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 Salina, there is one candidate running unopposed for town supervisor, one candidate running unopposed for town justice. For the Salina Town Board races, there are two candidates for the 1st Ward, one candidate running unopposed for the 2nd Ward, two candidates for the 3rd Ward and two candidates for the 4th Ward. The Onondaga County Legislature’s 4th District has two candidates and the 5th District has two candidates.
Read on for the candidates’ profiles. Candidates are listed alphabetically.
Onondaga County Legislature: 4th District
(Includes a portion of the town of Salina, the village of Liverpool and the town of Geddes)
Judith Tassone (incumbent)
Republican, Conservative, Independence
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
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 in our current residence since 2001.
After retiring from National Grid, I ran for the office of County Legislator. I am still honored to hold the seat representing the people of the 4th District.
I have volunteered with Meals on Wheels, the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Everson Museum. I am a past teacher of religious education.
Political affiliation/experience:
I have been a Republican committee member for over 25 years. I am endorsed by the Onondaga County Republican Committee, the Independence Party and the Conservative Party. I am also a proud member and endorsed by the Lincoln Club Party.
I have served as chairperson of the county Facilities committee for eight years and am a member of the Environmental Protection committee. I am a past member of the Public Safety committee and Health committee.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office again to continue the work I have dedicated myself to for the past 10 years.
For the past 10 years 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 Department of Transportation, the Parks Department, the county buildings, OCC, and the county libraries — all of which are in exceptional condition.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
One of the major issues facing the town of Salina right now is the I-81 issue. I have been leading the fight to save many businesses and hundreds of jobs with this major problem we have.
I want to see that the trail around the lake is finished and see that Onondaga Lake becomes the economic engine that it can, and will be.
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 taxpayers’ needs.
Kathy Zabinski (challenger)
Democrat
Brief bio:
Education: Associate’s from Onondaga Community College, BS from SUNY Brockport in criminal justice
Work: Retired in September 2017 as a sergeant after over 31 years at the Onondaga County Department of Corrections
Community Involvement: I work along with my union, CSEA, to support a wide range of community organizations. i.e., Special Olympics, veteran-based organizations. CSEA Retirees in Syracuse area (I am the treasurer of this local) are working on a volunteer directory for members to choose an organization to participate in.
Why are you running for office?
For over 30 years the Republicans have controlled our local government. We need a local government that represents and works for all and not just a select few. We need to return democracy to our community and that time is now.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
affordable childcare, affordable eldercare, infrastructure
Working families face the everyday pressure of raising a family and/or taking care of elderly family members in today’s economic atmosphere of uncertainty. The high cost of childcare and eldercare adds to this pressure.
We need to continue supplementing existing state funded programs with local funds, as well as, create new programs. These programs help nurture our children, who are the foundation of our future. Onondaga County also has over 80 programs to help in the caring of our elderly who built our communities. This critical workforce support enables family members to work, children to thrive, the elderly to be cared for properly, and our economy to grow
We must continue to repair and improve our infrastructure. It is vital to a community’s economic well-being and growth to have a sound infrastructure.
Infrastructure is not limited to roadways. This includes broadband and updated government operations.
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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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Salina Town Justice
Paul Carey (incumbent)
Republican, Conservative, Independence
Judge Carey did not return his questionnaire by the deadline.
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Salina Town Supervisor
Colleen Gunnip (incumbent)
Republican, Conservative, Independence
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
Age 57, one son Joseph. Lifelong Salina resident. I have over 35 years of governmental experience between the town of Salina and Onondaga County.
I have also given back to our community by volunteering for numerous community organizations. I have served as: chairperson and secretary of Liverpool is the Place Committee, which is a subcommittee of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and directs the concerts each summer in the village of Liverpool’s Johnson Park. Also, a member of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce; a member of Liverpool American Legion Post 188 Women’s Auxiliary; and secretary to the Grenadier Village Condominium Association.
Political affiliation/experience:
• Town of Salina: Supervisor since January 2019, 1st Ward Councilor January 2008 to December 2018, Salina Town Clerk 1992-2003, Tax & Water Department 1987-1991, Comptroller’s Department 1979-1986.
• Onondaga County: Department of Social Services and Department of Transportation special assistant to commissioner/personnel/staff development 2008 to 2017, Office of the Onondaga County Executive 2006-2007, Onondaga County Legislature assistant clerk 2004-2006.
Why are you running for office?
I’m running for town supervisor because service to others is the most important calling a person can have. Taking over for former Supervisor Mark Nicotra has been difficult, but I have the experience, qualifications and long-standing community involvement to continue his excellence and take Salina into the future. As deputy supervisor and 1st Ward councilor from 2008 to 2018, I played a leading role in finding ways to decrease spending and increase revenues. I have found ways to take advantages of economic development opportunities and shared services. Also, creating a financial plan to make improvements to our aging infrastructure without impacting the town’s debt was my top priority. I’m truly excited to start this new venture as Salina supervisor. It is my promise to give my all to this position, to always listen to the resident and fully address their concerns and issues.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
One of the major issues facing the town of Salina is the decision regarding Interstate 81. If the New York State Department of Transportation selects the proposed recommendation of a community grid, I fear the restaurants, hotels and gas stations along the 7th North Street and South Bay/Brewerton Road corridors will leave our town. The vacant businesses will result in decrease in the assessment in these corridors, which will result in a decrease in sales tax and gas tax revenue as well as a decrease in town, school and county taxes. Since taking office in January I have worked diligently to voice the concerns of the Salina residents to our state and county elected officials. Most recently the New York State Department of Transportation indicated that they will now conduct an economic impact study of Salina as part of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. I will continue to voice the concerns of the residents that the solution for Interstate 81 needs to include continued high-speed traffic through the city of Syracuse to support the businesses in Salina.
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Salina Town Board: 1st Ward
Nicholas R. Paro (incumbent)
Republican, Conservative, Independence, Libertarian
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
I was raised in Liverpool. I received my A.A. from Onondaga Community College and my B.A. from Syracuse University. One of my first jobs was at the local Nichols Supermarket. Since graduating college I have worked for the Onondaga County Legislature, first as a legislative aide and more recently as the legislative analyst. Around the same time I started working for the legislature I founded a local nonprofit organization, Together Now. In addition, I have served on the St. Thomas More Foundation board, and I currently serve as a member of the Onondaga County Justice Center Oversight Committee. I have also participated in local programs such as the Leadership Greater Syracuse Political Leadership Institute and The Gifford Foundation’s Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders. I am recently married to my wife, Bri, and we are hoping to start a family in the next couple of years.
Political affiliation/experience:
In February of 2019, the Salina Town Board interviewed candidates for the vacant 1st Ward councilor position. I was unanimously appointed by both Democrats and Republicans on the town board to fill the vacancy. This November you can vote for me on the Republican, Independence, Conservative, or Libertarian party lines.
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?
I am proud of the work I have been part of since joining the town board:
• $111,000 state funded Cold Springs Road sidewalk project recently approved
• $39,000 grant for school-zone speed safety measures we applied for and received from the county
• Eliminated the receiver of taxes position, saving the town $100,000 annually
I am running to maintain my position on the town board and continue our town’s advancements. This means improving the town website in order for you to access information or make payments online, introducing smart technology throughout the town, and further road and infrastructure improvements.
Joan Royle (challenger)
Democrat, Working Families Party
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
I grew up in Cicero and moved to Liverpool seven years ago. I live in the Sun Harbor neighborhood. I am married to Jay Cecero. My daughter Tessa Levy just married Harry Levy and just bought a house on Pawnee Drive in Liverpool.
Education: BS in education and an MS in reading instruction from SUNY Oswego, CAS in educational administration from Le Moyne College
Career: Executive director of Westcott Community Center, former vice president of community impact, United Way of CNY, PEACE Inc., Sandy Creek School District
Community involvement: board chair of Child Care Solutions, president of Sun Harbor Neighborhood Association
Political affiliation/experience:
Party: Democrat. Endorsements: Working Families, Greater Syracuse Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Why are you running for office?
The majority of my career I have worked in positions that serve others. I am a strong advocate, and have a particular passion for serving those on both ends of the life spectrum, children and senior citizens. With strong fiscal oversight and planning I have tripled the revenue of my current organization and enabled us to serve more individuals in need. I see the struggles of older adults every day and believe we need strong programs that support an age friendly community.
Last year, I organized a neighborhood association and worked with the town to solve the issues associated with the Sun Harbor Pond which led to a favorable resolution for both the town and residents of Sun Harbor. In doing this work, I became interested in working on larger town projects and issues. I’m running for town councilor to ensure that all individuals are heard by a responsive town board and that our tax dollars better provide services we want and need.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
During the next two years I will help create and carefully manage a budget which minimizes taxes while addressing needs for snow plowing, aging infrastructure, senior citizen programs, and consistent police presence.
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Salina Town Board: 2nd Ward
V. James Magnarelli (incumbent, unopposed)
Democrat, Conservative
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
Family: wife Francine, children Alex and Allison
Retired from Niagara Mohawk/National Grid
Residing on Chestnut Hill Drive since 1993
Community involvement: Our Lady of Pompei Parish (choir member); International Association of Approved Basketball Officials; actor at Central New York Playhouse and Auburn Players Community Theatre
Political affiliation/experience:
Democrat (Conservative Party Endorsement). First elected to the Salina Town Board in 2009; currently serving as deputy supervisor.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for my sixth two-year term for basically the same reasons I have run in the past; to be involved in the local governing process. There was a major change to the town of Salina administration this past year when our long time supervisor, Mark Nicotra stepped down and our board elected Colleen Gunnip to fill that very important role. I was honored to be appointed by Colleen to the role of deputy supervisor to assist her in leading town government. I have enjoyed performing that role and look forward to continuing those duties for the next two years.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
The major issues continue to be managing the town’s aging infrastructure and providing services to our residents at an affordable tax rate. Our roads, sewers, drainage systems and facilities are in constant need of maintenance. Over the past two years there has been significant work performed on the exterior structures (town hall roof; siding and salt shed renovation at the highway department). Interior updates are currently being planned (elevator, HVAC, lighting).
The board also approved the purchase of all streetlights in Salina from National Grid, which should be finalized in the second half of 2020. This transaction will allow for the change to LED lighting to provide improved visibility and safety. The savings to the town will be realized beginning in year one of the sale. Abandoned and neglected properties and neighborhood safety are also issues that are constantly at the forefront of the town’s agenda.
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Salina Town Board: 3rd Ward
Daniel A. Ciciarelli
Republican, Conservative, Independence
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
I’ve spent nearly my whole life living in the 3rd Ward of Salina. After finishing college, I was drawn back to Syracuse to begin my professional career. I am committed to community advocacy and involved in organizing the 3rd Ward Community Group and the local neighborhood watch. My time with these groups has given me opportunities to effect change in the 3rd Ward, and I look forward to continuing to work with these neighbors after the election.
Political affiliation/experience:
I am endorsed by the Independence, Conservative and Republican parties, and I am a registered Republican. Local elections are more than national party affiliation, though. I’d encourage everyone to evaluate each candidate based on their character and track record.
Why are you running for office?
My parents encourage my brothers and me to work hard and take care of people, whether they “deserved it” or not. Public service is about applying that very mentality on a grander scale. I want to serve my community in the best way I can, and I believe I can do that as a town councilor. The 3rd Ward is a unique area in the town of Salina, with a rich generational history. I am proud to be part of that history and want to be a part of bringing this area back to prominence.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
Property maintenance and code enforcement are top priorities. We need to revise and update old laws, incentivizing property owners (residential and commercial) to maintain their properties instead of handing out citation after citation with no results. Most importantly, I will work with community leaders from around the area to build up the quality of life. As a town councilor, I will work to address the unique needs of Pitcher Hill, Hinsdale and Mattydale while working towards and celebrating our bright future.
Tina Fitzgerald
Democrat, Working Families Party
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
Tina Fitzgerald has been a Mattydale resident of Roxboro Road for close to 13 years. She is a trainer at CNY Disability Services. Her community involvement includes Forward Point Church and a serving as a board member for CENTRO. Previously she was on the board of CNY Legal Services. She is a widow; her husband Rich passed in 2016.
Political affiliation/experience:
A lifelong Democrat, Tina has been cross endorsed in this election by the Working Families Party.
Why are you running for office?
I have never run for public office before and was excited when I was nominated by the local Democrats in April. Local government is closest to the people and should help improve the quality of life while doing so at as low a cost to taxpayers as feasible. Salina — especially Mattydale — can do with some improvement in this area and I hope to be a positive force for problems in our neighborhoods. I have had the life experience to bring new ideas and relevant experience to our community. Things need to change — new ideas and actions need to be put in place for progress which will lead to a better Salina.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
Petty crime and vandalism are frequent topics of conversation. Salina needs to evaluate its coverage from the sheriff’s department to see if we must invest further in law enforcement. We also need to be working proactively on grants and shared services to reach the idle youth who wander our streets. Salina invests in the CanTeen program. We need to identify additional sources of funding additional youth-oriented programs to combat delinquency. I noticed a few years ago it took Councilor Jim Magnarelli’s persistent advocacy to prevent cutbacks in our parks and recreation pool hours. I have a strong interest in safety for children and all swimmers, as well as accessible hours that serve our residents well.
Our first responsibility to our residents is to carefully manage the town’s spending so that town tax can be stable, while meeting local needs for snow plowing, road, sewer and drainage repairs, and program support for our senior citizen groups.
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Salina Town Board: 4th Ward
Denise A. Androvette (challenger)
Democrat
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
Lyncourt resident since 1996
MS in learning disabilities from Syracuse University
Retired Pre-K Special Education Teacher, Syracuse City School District
Served as 3rd Vice President of Syracuse Teachers Association, STA Executive Board, Child Care Solutions Executive Board
Political affiliation/experience:
Endorsed by the Greater Syracuse Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Why are you running for office?
I bring years of fiduciary and management experience serving union members and the Onondaga County community of parents and providers of care for children. I have effective communication skills developed from my years of collaborating with parents of typical and special needs children This seat has run unopposed for many years. Time for the 4th Ward to have a choice.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
As I connect with voters in Lyncourt and Galeville, a variety of concerns are expressed:
• Targeted collaboration with the county sheriff’s office to reduce vandalism, automobile and house crimes.
• Improving procedures for addressing code violations and abandoned housing properties.
• Evaluating and addressing needs for seniors.
• General maintenance of infrastructure, roads and green spaces. Seeing your taxes at
work.
• Reducing constituents’ frustration with responses to their concerns and issues.
Michael J. Del Vecchio Jr. (incumbent)
Republican, Conservative, Independence
Brief bio (e.g. education, work experience, community involvement, family):
Living on Gaynor Avenue for 35 years; age 68, retired from Carrier Corporation; AAS in data processing from Onondaga Community College, BS in business administration and master of business from Columbia College. Family: son and daughter-in-law Michael and Ashley Del Vecchio, grandsons Anthony and Kyler, brother John.
Political affiliation/experience:
Republican, Independence and Conservative lines; town councilor for 12 years.
Why are you running for office?
I have always been someone who likes people and trying to help them with their problems by volunteering in my community. I have been a baseball coach for over 25 years, served as president of Lyncourt/LeMoyne/Mattydale and Hinsdale Little League and been involved in District 8 and Liverpool Babe Ruth baseball. I was honored to have a field named after me at LLMH Little League.
I have also helped raise funds to keep important programs at Lyncourt Junior High School and St. Daniel’s Church, serving as chair for the annual St. Daniel’s Harvest Festival for 15 years.
A logical extension of my community service is to represent Lyncourt and Galeville on the town board. I get as much satisfaction from helping someone solve their problems as they get in having the problem solved. I really feel that I can make a difference for people in this great town of Salina.
What are the main issues affecting your constituents and what do you plan to do about them if elected?
Unfortunately, there have been more calls dealing with crime and vacant houses in my ward. I work with constituents, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office and Neighborhood Watch groups to address vandalism and make sure our area is closely monitored. I am constantly working with the code enforcement office on a plan to take care of vacant and abandoned homes.
We have to continue and complete extensive drainage projects and continue to upgrade the roads.
On a town-wide basis, I have to keep working to make sure our residents are not overtaxed. This is difficult as revenue from the state and other sources continues to go down. The proposed 2020 budget has a modest tax increase. I intend to work with the town supervisor, town board and department heads to further reduce this tax increase for the final budget. Our taxpayers can’t afford duplicative services.
