Election letters: Baldwinsville Messenger

Fulton city councilor endorses Tosh

To the editor:

Gail Tosh is running for Lysander Town Council. Gail is one of the hardest working, smartest people I have ever met.

Gail Tosh has been going door-to-door since the depths of last winter talking to the people, learning their needs and concerns, and hearing what is most important to them.

Now, Gail is ready to put the people’s concerns into action as town councilor. Gail Tosh is ready to fight for the best interest of the people.

Gail Tosh works with all parties. She fights for the right person for the job; she has nominated, and supported, both Republicans and Democrats. She fights for strength through diversity.

Gail fights for fiscal responsibility. Gail fights to bring the best services to the community and the lowest cost. She understands the job, and can succeed as town councilor.

Gail Tosh is known as “the hardest working candidate in Lysander.” This is a well earned reputation. I have worked with Gail, and I agree; Gail Tosh is one of the smartest, hardest working people I have ever worked with.

The people of Lysander will be well served by having Gail Tosh as their town councilor. Her hard work, intelligence, dedication, and listening to the priorities of the people of the community and the understanding the needs of the position make Gail Tosh the best candidate for town councilor.

Dennis Merlino

Fulton City Councilor

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Support for Wicks

To the editor:

As a longtime resident of the town of Lysander, I am writing this letter in support of Robert A. Wicks who is the Republican candidate for the position of Lysander town supervisor in the upcoming election.

I have known Bob Wicks for almost 40 years with Bob and I serving almost 20 years together in the police division of the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office. During my career with the sheriff’s department I cannot say that I ever met a more honest, motivated, or capable person in law enforcement than Bob Wicks.

Working together side by side is various capacities over the years, Bob always demonstrated the utmost in professionalism and dedication to duty while serving the citizens of Onondaga County.

Bob stood out from many others in law enforcement by not only performing with the utmost integrity, but also with his desire to better himself personally, professionally, and educationally while on the job. Bob obtained numerous departmental promotions during his 30-year career with the sheriff’s department, retiring as the lieutenant in charge of the sheriff’s department’s Special Enforcement Unit.

In addition to his management experience, Bob holds a BA degree in business administration, and MPA Degree in public administration, making his educational background a perfect fit for a position as town supervisor. Following his retirement from the sheriff’s department Bob was appointed chief of police for the village of Marcellus Police Department, a position he continues to hold today.

While this letter may be an endorsement for a political candidate, Bob Wicks is anything but a “politician” as we know the term to mean in today’s vicious political environment. As a life long Baldwinsville resident Bob is running for this office for the right reasons, to listen to the needs of the people who live in Lysander and to restore the trust in the supervisor’s office. I am confident that the residents of the town of Lysander would be well served by giving their vote to Robert Wicks on election day, please show Bob your support on Nov. 5.

Peter Van Patten

Lysander

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Vote Gail Tosh for Lysander town councilor

To the editor:

As a resident of Lysander, I’m writing to endorse Gail Tosh for Lysander town councilor. I’ve known Gail for several years and in my experience Gail is dedicated, driven, listens to others, and is passionate about Lysander and making it a better place for all who live here. Whether its incentive zoning proposals shaping our community long term, or a new chicken law, it has been my observation that the current board often makes decisions that do not reflect the feedback and desires of those who reside here. Now is both the time and opportunity for change. Gail will add a fresh perspective to the board, will listen to residents, advocate for them, and will do so while being fiscally responsible. Vote Gail Tosh this November.

Beth King

Lysander

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Democratic candidates bring experience, fresh perspective

To the editor:

While the country watches dysfunctional government continue to play out in Washington, and eagerly looks to a presidential and congressional election in 2020, a much more impactful election is upon us.

Our county and town governments are critical to the success of our communities and neighborhoods. These women and men work each day to ensure our everyday lives run smoothly, that our tax dollars are put to good use, our roads are smooth and clear, and our parks and economic centers bring visitors, new residents, and new revenue.

This year, the Democratic slate of candidates looking to serve Onondaga County and Lysander is stronger than ever, and I ask that you consider their experience and passion to serve when you head to the polls this October and November.

On the county level, our candidates bring experience from both political and business perspectives. The Lysander Democratic Committee fully endorses Tony Malavenda for county executive, Marty Masterpole for county comptroller, Mark Kolinski for county clerk, and Chuck Keller for district attorney.

For Onondaga County Legislature, District 1 (Lysander and Clay), Justin Neal has burst onto the scene with a pledge to be present in the community, offering to give back his entire legislator salary to community causes in his district. He has also promised to re-introduce Adrian’s Law to protect vulnerable pets left out in the cold, and is in favor of non-partisan redistricting. His career as a pharmacist lends to expertise in dealing with the opioid crisis in our county.

At the town level, Kevin Rode for supervisor of the town of Lysander. His voluntary attendance and dedication at town board meetings surpasses that of two of our current, sitting town board members, and his grasp of local issues related to Lysander is second to none.

Gail Tosh is running for one of two open seats on the Lysander Town Board. She brings a fresh perspective, and has spent months going door to door to listen to the concerns of local residents.

Tim McMahon is running for Lysander town justice. For 15 years, he has served as an acting justice in the village of Baldwinsville. He will bring new accessibility to the town of Lysander court along with strong impartiality and fairness.

Early voting begins Oct. 26, with the closest local polls at the Van Buren and Clay town halls. During early voting or on Election Day, Nov. 5, please vote row A, and together, let’s work toward a more vibrant Lysander!

Tori Shires

Chair, Lysander Democratic Committee

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DeFrancisco endorses Saraceni

To the editor:

I am writing to formally endorse Joe Saraceni’s candidacy as he runs for re-election as Lysander town supervisor. Over the years, I had an opportunity to work with Joe on a number of projects that improved the quality of life of the residents in the municipalities he represented. As mayor of the village of Baldwinsville, and now as Lysander town supervisor, he has consistently shown that he is both passionate and genuine in addressing the needs of his community.

Joe’s record as a municipal leader speaks for itself as someone who can identify community needs and pull people and resources together to solve problems. During my time as State Senator, I enjoyed partnering with Joe on funding for the sidewalk connecting Chaucer Circle development with the village, securing funding for a cold storage facility for the Lysander Highway Department, sponsoring Baldwinsville Octoberfest, or most recently, the family-focused Lysander Spray Park. I fully support Joe’s re-election effort and look forward to seeing what comes next for Lysander.