Vote Wicks for Lysander supervisor

To the editor:

I am writing this letter in support of Robert A. Wicks, Republican/Conservative candidate for Lysander town supervisor.

I have known Bob for several years, and in that time, I have gotten to know him quite well as a friend, neighbor and one with similar political philosophies. We all have our own ideas about how government should be run, but very few of us actually make an attempt to do something about if we’re unhappy with the direction our town is going.

When Bob said he was going to run for supervisor, I said, “Why?” He said he wants to make our community better for his family, friends and all residents: One that we can all be proud of that keeps taxes as low as possible, offers more services and keeps our infrastructure intact. One that works with other communities in an effort to potentially share services and save money. One that works with other communities for ideas to streamline government. One that keeps all residents informed and invites their ideas. One that listens to voters when they vote on controversial issues.

Bob has been endorsed by several prominent organizations in the area: to name a few, Onondaga County Deputy Sheriff’s Police Association, Veterans party, Teamsters Local 317, NYS Troopers PBA, CSEA. As a retired 22-year employee of Onondaga County, I can say that to get the endorsement of the CSEA is quite a feat as they were, in all my 22 years, typically in support of Democrat candidates. I don’t see the other candidates come close to these endorsements. These endorsements come to a gentleman who has never held office and was not the first choice of the Lysander Republican Committee. To me, that speaks volumes of the dissatisfaction of the current administration and what people feel Bob has to offer.

He has worked diligently to get people to know who he is and what his message is: a new and different perspective on government and leadership. He has experience in law enforcement, emergency management, budgeting, unions, leadership and human resources. He had to interview extensively and write what his qualifications/ideas were, and these organizations saw what a strong, sincere and capable candidate he is. That’s why they endorsed him. Political party affiliation didn’t do it — Bob did. We need a strong, honest, qualified leader who has the necessary experience to successfully manage this town. There is no one more qualified who has the number of prominent endorsements than Robert Wicks.

I respectfully request that you vote Nov. 5, 2019, for Bob Wicks for supervisor. Thank you.

Cindy Clarke

Baldwinsville

Lysander Independence Coalition supports Saraceni, Moore

To the editor:

Democrats, Republicans, Conservatives, Independents and non-affiliated voters have come together in support of Joe Saraceni for Lysander town supervisor and Peter Moore for Lysander town councilor. We strongly believe in grassroots community building. As a village of Baldwinsville trustee, mayor and town supervisor, Joe has always been motivated to improve our quality of life and community connections. The sidewalks program in the village and interactive historical markers throughout the village are examples of his dedication to enriching our community. His most recent persistence in helping to make the Lysander spray park a reality is yet another example of his deep commitment to all his constituents. He has taken the high road in all political exchanges. Community, cooperation and civil communication are his trademarks.

Four years ago, Joe and Peter ran on a platform of fiscal responsibility and professionalism. In our opinion they have done just that. They have reduced the town debt from $1,293,000 in 12/13/15 to $680,000 as of 10/11/19. Joe and Peter are fiscally conservative. They have increased the fund balance from $1,423,000 in 12/13/15 to a projected $2,012,000 by 12/31/19.

Their professionalism has been exemplary. They have consistently been respectful to constituents that step up to ask questions and make comments. They have attempted to assist constituents with concerns. They have offered open forums and demonstrated teamwork. Joe and Peter are passionate about their community.

Vote Independence Line G on Nov. 5. Joe Saraceni and Peter Moore are candidates for everybody

Sarah Baker (Democrat)

Chris Hayden (Republican)

Joe Burchill (Conservative)

Shaun OBrien (Non-affiliated)

Jack Baker (Republican)

Doug Rowe (Independent)

Lysander Independence Coalition

Another vote for Wicks

To the editor:

This is in response to Burrill Wells’ Oct. 9 letter to the Syracuse Post-Standard regarding support for Joe Saraceni and Peter Moore in Lysander. Wells described Saraceni and Moore as hard working, forward thinking, and measured in their approach to decision making. Let me clarify some of Wells’ statements.

Wells bragged that Lysander has the lowest taxes in Onondaga County because of Moore’s and Saraceni’s sound fiscal management. Here are the facts. Taxes in Lysander are the lowest because Lysander does not provide additional services like other towns. No brush pickup, no paid firemen, no paid ambulance/EMT, and no paid police outside the village of Baldwinsville, etc. Also, under Saraceni and Moore, taxes in Lysander have actually increased every year totaling over 24% during the past four years. And the proposed 2020 budget is projected to have approximately a 34% increase in taxes. Also, some homes have had reassessments in three consecutive years. Sound fiscal management?

Wells claimed Saraceni secured grants totaling $2.2 million? Let me offer the following. A sidewalk project proposed under the village of Baldwinsville and towns of Lysander and Van Buren. When the residents voted against the funding $1.3 million was never executed and received. A $460,000 culvert project for Radisson was approved over two-and-a-half years ago and hasn’t been started. Why? Because Saraceni used town funds to push through the spray park, which required town funds up front and reimbursement by the state upon completion of the project. The culvert project couldn’t be started and completed because town funds were diverted to fund the spray park and the town lacked funding for both. A $100,00 grant for a cold storage building, not even approved by the State. This was verified through State Sen. Bob Antonacci’s office. $2.2 million in grants is far from the truth.

Oh, and the spray park project? The residents voted down the bonding for that project and Saraceni and Moore still pushed it through against their wishes.

The voters chose Robert A. Wicks over Saraceni during the June primary, and will again on Nov. 5. Why? Because Wicks is honest, accountable, and above reproach.

Earl Smith

Treasurer, Wicks for Supervisor Committee

Baldwinsville

No smokescreens with Saraceni

To the editor:

I’ve known Lysander Town Supervisor Joe Saraceni for more than 30 years in a way that’s quite different from others who have written letters of support for his reelection. For those 30-plus years, Joe has been a close friend to my son. Even as a teen, I never knew Joe to be anything but respectful, kind and thoughtful. Over the years, I’ve watched him grow into an even better man — as a husband, father, son, grandson, brother and family friend. That alone says a great deal about his true character.

I’ve also dealt with Joe on a professional level in his positions as a businessman, mayor and town supervisor. In every capacity, Joe is attentive and fair, and he follows through on the commitments he makes. What you see is exactly what you get; there are no smokescreens and there is no fakery. That’s a rare and valuable quality in a politician.

Lastly, Joe’s love for his hometown is endearing, and his roots are strong and deep. Whether he is quietly serving on some small committee, promoting an exciting new community event, solving the everyday problems of residents, or managing a massive town budget, his love for his hometown shines through.

It would be a great loss to our town to give up that kind of genuine enthusiasm and selfless leadership. Please vote for Joe Saraceni on Nov. 5 on the Independence line.

Suzanne Ellis

Baldwinsville

Saraceni reflects on public service

To the editor:

It’s been a privilege serving as your town supervisor over the last three-and-a-half years. Having grown up in the village of Baldwinsville, after graduating from the University of Tennessee and working three years in Washington, D.C., I wanted to return home to raise my family. I had never considered running for public office until my brother called me out for complaining about local issues and challenged me to get involved and make a difference.

The 11 years I served Baldwinsville as a trustee and then mayor afforded me the honor of working as a team with board members whose differing political affiliations were entirely insignificant when promoting shared community goals. We were able to accomplish projects that truly improved quality of life and had positive impacts on both residents and visitors. For example, we hired a firm to solicit feedback from village stakeholders to create a downtown redevelopment plan that is still utilized. I created a plan that would eventually fix or replace every sidewalk in the village allowing residents to safely stroll through our beautiful community. We worked diligently to connect to Lions Community Park with a bridge and scenic trail along the Seneca River. An eyesore parking lot was revitalized to ensure pedestrian safety, add a central gathering space, and reorganize convenient parking, now known as Baldwin Canal Square. I brought back the Baldwinsville Octoberfest for five wonderful years and created the Greater Baldwinsville Community Benefit Fund that pumped thousands of dollars in proceeds back into our community. Together with the Chamber of Commerce, we initiated the B’ville Big Chill, an event that raises money for charities and the chamber. These are just a few examples of how engaged citizens and individuals dedicating time in public service can positively impact a community.

During my first term as Lysander supervisor, I focused on steps that put us on firm financial ground. We cut our debt by 47% and now boast the lowest town tax rate in Onondaga County. I identified over $2.2 million in grants utilizing established relationships with those in a position to help our community address infrastructure needs. Included in this effort was $460,000 to repair a decaying 70’’ culvert under Willett Parkway and fog lines on Drakes Landing for public safety. We made Town Hall safer for employees and more user-friendly for constituents. Going forward, I will work to maintain our low tax rate while focusing on initiatives to maintain and enhance our quality of life.

Local government has the potential to be efficient, accessible, and accountable to constituents, and has an immediate impact on the lives of residents. Local government decisions have little to do with national party ideology. As the only lifelong Republican on the ballot, I can attest to that. I am committed to serving as a candidate for everyone. Local government isn’t about party. It’s about our community! Look for me on the Independence Line (G). I would be honored to have your vote.

Joe Saraceni

Lysander Town Supervisor