empower Federal Credit Union in lending, managing the auto dealer program. I served on the Cicero Town Board for three years before moving to the legislature, where I have been since 2015.
Political affiliation/experience:
I am endorsed by the Republican, Independence, Conservative, and Veterans parties.
Why are you running for office?
Listening to my neighbors’ concerns, doing my best to help those around me, and serving my community with integrity have always been things I have striven for. My desire to help the community is a calling I have heard for as long as I can remember. I have felt fortunate that I am able to serve others.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
Whenever I speak to constituents, I hear that they want lower taxes. That’s why during each of my five years on the legislature I have fought for and helped pass budgets that have reduced the tax rate. While fighting to keep taxes low is my goal, the reality is that we must maintain and invest in our infrastructure now or we will pay dearly later.
Bridges are a good example of infrastructure investment I have championed. Since my time on the legislature the county has replaced the Cicero Center Road bridge in Cicero, the Mud Mill bridge in Brewerton, and the Fremont Road bridge near ESM High School.
A far less visible, yet vitally important part of our infrastructure is our sewer system. As chair of the Health Committee I have learned how critical sewers are to the health and well-being of our residents. We have been streamlining and consolidating operations to get a better handle on our needs and to determine the most cost-effective ways to ensure a continued healthy sewer system throughout Onondaga County.
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Onondaga County Legislature: 5th District
(Includes portions of the towns of Cicero, DeWitt and Salina)
Jessica Bumpus (challenger)
Democrat, Working Families Party
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
I grew up in a military family. I moved to Syracuse in 2004 from Texas to attend SUNY ESF. I worked my way through college and in 2011 decided to go back to school to pursue an MBA in sustainable business. In 2013, I started at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, working up to operations manager and sustainability advisor for the organization. In 2018, I became communications manager for Dana Balter’s campaign for Congress and am now State Sen. Rachel May’s communications director. In 2013, I joined Believe in Syracuse, a non-profit working to promote the amazing things about the region and retain people here. I am currently president of the board. I have been involved in numerous other non-profits, including a board member of League of Women Voters. I have a son who is in 6th grade.
Political affiliation/experience:
Democrat. Endorsed by: Working Families Party, CSEA Region 5, UAW Region 9, IBEW Local 43, and Greater Syracuse Labor Council.
Why are you running for office?
I am running to bring Onondaga County into the 21st century and create a place where my son will choose to stay. I want to ensure that we are investing in our local talent and businesses, stewarding our environment, and increasing transparency in county government.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
People are concerned over loss of good jobs, failing infrastructure, and lack of leadership. I would improve transparency at the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency so that we know our tax dollars are helping our region. We need a complete sustainability plan and to invest in public works jobs that overhaul our crumbling infrastructure. We need leaders that are looking to the future. I will work to study best practices from around the country in economic development, sustainability, urban revitalization, technology, and operations management to help lead Onondaga County into a future we can all be proud of.
Debra J. Cody (incumbent)
Republican, Conservative, Independence
Brief bio:
I moved to Syracuse from Albany in 1987 with my husband and three young children. My interest in history and politics drove me to enroll in evening classes at Columbia College at Hancock Field. When my husband passed away suddenly in 1997, I was blessed to have supportive friends who helped me through that time, and enabled me to return to college and earn my BS in history and political science.
I served on the staff of State Sen. John DeFrancisco for several years and continue as constituent service director with State Sen. Robert Antonacci. This gives me the opportunity to help constituents with a wide variety of issues as well as interact with local elected officials and community leaders.
Political affiliation/experience:
I am a member of the Salina Republican Committee.
Why are you running for office?
Working in a busy state legislative office gave me an appreciation for public service and the impact that a legislator can have. It addition to the public aspects of the job, there are tremendous opportunities to help people in very practical ways. I care about the community and would like to continue to do what I can to advocate for our residents.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
We live in a high tax state. We must keep county taxes as low as possible, while continuing to provide the outstanding services that county residents depend on.
As a breast cancer survivor of 13 years, I will continue to advocate for programs and services that support healthy families, such as our cancer services program, which provides breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings at no cost to individuals.
One of the concerns I hear from my constituents relates to I-81. Commuters, shoppers and visitors to the area depend on a direct, high-speed highway to get them where they are going quickly. If we lose that, local businesses located along I-81 would suffer, leading to business closures and job losses. I will continue to work with fellow elected officials to advocate for a solution that will benefit all the residents of our county.
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Cicero Town Clerk
Tracy Cosilmon (incumbent, unopposed)
Republican, Conservative, Independence
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
Residing in Cicero for 37 years, I have been married for 33 years to my wonderful husband David. We are proud parents of our son John and our precious grandson Leo Michael. Our family also includes our dogs, Callie and Kane, and my supportive and loving mom, dad and family.
Political affiliation/experience:
I have served as Cicero town clerk for 19 years.
I am honored and privileged to have the endorsement and support of the Republican Party, Independence Party, Conservative Party and the Onondaga County Veterans Party.
I have striven to make the town clerk’s office more efficient and accessible by securing the latest technology. I have implemented credit card use, online dog license renewal and audio file capabilities for the town board minutes. I helped obtain American with Disabilities Act-compliant sound system and automatic accessible doors for the Town Hall, as well as provided new visual support with modern technological equipment that enables projects to be presented to the public in a more efficient way.
Why are you running for office?
I want to continue to be a vital part of Cicero’s growing community. I have dedicated myself to providing professional and cost-efficient services to our community and I want to continue to provide accessible, personalized services to our community as they have come to know from me.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
Although I do not have any voting authority in the capacity as town clerk, I am aware that there are issues facing this town. I have always taken an interest in any and all concerns that are brought to our office. I will continue to go that extra mile for our residents, to both listen to and guide them to the proper channels or persons to address their concerns. It is very important that we stay positive and work together as a team, as there is strength in numbers; together, we can build a better community and make a difference.
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Cicero Highway Superintendent
Christopher Woznica (incumbent, unopposed)
Republican, Conservative, Independence
Mr. Woznica declined to fill out the candidate questionnaire.
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Cicero Town Supervisor
Judy A. Boyke
Democrat, Working Families Party
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
My husband Ed and I are life residents of Cicero, residing in Brewerton. We have three children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A graduate of Central Square Central School, I worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield and General Electric.
Upon retiring I entered real estate. I have served as chairperson on the Professional Board of Ethics and Standards with the Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors, where I also served as an elected director.
I own a custom embroidery business.
I belong to the Cicero Chamber of Commerce, South Shore Association and am president of the Auxiliary. I attend Divine Mercy Parish.
Political affiliation/experience:
I am a member of the Cicero Democratic Committee and have been endorsed by the Cicero Democrats, Working Families Party, Greater Syracuse Labor Council (AFL-CIO) and UAW Region 9.
I was elected to one term as town supervisor in 2010 and elected to the town board in 2017. Since 2018, I have been the liaison to the Cicero Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
Open government: The present town board has had many requests to make town board meetings available through live streaming/video recordings. An audio system has been put in place but needs to be fine-tuned for clarity. I would pursue efforts to bring the town board, planning board and ZBA meetings into the homes of taxpayers.
Assessments: I am proposing that the town have a consultant reevaluate the town assessments to make sure that we are in full compliance with New York state’s standards for maintaining 100% assessment value. Raising specific neighborhoods up to 17% is outrageous.
Economic development/comprehensive plan: I believe that a temporary moratorium needs to be put into place while the zoning department and town board address commercial, industrial and neighborhood commercial properties properties while revising the comprehensive plan in order to control the surge in building that promotes excessive traffic, impact on our crumbling infrastructure, our schools, and our sanitary sewer systems. The town needs economic development but not at the expense of the residents.
William H. Meyer Jr.
Republican, Conservative, Independence
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
I am a fifth-generation resident of Onondaga County. After college, my wife Linda and I decided to raise our family here in Onondaga County. I started and grew an award-winning State Farm insurance agency in Cicero for 40 years. We are very fortunate that our two grown daughters and their families still live close by.
I served 20 years in the U.S. Army Reserve where I had extensive training in leadership and the training of soldiers. Currently, I serve as a volunteer with Honor Flight Syracuse.
After graduation from college, I advanced my business degree with the C.P.C.U. designation in insurance and additional graduate courses in business and finance.
Political affiliation/experience:
The Republican, Conservative and Independence parties have granted me their endorsement in my run for Cicero town supervisor. In addition, I am highly honored to be again be endorsed by the Onondaga County Veterans Party.
I have served in town government as a town councilor and deputy supervisor.
While in the Onondaga County government, I served as the chair of the legislature, the Ways and Means Committee and three additional major committees.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for Cicero town supervisor because I believe in the lessons taught by my parents in the importance and responsibility of community service. The vast contacts and experience that I have gained in the public and private sectors can be applied to help the people in Cicero to grow their families and local jobs.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
I believe the major challenges facing Cicero today are roads, taxes and responsible growth. We can and must address these challenges by first controlling costs and then forming new and better partnerships with the state of New York and Onondaga County. That is where my contacts and experience will benefit the people of Cicero.
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Cicero Town Board (vote for 2)
Michael J. Becallo (challenger)
Republican, Libertarian
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
35 years old, married to Nicole Casamento
30-year Cicero resident
BA, Communication & Information Sciences, University of Alabama
MS, Sports Administration, Canisius College
Certificate of Health Information Technology, Weill Cornell Medical College
Employed in the healthcare information technology field
Volunteer firefighter
Business owner
Member, Onondaga County Fire Board
Member, Onondaga County Office of Aging Board
Recipient for the “40 Under 40” Award from CNY Business Journal: Influential young business leader of 2015
Political affiliation/experience:
Endorsed by the Republican Party and Libertarian Party. Previously elected Cicero town councilor (2014-2017 term).
Why are you running for office?
The current town board bends to the whims of developers, corporate sponsors and special interests. They are not in tune with the residents. I will listen and truly represent the people. I have pledged not to accept any campaign contributions from contractors, vendors and attorneys who contract with the town of Cicero. The town needs elected officials who are not beholden to special interests. I will be the independent voice.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
The town board is not listening to the taxpayers. Roads in our town have not been repaired in over 30 years. Our infrastructure is crumbling, skyrocketing property assessments and the constant exceeding of the 2% property tax cap must stop. Residents have been complaining about traffic congestion for a long time yet the town board continues to overdevelop. To solve these problems I will build relationships with local, county and state officials. I will go to Albany if necessary.
Richard E. Cushman (incumbent)
Conservative, Independence
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
BA and MBA from Columbia College, Veteran U.S. Air Force (4 years), U.S. Postal Service (31 years, retired as Postmaster), Scoutmaster of Troop 116, Cicero American Legion (5 years), volunteer advisor of Junior Achievement of CNY (8 years).
Political affiliation/experience:
Registered Republican, endorsed by Conservative, Independence and Onondaga County Veteran parties. Served on Cicero Planning Board (8 years), Republican town councilor (past 5 years).
Why are you running for office? What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
As your town councilor for the past five years, I have worked hard to improve the lives of all fellow citizens who live and work in Cicero. Safety is a big concern. Keeping that in mind, we have installed new sidewalks and crosswalks, replaced old incandescent light bulbs with new LCD street lights, and our police department is second to none!
We have spent over $1 million in 2019 on paving and road repairs. We are working with Cornell University to improve our paving plan and incorporate new technologies that will allow us to do more, without spending more.
We are the only town in Onondaga County to receive a Double AA Rating from Standard and Poor’s Financial Services LLC, an American financial service company, proof that we are managing our money well.
There are still many challenges to face in the future and traffic congestion is on the top of the list. We are working with the New York State Department of Transportation and Onondaga County on plans to improve traffic flow. Route 31, Route 81, and Route 11 are state roads, whereas South Bay Road and Thompson Road are both county roads. We need help from the county and the state if we are to reduce congestion in Cicero.
I ask for your support in the upcoming Nov. 5 election so that I can continue to help keep Cicero moving forward.
Nate Riley (challenger)
Democrat, Working Families Party
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
My wife, Ellyn, and I chose to make Cicero our home because of the safety the police provide and the excellent education Cicero Elementary will deliver for our daughter, Keira. I’m an attorney with 10 years of experience. I’ve spent the past 5 years serving people who could not afford to pay an attorney. I’ve never represented corporate interests
Political affiliation/experience:
I’m endorsed by Assemblyman Al Stirpe, State Sen. Rachel May, and former town supervisors of both political parties, Joan Kesel and Jessica Zambrano. Political organizations endorsing my candidacy include the Democratic Party, Working Families Party, Greater Syracuse Labor Council, and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers No. 43. I’ve taken no money from vendors doing business with Cicero because I want to work for people and not large donors.
Why are you running for office? What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
In the past two years, three members of our town board voted to give the town supervisor a whopping 18% pay increase. Our town board’s spending and tax policy have increasingly spun out of control, yet essential government services, like maintaining our roads or responding to drainage complaints, have decreased. Cicero spends roughly $800,000 each year to repave roads, but the amount of roads repaved has drastically decreased every year, bottoming out at a pitiful low of 3.8 miles repaved this year. Cicero has two people responsible for fielding drainage complaints from more than 30,000 residents, resulting in months of waiting before your concerns are even heard. Our town board meetings involve discussions few can follow or understand.
I want to change all of this by (1) re-prioritizing our budget to rebuild our roads; (2) expanding the drainage committee; (3) amending our town code so that town board members cannot vote to give themselves raises; and (4) increasing transparency by streaming meetings online and summarizing them in official newsletters. We cannot continue to vote for the same people and expect different results. I’m a fresh face looking to break through Cicero’s politics as usual. For further details, visit CiceroDems.Org/VoteNate.
Joyce Villnave (challenger)
Democrat
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
Since 1990, I’ve lived in Cicero, raised my family here and enjoyed the small town feel of Cicero. I work as a systems consultant for Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES in the financial department.
Political affiliation/experience:
I am a Democrat.
I’m a former member of the American Postal Workers’ Union (APWU), Teamsters 317, COMBO, National Organization for Women, and the Working Families Party. I served as a union steward and communications officer for APWU and represented the union as a delegate to the Greater Syracuse Labor Council, Street Heat, and Post Office Women for Equal Rights.
Why are you running for office?
Like many in Cicero, I’m concerned the quality of life in Cicero is being gravely affected by over-development and mounting debt. I’m seeking the opportunity to restore and preserve the small-town feeling that has always made Cicero feel like home.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
We’re now over $10 million in debt and unable to afford to maintain our infrastructure. Meanwhile, members of the town board have received raises and voted to break the 2% cap every year.
We need to make the hard decisions to rein in spending. We need to review zoning and build a development plan that makes sense. Priority should be made to pave roads that are desperately in need rather than roads that are in rotation.
I believe it’s time we pause, rebuild our infrastructure, pay down our debt, and strategically plan the future of our town. Let’s look at our town as a whole and decide who we are and what we want. The quality of life in Cicero and the future personality of our town is my primary concern.
Nancy L. White (challenger)
Republican, Conservative, Independence
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
I am a 30-year resident of the hamlet of Brewerton in the town of Cicero. I am married and have four children and three grandchildren. I have three decades of government work experience with Onondaga County and the state of New York where I currently hold the position of director of district office operations for the 50th State Senate District. I also am very proud to volunteer for Honor Flight Syracuse.
Political affiliation/experience:
As a first-time female candidate, I am very proud to have won the Cicero Republican primary held in June, garnering the most votes and leading a field of candidates who have all been elected to public office before. I am honored to be endorsed by the Cicero Republican, Conservative, Independence, and Onondaga County Veterans parties. And I am humbled by the confidence shown in me and I committed to being a strong and reasoned advocate for the people of Cicero.
I am an active member of Republican Women of Central New York and I am a member of both the Cicero and New York State Republican committees. I have been in the political arena and involved in almost every capacity with various political offices and campaigns at the town, county, and state levels.
Why are you running for office? What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
The two biggest issues facing the town of Cicero are rising taxes and infrastructure needs. Now that a healthy fund balance has been established, we must endeavor to identify realistic areas in the town’s budget where we can target misspending, increase efficiency, and reduce costs to minimize the tax burden in a fashion that is transparent to the people of Cicero. The town’s infrastructure needs also must be addressed. Housing development and economic interests in Cicero have led to an increased burden on our roads and traffic patterns at various points throughout the municipality. Yet, in most instances these are roads controlled by Onondaga County and the state of New York. My 11 years of experience with the county comptroller’s office and my current position at the State Senate Office for the 50th District affords me a unique perspective on these issues and I believe makes me your best choice for one of the two open positions on the Cicero Town Board.
