There are two candidates for one open seat on the Cicero Town Board. Incumbent Jonathan Karp, a Republican, was appointed to fulfill the term of Mark Venesky when Venesky was elected supervisor in 2015. He is being challenged by Democrat Gary Williams. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8.
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Jonathan Karp
Biographical info:
My wife Ashley and I bought our home in Cicero in 2013 and our daughter, Alexandra, was born on Sept. 4 of this year. I grew up in Cicero and graduated from Cicero-North Syracuse High School in 1997. I attended Syracuse University for my undergraduate studies, receiving a bachelor of science in 2001, as well as law school, receiving a juris doctor and a certificate in family law and social policy in 2005. I work with my father at Karp Law Offices in North Syracuse and have practiced there since being admitted to the bar in 2006. I am a Republican and have also been honored with endorsements from the Conservative, Independence and Reform parties.
Why are you running for office?
Quite simply, I am running because I want to make Cicero the best place to live in Central New York. I grew up in Cicero and I always planned on raising a family here, because it’s a great town with a lot to offer its residents. However, as great as Cicero is, we have challenges facing us and they must be met head-on if we are going to be successful. I’m running because we need forward-thinking solutions to those challenges. During my time on the board we have made significant progress and I intend to build on that progress in the years to come.
Why are you the best candidate?
The experience that I have as a board member and my skill set as an attorney make be the best candidate. Since I was appointed in January of this year to fill a vacancy, I have been very active at getting things done; I have introduced and passed six separate pieces of legislation in my first 10 months on the board, more than anybody else during that time. Some of this legislation was passed to clarify existing codes and make them easier for the people to understand, and some of it was more substantive. For example, I worked with Chief Snell to create the position of town constable to provide security at the town of Cicero courts; this position will save the taxpayers of Cicero 40 percent off of what we currently pay for court security with no loss in capability. I also worked with homeowners on a section of Smith Road to pass a law reducing the speed limit and making it a safer area for their children and grandchildren.
What are the major issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
There are several issues facing the town of Cicero, from the condition of our roads, to public debt, to the replacement of old and outdated town facilities, to any of a number of others. Ultimately, the solution for all of these problems has to begin with economic development. We must increase our tax base so that the Town has the revenue to confront these problems head-on without hitting our residents and businesses with heavy tax increases year after year. If you look at our neighbors in Clay, you will see a shining example of the benefit that economic development can have for the residents of a town.
Supervisor Venesky has a solid plan to bring similar development to Cicero and I am proud to have worked with him to lay the groundwork for it during my time on the board. If elected, I plan to continue to promote and vote for positive, proactive, forward-looking policies that will place Cicero in the position to be not only the best place to live in Central New York, but also the best place to do business.
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Gary Williams
Biographical info:
Family: Kimberly (fiancée), Children: Jayden (12), Tristan (9), Arden (2)
Employer: UnitedHealth Group
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Age: 31
Years local: Six
Education: BA, political science (Le Moyne College), MPA (Long Island University), Ed.D (St. John Fisher College — currently attending)
Why are you running for office?
I decided to run because I am concerned about the current direction the town has taken. I am running because I want to establish a culture of engagement and collaboration, via civil discourse. I am running because I want to address the needs of the town, and all who reside here, or plan to reside here in the future.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I believe I am an individual who can improve the current culture of our town government. I have background experience as a campaign staff member, consultant, volunteer, and former intern with the New York State Assembly. These experiences, culminated with my academic and professional background have provided the foundation I need to launch a successful campaign and term as a town council/board member.
What are the major issues facing the town, and what will you do to address them?
Some of the issues impacting the town include:
• Tax increases
• Infrastructure
• Budget
• Poor reputation among larger bodies of government (county, state).
As a single member, I can push to introduce these concerns to the overall body. Understanding I cannot do it without the support of my peers will lead me to establish appropriate relationships internally and externally (citizens) to ensure that we have the numerical strength we need to pass beneficial policies. I will work with county and state representatives to address town needs that are beyond our scope as town board members, ensuring all options are exhausted, and we put ourselves in the best-possible position heading into the future.
