The Star Review sent a questionnaire to the candidates running in the town of Clay election. Below are their responses.
Town Supervisor
Dave Capria
Democrat
What makes you the ideal candidate?
I bring a strong background in sales to this position, which equips me with excellent communication skills. I regularly engage with individuals to understand their needs and expectations regarding the services offered by CH Insurance-Benefits, the company I represent. My approach involves active listening and empathetic understanding, enabling me to assist clients effectively.
In addition to my professional experience, my proudest accomplishment is my daughter Lilly, a talented and bright young woman who excels academically and athletically at Lemoyne College.
Why are you running for this position?
My decision to run for the position of Clay Town Supervisor is rooted in a desire for accountability within our Town government, which is the 17th largest town in New York State, home to over 60,000 residents.
I previously ran for Clay Town Supervisor approximately 16 years ago, when there was a substantial Republican majority. Currently, there is a significant Democratic majority in Clay. Remarkably, Clay has not seen a single elected Democrat since 1992, a gap of over 30 years. The residents of the Town of Clay deserve meaningful representation, which requires an end to decades-long one party rule.
Here is where it gets almost scary! In the past ten years the Town of Clay Republican only controlled board has cast 17,484 votes; 17,389 of which have been YES votes!!! So, since 2013 The Town of Clay Republican only controlled board has only cast 95 No votes!!! In the whole year of 2019 not one NO vote was cast by theTown of Clay Republican only controlled board!!! This is beyond ridiculous. That is the result of one-party rule, where discussion and debate simply doesn’t exist. That isn’t healthy for our democracy, which is based on a system of checks and balances. This pattern of unanimity raises concerns about the diversity of perspectives in the town’s decision-making processes. With all that we have before us, it is crucial that we have town representatives who will take a critical, thoughtful look at every proposal.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
The most pressing issue confronting the Town of Clay is the imminent arrival of Micron and the construction of its semiconductor plant. This development presents an unprecedented opportunity for our community. We must manage this growth judiciously, ensuring that we are fully prepared for the influx of new residents, businesses, schools, and homes that will inevitably follow such a substantial corporate presence. It is imperative that we establish a robust infrastructure system capable of accommodating this anticipated growth, thus safeguarding and enhancing the quality of life for our current residents. Regrettably, our town has not adequately addressed the existing infrastructure needs, as evidenced by our deteriorating drainage system and poorly maintained roads in various areas. These issues underscore the failure of the current town board to fulfill its responsibilities. I am deeply concerned that without proactive measures, they will continue to neglect our infrastructure needs, jeopardizing our future, especially in light of the challenges posed by Micron’s arrival. We must demand effective, forward-thinking leadership to navigate these challenges successfully and ensure a sustainable future for the Town of Clay and its residents.
Damian M. Ulatowski (incumbent)
Republican, Conservative
What makes you the ideal candidate?
Many people ask what entails being the Supervisor of an especially large Town like the Town of Clay.  In this position, you wear a variety of hats, including CEO, CFO, Departmental Supervisor, and the most rewarding the political leader of a community.  Each of these titles oversees many items from a multi-million dollar budget, dealing with dozens of employees in multiple departments, assisting in regulating such items as SEQR decisions and laws, to dealing with residential concerns on taxes, roadways, trash, and more.  As Supervisor for the last 15 years, I feel I have come to know both residents concerns and business development opportunities all for the betterment of the Town of Clay.  I also serve as President of the Onondaga County Supervisor’s Association and have served on Boards both in the past and present.  All of these positions have helped me to know how to lead into the future.  I have brought millions of grant dollars into Clay for projects from a special needs playground to cleaning up a brownfield in historic land adjacent to what is now 3 Rivers Park.  I have held Town taxes flat for the past 3 years and if our proposed budget is passed by the Board, Clay residents will again not see an increase in 2024.  All these accomplishments position the Town of Clay to thrive not just survive.  To our 60,000 (+) residents.  I again say we are a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for Clay Town Supervisor because I want to continue to shepherd the numerous projects that we have initiated as a Town.  As well to expand new and existing experiences for Town residents with most projects funded by grants from a host of grantors.  I also want to continue to be the political leader in our community and listen to residents ideas/critiques and together come to viable solutions that will efficiently and effectively benefit both the citizens and the Town.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
My priorities are always to provide the best possible service to Town residents, and to deliver those services on a fair and consistent basis.  Following that, I want to be sure that as Micron moves into our community, they develop a footprint that respects the residents and compliments the Town.  Because, in its wake we will see unprecedented growth in our community and I want to make sure that the housing and commercial development will not suffer Town residents, but rather compliment our place in Central New York.
Town Councilor (vote for 3)
Joseph A. Bick
Republican
What makes you the ideal candidate?
I am a Registered Nurse with extensive experience. I have an Associate, Bachelors, and master’s degree in nursing, and I am a Board Certified Nurse Executive at St. Joseph’s Health and St Peters Health partners where I serve as the Regional Director for Emergency Management.
I have served on the town board since 2006, I am currently the Deputy Superivsor.
I am a veteran of the War in Afghanistan, serving in the US Army as the ICU Head Nurse for the 691st Forward Surgical Team in Khost Afghanistan.
Why are you running for this position?
I have dedicated my entire adult life to serving our community in one way or another and I would like the opportunity to continue to serve.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
Micron is the most pressing issue. It will be a transformative event for the town and the overall community. The town board’s role will be to make sure that promises made by micron and at other levels of government are kept and that this development like all developments in Clay are held to the same high standards.
Luella D. Miller
Republican
What makes you the ideal candidate?
I have lived in the town of Clay since 1985 and am very familiar with the town of Clay daily operations, having been a member of the town of Clay Zoning Board of Appeals since January 2019. I have also been an active member of the Town of Clay Republican Committee for over 25 years. I have attended the majority of the Micron meetings since it first investigated the possibility of moving to Clay.
Why are you running for this position?
I feel I am very well qualified for the position based on my many years of involvement in the town and my experience. The decisions I have made and the votes I have cast on the Zoning Board of Appeals were always based on what I felt best for the taxpayers and the town of Clay after listening to the input from everyone involved.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
The town of Clay is a great place to live and raise a family, going forward we will all be faced with some challenges. With Micron and many other businesses coming into Clay it will be critical that we as a town board make sure we work to minimize the impact of the growth on the residents.
Eugene Young
Republican
What makes you the ideal candidate?
Town councilman elected three times, 27 years on Clay Zoning Board of Appeals, 22 year member Moyers Comers Fire Dept Town of Clay; practicing attorney 43 years in Syracuse
Why are you running for this position?
To continue the work of seeing to it that the remaining undeveloped land in the Town of Clay is properly used; to continue the work of getting the most for our tax dollars in Clay while keeping the town tax portion of the county tax bill under 2% as we have for many years
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
Micron and seeing to it our Town is protected from environmental problems and improper use of our remaining land by reckless development; keeping aging infrastructure in good repair; providing for the upcoming increase demands on our roads, parks, sewers, water and other services because of the increase from Amazon and Micron.
Town Clerk (unopposed)
Jill Hageman-Clark
Republican
What makes you the ideal candidate?
I have been the Town Clerk for 14 years. I have worked tirelessly to provide services to our residents.
Why are you running for this position?
I enjoy serving my residents and feel that I still have much to offer my community.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
Our town’s continued growth will likely make it challenging to support all of our residents’ needs while maintaining our historically low taxes. In my position, I have worked hard to expand services while remaining fiscally responsible, and I look forward to meeting new challenges with good judgment, creativity, and input from our constituents.
Town Justice (vote for 2)
Anthony L. Germano
Republican
What makes you the ideal candidate?
Since graduating from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2003, I served as an Assistant District Attorney in Onondaga County, where I prosecuted some of the most heinous and notorious criminals in this  County.
Prior to that, I served as a Department of Social Services Attorney in Cortland County, prosecuting child neglect and abuse cases, and an Assistant Prosecutor in Monmouth County New Jersey.
These positions provide me with a unique and deep understanding of criminal law and procedure, having done the work necessary to successfully present a case to both a Judge and jury. As a Judge who will preside over criminal and other cases, this experience is invaluable in ensuring that the decisions I would make from the bench protect the rights of all those involved, including the victims, and justice being served.
I also had the opportunity to serve as a Confidential Law Clerk and Court Attorney for the Honorable Michele Pirro Bailey.  In this role, I was able to observe and learn what is required to be a successful and fair jurist in our court system.  My time learning from the Judge Pirro Bailey provided experience and a view that not many other attorneys are fortunate to have in their careers.
In addition to the above, I have run my own private law firm and practiced as a private attorney in a variety of areas.  Running my own successful law practice, in addition to my experiences above, provide me with a view of our judicial system from all sides.  This will allow me to be a better Judge, and ensure that justice is always the goal.
My wife and I choose to raise our two children in this town. Many of my family and friends reside in this Town.  Making sure the town of Clay is a safe place for all, to me, is personal.
Why are you running for this position?
As can be seen above, I have always focused my career, at least in part, on public service.  I believe that town justice is one of the most important positions in ensuring that a vibrant, safe, and growing community remains as such for the citizens of the community.  We have and are seeing a lot of growth in our Town.  With that growth, both the population of the Town, and the numbers of individuals visiting our Town have and will continue to grow.  By serving as town justice, I can continue serving the public, guarantee that everyone having dealings with our court is treated with respect and help ensure that this town remains a vibrant, safe and prosperous destination for all, especially the citizens in the Town.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
With the growth and prosperity of the Town of Clay increasing, violations and crimes directly effecting the quality of life of the citizens residing here also increase. The Town Justice is vitally important in ensuring that those who are accused of violations and crimes, and those convicted of violations and crimes are treated fairly and justly, and where appropriate, held accountable pursuant to the laws of the Town of Clay, New York State and United States.  With my background and qualifications, you can be certain that the safety of our community will be paramount alongside the fair administration of justice.
Editor note: Jeffrey J. Schiano, running unopposed for town justice, failed to respond to the Review’s requests for information.