In Cicero, voters will elect a town supervisor, two town board members, a town clerk, a tax receiver and a town highway superintendent. 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. Note: Highway Superintendent Chris Woznica, who is running unopposed, did not return the Star-Review’s questionnaire.
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Judy A. Boyke (challenger, Democrat)
Biographical info:
I have been a resident in the town of Cicero, as has my husband Edward W. Boyke, Jr., all our lives. We have three married children, Candiece and Walter McArdell, Scott and Ellen Woodard and Melissa and Patrick Brown, grandchildren Tyler and Brandon McArdell, Brien and Leighana Woodard, Brianna and Michael Lynch, and Zack and Shane Brown. We are blessed with one great-granddaughter Leighton Shay Woodard.
My history dates back in the town of Cicero to the early 1800s. My parents Arthur and Helen Sadler built their home on Muskrat Bay Road in Brewerton in 1939. It was part of the original homestead of his parents, grandparent and great grandparents, where I reside today on Oneida Lake.
I graduated from Central Square Central School. I started work immediately accepting a position with Blue Cross Blue Shield in billing department. I then moved on accepting a position with General Electric Company. During my 33 years employment I carried a secret clearance. I achieved all my formal education working in several departments including administrative, finance, production control, purchasing and planning, supervisor/foreman in manufacturing, and before retiring was a project control manager working directly with the sonar and radar departments, shipping 41 Units per ship, of electronic equipment to all of our United States Naval bases. These ships are at sea even today protecting our country.
I now enjoy my career in real estate working for Remax Realty Plus/Masters. I have served as chairperson on the Professional Board of Ethics and Standards with the Greater Syracuse Board of Realtors. I also served as an elected director on the GSAR three times.
I am also a small business owner having a custom embroidery business for the past 18 years.
I am active in the community, have belonged to the Cicero Chamber of Commerce, South Shore Association and presently the president of the Auxiliary. I am a member of the Cicero Democratic Committee and a parishioner of Divine Mercy Parish in Central Square, as well as a member of the choir.
I am a registered Democrat and I am also endorsed by the Conservative Party.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for town councilor in the town of Cicero because I just cannot sit back and not take responsibility for all of us. With everyone’s busy lives I am willing to put myself out there and I believe that the residents of Cicero need diversified representation. They need someone who will challenge any subjects that need further explanation and someone who is dedicated to vote for what is best for the taxpayers. I have continued to attend town board meetings. I come prepared, doing my homework and doing my best to make sure that there are no hidden agendas. When elected I will have all necessary information and documents in a timely manner to openly discuss town business. I have strong work ethics,and welcome dealing with people directly, openly and honestly. I have the experience, I would bring diversity to the board, and I am effective in getting results.
Why are you the best candidate?
I have only missed four town board meetings since 2010. I have attended all town budget workshops, special town board meetings, ethics board meetings, planning board and zoning board of appeals meetings whenever possible. I feel that I am as knowledgeable now as any town board member sitting there. I come to all meetings prepared and ask questions that the taxpayers would want answered. I always have the data to back up my questions. My reputation as a strong advocate for the residents of the town of Cicero is proven just by reading the town board minutes back even to 2010 when I left office. I realize the importance of the many challenges but I also realize as a taxpayer that the spending in the town over the last two years is out of control. Consolidating and considering share services should be one of the top priorities. We have all had to learn to tighten our belts and find ways to make ends meet while the present town board seems to think just the opposite. Keeping the level of service necessary and a safe environment to run the town of Cicero doesn’t mean continued spending. It means verify your revenue, verify your reserves, and then your budget with checks and balances. We all know that taxes are inevitable, but using the taxpayers as a cash cow to continue to fill the town’s coffers needs someone monitor town spending. It’s nice to always want the best of everything but prioritizing what is really necessary, what can wait and what can be merged to save money should be the route to success.
My well-rounded background including finance, business administration, project management, scheduling, supervision, communications, advertising, ethics and standards and a self-employed small business owner meet all the pre-requisites of the councilor position. I have a sense of pride, a sense of humor and I respect everyone that I interface with on a daily basis. Not every issue can be resolved but at least you could have an opportunity to have a better understanding.
Upon winning this election I look forward to the challenge and will bring fresh ideas and a diversified opinion. My ability to work across the aisle was proven by working with several people to file a petition forcing a special vote regarding the new $8.9 million dollar highway garage. The purpose of the petition was to allow taxpayers the opportunity to exercise their right to vote to spend such a large amount of money without having a say. I have proven work ethics and standards, I know the position and I know what the taxpayers want. I am experienced, strong, intelligent, diversified, have a proven track record as being effective and fully knowledgeable of the workings of the town. When elected you will have a voice that is working for you, the residents of the town of Cicero.
What are the major issues facing the town and what will you do to address them?
- TOWN BUDGET: All town residents must pay attention to the 2018 proposed budget. The present town board vowed to pay cash and no more borrowing. The 2018 preliminary budget is $994,000 more than 2017. This is a tax increase of 7.03 percent. Where does the $8.9 million needed to pay for the new highway garage appear? This structure has been proposed to be completed in 2018. Do we have the cash to pay for it? We all know the answer is no. We are borrowing with a payback for the next 30 years.
I have and will continue to monitor the random spending for services that should be consolidated or shared. I will insist on a check and balance sheet that shows actuals spent by department so that the layman will be able to understand the town budget. - OPEN GOVERNMENT: The present town board has had many requests to make the town board meetings available through live streaming/video recorded. Supervisor Venesky was on an Open Government Committee in 2015 that recommended the meetings to be streamed. Mr. Venesky even volunteered to be one of the camera people, yet at the Aug. 30, 2017, meeting he told a resident that it would cost too much to bring this to the taxpayers.
I would pursue efforts to bring the town board, planning board and zoning board of appeals meetings into the homes of the town of Cicero taxpayers. With the fast pace of the lives of town residents this would allow them to be able to follow what is actually going on in their town. There is a line item in the budget for information systems and equipment right now with $21,000 allocated for equipment. There is no reason we cannot afford this modern day open government communications through social media. Taxpayers would be able to hear and see the elected officials first hand. - ASSESSMENTS: Continued tax increases are putting a major burden on town of Cicero residents. In 2009 the town contracted with a company for $925,000, along with the guidance of the state to engage in a CAP program, which meant there would be state aid of approximately $55,000 remitted to the town upon completion of the 100 percent assessment. The contract included taking a picture of the property and physically going onto the property to assess it. This program also indicated that in order to maintain 100 percent full assessment that a new reevaluation would have to be done, including new pictures and physically going to the property again. This was a four-year plan. We are now in our sixth year. How is it possible to maintain this status when it cost the taxpayers $925,000 the first time?
It is a known fact that not all photos of town properties were taken during the original evaluation process. The company that performed the assessment was paid in full without full filling their contractual obligations. I plan to follow up regarding the process in place assessing our properties, clarifying that they are fair and equitable and follow up with New York state regarding their process for property assessment. I am a New York state-licensed realtor, which I feel is an asset to all residents in the town of Cicero. I have assisted many residents prepare to grieve their property and in some cases represented them in their absence. - SHARED SERVICES and CONSOLIDATION: There don’t seem to be any new plans in place regarding shared services or consolidation of programs present in the Cicero Town Hall. I believe in working efficiently. I intend to fully review all positions within the town hall looking for the most efficient cost savings way to perform the job without jeopardizing the quality of service needed to fill the position.
- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Economic development continues in the town of Cicero. This of course comes along with the town’s traffic congestion and deteriorating streets. Without full cooperation from the county and state that will always be an uphill battle. I feel that finding business that will not only bring a needed service to town of Cicero residents but will also contribute to the town’s tax base.
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Jim DeVaul (challenger, Republican)
Biographical info
My name is Jim DeVaul and I am 59 years old. My wife Kelly and I have been married for 33 years. We are the parents of two daughters, Nicole DeVaul Ginsburg and Emily DeVaul (Monteiro as of Oct. 6, 2017). Our grandchildren are James and Owen Ginsburg, 5-year-old twins, who just started kindergarten at Smith Road Elementary School.
I have spent my life in the town of Cicero. I was educated in the Central Square School District and attended Onondaga Community College and Syracuse University. I was an employee of the Town of Cicero Highway Department and currently work for the Onondaga County Department of Facility Management.
From a young age, I have been dedicated to the community and have been involved in several organizations. At one point I was recognized by the local Jaycees for my involvement. I have been a member of the Cicero Republican Committee for 35 years. I am a former chairman by the committee.
I have been endorsed for Cicero Town Councilor by the Republican, Independence and Veterans parties of Onondaga County.
Why are you running for office?
As a concerned member of the community, I feel I can make a positive difference on the Cicero Town Board. I think we need to continue a high standard of services but within a framework of fiscal responsibility. I will support continued sensible, well-planned development to help broaden the tax base. I want Cicero to be the place where people choose to live and raise their family.
Why are you the best candidate?
I have lived here for many years, gone to school here, worked here, raised my children and now helping to raise my grandchildren here. As a former town employee and longtime resident, I have the background in local government to effectively represent all taxpayers of the town of Cicero. I have a positive working relationship with current town board members and department heads. I will examine both sides on all issues. I will listen and work for the best results for all our citizens and the future of Cicero.
What are the major issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
Roads in the town are a major concern. I will work with the other town board members and the highway superintendent to increase the miles per year of roads that are repaired and resurfaced. I will also work to address the continuing draining issues that arise.
Construction of the new highway garage is an important issue. This facility is needed and has been approved by the voters. Now we need to make sure the building is constructed properly and try to control the cost of the project.
If elected to the town board, I will work to be responsible with how your tax dollars are spent.
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Jonathan Karp (incumbent, Republican)
Biographical info:
I was born and raised in Cicero and have lived in Cicero my entire life, except when I attended Syracuse University. I currently live in Cicero with my wife Ashley and our daughter, Alexandra, who recently turned 1 year old.
I attended Smith Road Elementary School, Gillette Road Middle School, North Syracuse Junior High School and graduated from Cicero-North Syracuse High School in 1997. I then attended Syracuse University, first receiving a bachelor of science degree in 2001, and then Syracuse University College of Law, receiving a Juris Doctor degree and a Certificate in Family Law and Social Policy in 2005. My wife, Ashley, is a special education teacher, and I work with my father at Karp Law Offices in North Syracuse, and have practiced law there for over 10 years.
I am a Republican and have also been endorsed by the Conservative, Independence and Onondaga County Veterans parties.
Why are you running for office?
I made the decision to return to Cicero shortly after graduating from law school because I wanted to raise my family here. I am a current Cicero Town Councilor and I am running for re-election because I want to keep Cicero moving forward so that it continues to be the best place to live and do business in Central New York. In my time on the town board, we’ve made great strides in improving both the quality of life and the quality of government in the town of Cicero. Cicero continues to face challenges, however, and those challenges must be met with real, practical solutions. I am proud of the work that we’ve done and I am eager to continue it over the next four years.
I believe that town government has a duty to spend taxpayer money wisely, and I will work to lower town government spending, lower town taxes and to foster a good business environment where family and small businesses will want to do business in Cicero.
Why are you the best candidate?
I am the only candidate that is a current town councilor. I am also the only candidate that is an attorney. As an attorney, I have a skillset and experience that are well suited to my role in town government. I am the only town board member that writes his own legislation, and I have the knowledge necessary to improve Cicero town codes to make them easier to understand and less burdensome for homeowners and businesses. While on the board, I have personally written nine laws that the town has not had to pay a third party to draft, resulting in saving taxpayer money, and I intend to continue saving the taxpayers’ money.
For example, I personally wrote a law enhancing penalties for illegal dumping, which has been an increasing problem in Cicero over the last several years. I am pleased to report that the first arrest under this new enhanced statute was made in August. I have also proposed other reforms, such as modifying the town’s sign ordinance.
In addition, I have experience working with parties with opposing viewpoints and bringing them to a mutually acceptable resolution. I have a proven record of working with people of differing ideas and developing a general consensus on moving forward in a way that benefits our town, our neighborhoods, our residents, and our businesses.
What are the major issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
Taxes and roads. When I go door-to-door meeting voters, these are the two issues on the minds of most people.
I want to be clear: simply raising taxes on Cicero’s homeowners is not the solution to the problems facing Cicero. Instead, town government must control spending and obtain revenue from other sources — not from Cicero taxpayers. With the tax burden that New York state residents face from all levels of government — federal, state, and county — I am committed to controlling town taxes. We have made significant progress in controlling the cost of Cicero’s government, and we have plans to continue to do so.
The problem with the roads in Cicero developed before I was on the town board, but I am committed to solving it. The first step is to make sure that developers are building roads that meet code and are properly built and structurally sound. The second step is to identify the roads that are in most serious disrepair, and create a plan to repair our roads based on priority. I am pleased to state that this planning and repair process has already begun, and I am confident that we will solve the road problem in a cost-effective way.
The best way to increase revenue from other sources (and not Cicero taxpayers) is through responsible, sustainable economic development. We have proactively rezoned specific areas in Cicero so we can end the harmful “spot zoning” practices of the past and ensure that commercial development happens where it belongs. I am also working on reforming the town code to be more friendly to residents and businesses without compromising the quality of life of our residents. With town spending under control and with increased economic development, we will be in a position to spend more on improving our roads every year, while easing or even decreasing the tax burden on Cicero’s working families.
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Heather Scott (challenger, Democrat)
Biographical info:
I have resided in the town of Cicero for the past 23 years. My husband Bob and I have been married for 26 years. We have two sons, both graduates of North Syracuse Central School District; Wyatt is a student at Butler University and Clayton is a student at Bard College.
I am a member of the Cicero Democratic Committee.
I have a BA in business management from Columbia College and an AS in business management from Onondaga Community College. I held a full time position working, while going to college full time to achieve my education.
I was involved with the PTO for each school my children attended since 2000, during which I have held the offices of treasurer, vice president and president. I have been a member within NSCSD of Parent Advisory Committee, District Advisory Committee, Superintendents Advisory Committee and the Redistricting Committee.
I was involved with NSCSD Boys Soccer Booster Club and Boys Lacrosse Booster Club which I held the offices of treasurer and president.
Why are you running for office?
As a town of Cicero resident and taxpayer, plus being involved with NSCSD committees and booster clubs, I have learned how valuable open communications and transparency are to the community. I feel with my extensive background and involvement in our community I can foster a stronger town of Cicero bringing newer ideas and requiring more open discussion for those interested to be able to understand what actually is being voted on.
Why are you the best candidate?
I will bring a fresh set of eyes and ears to the town of Cicero board. I believe with my understanding of the taxpayers’ concerns, I will openly discuss all details of any resolution particularly with town spending before I cast my vote.
What are the major issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
• There is a strong need for more inclusiveness with greater transparency. I would achieve this with better communications through transparency. Recording/streaming in real time of all town board, planning board and zoning board of appeals. Taxpayers in the town of Cicero will be able to be kept up to date on all various projects with a better understanding.
• The town of Cicero needs to tighten its belt — random spending on outside companies to perform duties that are part of employees’ current job description is out of control. Consolidation is a key issue, not just for major business’s but, also all the way down to municipalities. The town of Cicero under the current administration has been adding positions. This certainly is not a sign of consolidating anytime soon.
