Barnwell is responsible, dedicated
To the editor:
Who is Dave Barnwell? Dave Barnwell is a candidate running for the Manlius Town Board. As a past elected town of Manlius Highway Superintendent, I had the pleasure of working with Dave for 15 years.
Dave started working for the town as a summer employee while attending college. As Dave became more familiar with the operations at the highway department, he applied for the weekend night watchman position. During the winter months between the hours of midnight and 8 a.m. it is imperative to have a person patrolling and monitoring the road and weather conditions. Dave was that person on weekends and was responsible for the critical decision to call the highway superintendent and advise him of the conditions.
Dave then would call the department employees in to work at 2 or 3 a.m. on Saturday and/or Sunday mornings to do the plowing and sanding. He is still doing this 29 years later, on weekends, while working his full-time job as an X-ray technician.
Dave for years has often talked of his desire to be a town of Manlius board member, due to his concern and interest in town affairs. Dave regularly attends town board meetings, both in person and/or online, and is fully aware of current town board business and concerns.
Myself, as a past town of Manlius Superintendent of Highways and a fellow town employee have complete trust and confidence in Dave’s abilities and judgment. Dave has been and will continue to be an asset to the town of Manlius as a town council member.
If you are looking for a common sense, responsible, dedicated, lifelong resident of the town of Manlius, please vote for Dave Barnwell.
Bill Bennett
Former Manlius Highway Superintendent
Italiano genuinely cares
To the editor:
As we have all witnessed, electing government officials who genuinely care about their constituents is vital. We’ve seen the negative impacts of insincere politicians at the national level – and the local level. So many representatives say they will listen to us and push our voices forward, but then they vote for what they think is best – not what their community tells them.
That’s why I am voting for Alissa Italiano for the Town of Manlius board.
Ms. Italiano is not a “party lines” person. She’s a people person. She listens to residents and advocates for our needs.
Having been in the position of town councilor for almost a year, we have all seen Ms. Italiano in action. She hit the ground running with curiosity, compassion and a deep respect for our community. She works tirelessly to make our town a safe, welcoming and prosperous area for all of us.
On Election Day, I encourage all Town of Manlius residents to vote for Alissa Italiano.
Amy Kruse
Manlius
Support Barnwell for Manlius Town Board
To the editor:
I am writing to show my support for Dave Barnwell and his campaign to run for the Manlius Town Board. I am a life long Manlius area resident and a former public servant for the town. I know that the residents of the Town of Manlius need someone who cares about the issues that affect us all, so we can have a strong and thriving community in which to live and raise our families in. Dave Barnwell is the best person for that role!
I have had the pleasure of knowing Dave for over 20 years. He is a trustworthy friend, dedicated family man, and someone who selflessly cares about the town we live in. I have worked alongside Dave on several charity fundraising events and his dedication to helping others is unmatched. He is hard working, a great listener, exercises sound judgment, and believes in representing what is best for all in our community. In my lifetime of residing in the Manlius area, I have never seen a local political candidate who has campaigned as diligently as Dave has. He has spent countless hours knocking on doors listening to the concerns of the public and attending a multitude of community events throughout the entire town. Dave wants to know the issues that are important to the residents and will do everything in his ability to make sure those concerns are heard and represented.
Dave Barnwell is a well known and respected member of our community. In addition to his full time employment, he has also worked part time for the Town of Manlius Department of Public Works for almost three decades, giving him a special insight to many issues that affect the town and the people who live there. He has received the endorsement of all three mayors of each of the respective villages in the town, as well as the support of other local officials and leaders.
Please cast your vote for Dave Barnwell for town board. am honored to call him my friend and would be equally honored to have him as my town representative. Vote Dave Barnwell on Election Day.
Greg Armstrong
Manlius
Supports Italiano
To the editor:
When I met Alissa Italiano, the first thing that struck me about her as a candidate for Manlius town councilor is her desire to connect with and know constituents. She is dedicated to learning the concerns of Manlius residents and is doing so by knocking on hundreds of doors herself to get our input. As a researcher myself, I am in awe of her relentless pursuit of data collection to inform her views on policy and governance. When my husband and I hosted a house party for Alissa, we met members of her family who spoke about Alissa’s passion for public policy, and as a lifelong resident of Manlius, her love for our community is authentic. Alissa is motivated to get as many citizens as possible engaged with the town’s comprehensive plan because she firmly believes the future should be mapped out by residents. I have heard her encourage everyone at her speaking events to engage with the survey on the Town of Manlius website (townofmanlius.org), and she welcomes everyone to attend an open house so that they can comment on draft sections of the plan. It is my hope that my letter be published in time for individuals to read and attend the sessions at the Minoa Library from 11 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 20 and Oct. 21.
I am confident Alissa has our best interest at heart. She is an advocate for all and she is someone who isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and do the hard work herself. I am impressed by her tireless efforts for continuous improvement and trust her to follow through on her commitment to guide the future of our community through the development of the comprehensive plan—she will be a faithful steward for Manlius.
Carrie Ingersoll-Wood
Manlius
Support for David Barnwell
To the editor:
I am writing to fully voice my support for David Barnwell for Manlius town councilor. He is a voice that this town desperately needs. Dave is not only a life long resident of the town of Manlius but also has devoted decades in his work with the town’s highway department. He has a thorough understanding of the different issues and concerns many of the different neighborhoods in our town face. This experience is not something that you learn in nine months and his decades of knowledge and community involvement will be a tremendous benefit to the town board. He understands firsthand the importance of listening to his constituents and making decisions that are not only fiscally responsible but he also understands the vital need to make decisions that are in the best interest of all residents of the town.
The beautiful thing about our town is that it is comprised of 3 different autonomous villages, three different fire departments and EMS agencies and an award winning and top notch town wide police department and 2 excellent school districts. Our town is a unique yet excellent place to live in our region. In light of current economic growth in our county with the incoming Micron project Dave will without a doubt consider how that and other regional issues such as changes to Interstate 81 affect our residents and make informed decisions with that in mind. What he won’t do is frivolously spend your tax dollars and consider the hard work each resident puts in their own lives so we can all continue to call this region home. He will be a voice that you can count on to have your best interest in mind and will always have an open line to listen to those who may have questions or concerns.
I humbly ask you to join me in supporting David Barnwell this year with your vote for Manlius town councilor either during early voting or on Nov. 8.
Timothy Kelly
Fayetteville
Right background required for town council post
To the editor:
The Town of Manlius encompasses three villages. In their 10.12.22 letter to the editor, the three Mayors of the villages, Olson, Brazill and Whorrall, endorse David Barnwell for town council in part because he thinks increasing business is a good idea. I have spoken with candidate Alissa Italiano, at great length on this very topic. Ms. Italiano, who currently serves as a town councilor, has stated that a focus on increasing town connectivity through sidewalks, bike lanes, etc, would increase accessibility between the town, villages and businesses. Which in turn benefits business through improved foot traffic around our centers of commerce.
One thing I think both the town and village boards require, a person with true community planning background. With the development of the Micron Facility in Clay. The town of Manlius is sure to attract Micron employees to our communities. Ms. Italiano brings this experience to the town board to meet this challenge. She currently serves with the Syracuse Housing Authority, assisting to plan communities and develop accessibility options for local business in underdeveloped communities. We need this experience, to not only improve community planning, but provide greater connectivity for our small businesses. Ms. Italiano brings the needed skillset to do this. From her experience working in the Syracuse Housing Authority, she understands how to navigate the government bureaucracy that can bog down community improvements and planning. Her experience will allow her to be able to garner needed support from both the county and state level in securing funding to improve our town and its three villages.
Anyone who has driven through the Village of Manlius sees the numerous empty store fronts. The village needs to attract businesses, improve accessibility, modernize the current playground and other facilities that will attract families and commerce into the village. I have read meeting minutes of the various planning committees of the town and villages about possible collaborations. In every case it is the villages that continually push back and create resistance. The best way to create an environment in which businesses will succeed, is by the villages and town working together collaboratively to fund these projects.
Ms. Italiano continually emphasizes the importance of collaboration across our communities to improve connectivity for those who need it most – seniors, those with disabilities, and families with young children. As a person with a disability with a son who is diagnosed with autism, these initiatives are important to me. Ms. Italiano continually makes references to other New York communities which have secured state and federal funding to improve their downtowns, creating greater accessibility. She believes the Town of Manlius should be looking at those models to select the ideas that best fit our town to improve walkability and accessibility, benefiting our local business’s ability to generate profit.
Chris McKee
Manlius
Theobald supports Barnwell
To the editor:
It is with great enthusiasm that I personally endorse David Barnwell for the town of Manlius Town Board. Dave is a 40-year resident of the town of Manlius. David and his wife Casey have two sons who currently attend Fayetteville Manlius High School.
Dave’s experience working part-time 29 years for the town highway department has given him an understanding of the workings of this community. Dave is more than aware that the villages are their own entity, as is the town and the town of Manlius does not have jurisdiction over the three villages. He is also aware that there are certain occasions that the town and villages do collaborate together. He strongly supports our town of Manlius Police Department and the protection they provide to our communities. He believes in the importance of increasing business as well as responsible growth with our increasing real estate needs. Dave understands the importance of putting public interest above politics.
Dave volunteers time as a member of the Southern Hills Posse Motorcycle Club. The club annually helps raise funds for Clear Path for Veterans and Fabius-Pompey Outreach and is an involved parishioner belonging to St. Ann’s in Manlius.
These are only a few of the reasons I support Dave Barnwell for the town of Manlius Town Board and sincerely ask that you do as well on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Ed Theobald
Former Manlius Supervisor
Support for Italiano
To the editor:
When Alissa Italiano was appointed to the Manlius Town Board in January to fill a vacancy, she hit the ground running. Her extensive background in risk management and housing development and the expertise she gained from completing a degree in Public Administration from the Maxwell School were quickly put to use. Her input in matters ranging from zoning to fiscal policy was invaluable to the board as she was able to offer diverse opinions.
Alissa’s dedication to service to the community is stellar. Hard working and having been raised locally, she wants to give back to a community that has nurtured her and supported her when she was in need.
Let’s give Alissa that opportunity. Keep Alissa in her role as Manlius town councilor working for us.
Vote Alissa Italiano on Nov. 8.
Roseann D. Lorefice
Manlius
Barnwell running for town board
To the editor:
My name is David Barnwell and I am running for Manlius Town Board.
I have lived in the Town of Manlius for over 40 years and have owned a home with my wife and two children for the past 18 years.
Over the past couple of years, I noticed the town beginning to change.
After discussing my frustration with my family, I decided to make a difference.
My journey began by interviewing for an appointed position last December where I interviewed with members of an unanimously Democratic board.
It was here that I explained how I have worked for the highway department for the last 29 years part time during the winter months plowing snow and calling in the highway workers. With my vast experience of providing services to our community, being active in our community and a strong support for our police department and the veterans, I believed I was a good candidate for the position.
I also thought that it would have been a sign of solidarity to have a varying perspective on the board for decision making.
Needless to say, I was not chosen. So in the spring I decided to officially run.
I am not a politician, but a family man who is vested in his community and believe that there are more people like myself.
People want a town board that listens to the residents, provides safety to our schools and residents, while providing a fiscally sound budget.
Over the past year I feel that these goals have not been met.
If elected I plan to make sure we continue to provide our residents with top notch services and plan for the future of our town while living within in our means.
Town politics is no place for personal agendas and disregarding the desires of our community. Also, as the town plans how the to spend 1.7 million dollars in American Rescue Plan Act Funds (ARPA Funds) we should consider one-time projects that do not add to our tax burden.
It is this type of commonsense approach that I think the town needs to consider.
So, this November please consider me to be your newest and most common-sense choice for Manlius Town Board.
David Barnwell
Manlius
A mom’s perspective
To the editor:
People have told me Moms of candidates do not write letters to the editor very often. But, if I can show one person why they should vote for my daughter, Alissa, this letter will be worth it. Alissa will advocate for you by serving you and showing up.
Alissa is a hometown girl, she was born and raised in Manlius and is a graduate of the Fayetteville-Manlius School District.
Many years ago, Alissa got hurt with an injury and had to overcome many obstacles to get where she is today. She graduated from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School where she was on the Dean’s List several semesters. She is strong, determined, and does not give up!
Alissa then got a job with Syracuse Housing Authority where she is a management analyst and risk manager working in affordable housing development and compliance. Although a registered Democrat, Alissa represents everybody and will cross party lines to do what is right for the constituents in her community. She will not toe the party line.
She was appointed as a town councilor last January and took that position to heart. Alissa was able to get smaller trash bins available for everyone at no cost which made it easier for people with disabilities and senior citizens to handle. And it seems like every evening after work and each weekend, she’s out there in the community showing up and doing her best to serve the residents of Manlius. While it would exhaust me, Alissa always comes back with a big smile saying how much she loves it! She actually thrives on it.
Alissa has always believed in the power of public service and I believe the Town of Manlius will continue to be well served by voting for Alissa Italiano for Manlius Town Board on Nov. 8.
Nancy Italiano
Manlius
Former councilor supports Barnwell
To the editor:
On election day, November 8th, town of Manlius voters will go to the polls to cast their votes on many races, including a very important seat on the town board. It’s fortunate that we have a great candidate running this year in Dave Barnwell, and I would ask that you please consider supporting him with your vote.
I have been involved with town government for many years, and rarely have I come across a person more concerned about our community than Dave. Having grown up in Manlius, and as someone who is now raising his own family here, he is passionate about improving things in our town and in our community.
It is refreshing to see someone who thinks about issues from as a matter of principle and will act in accordance with those principles. Dave’s concern for lower taxes, better services and improving the quality of life in our town is truly genuine, and he would be a refreshing voice on our Board. He knows what it takes to be a good town councilor, and understands the effort and commitment involved.
I respectfully ask you to join me in supporting Dave on November 8th. He is the right choice for the town of Manlius.
John Loeffler
Former Manlius Councilor
