Election Day is Nov. 7: Meet the Salina candidates

The Star Review sent a questionnaire to the candidates running in the town of Salina election. Below are their responses.
Town Supervisor
Nick Paro (incumbent)
Republican
What makes you the ideal candidate?
I have a Law Degree from Syracuse University College of Law, a Bachelor’s Degree from Syracuse University, and an Associate’s Degree from Onondaga Community College. But before I went to college, I gained real world experience by opening a rent-to-own store just outside of Pittsburgh, PA when I was 21 years old. I remember waking up well before the sun rose to drive from Pittsburgh to Youngstown, OH to fill the box truck up with furniture and appliances. I would drive back to Pittsburgh and unload it before I worked the rest of the day either delivering furniture to customers’ homes, selling items at the store, or following up on accounts. In fact, the store was successful enough that we opened a second location before I decided to sell my share of the business and move back to Liverpool. I wanted to get involved more in my home community and to make a difference in the place where I grew up, so I came home and went to college. After I graduated, I landed my first job working in the Onondaga County Legislature, first as a legislative aide and then as a legislative analyst. I worked under now County Executive Ryan McMahon for 2 years and gained incredible knowledge on how local government works, and how to make government effective for the community. While working in the Legislature I also started a not-for-profit organization, Together Now, Inc. with the vision to provide high school students, between the ages of sixteen and eighteen years of age, with paid summer internships. The organization’s Emerging Leaders Summer Internship Program included a weekly personal and professional development workshop rooted in the spirit of entrepreneurship and personal growth with the end goal of providing life changing skills, experiences, and connections to future leaders of our community.  In 2019 I was appointed, and then ran for election, as the Salina 1st Ward Councilor. I learned the issues of the Town of Salina and listened to feedback from constituents on how they envisioned our town progressing into the future. In 2021 I was elected as the Town Supervisor. My first term has been amazing, we have had many successes and I have worked extraordinarily hard to reposition Salina for the future.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running to continue what we have started, transforming the town of Salina into a community we all want to live in, raise our families, and enjoy. In only 1 term (less than 2 years) as the Supervisor we have been able to accomplish so much. We have invested in our parks – check out Duerr Park’s new playground, pavilion, or walkways; or Schaffer Park’s new pavilion and fence; and Electronics Park is having parking lot improvements done as we speak. We have paved a record number of roads in the last two years (30+ roads), implemented solutions to drainage problems, and have conducted studies in search of a more permanent solution. We fought back against the proliferation of smoke shops opening on every street corner by putting into place a law that effectively banned new ones from opening, providing the Town with tools to shut down nuisance smoke shops, and give control of our communities back to the neighbors. We stopped the insane practice of “full value” assessments and lambasted state government on their heavy-handed infiltration of local issues. We stood up to New York City and protected our town’s right to self-government, rejecting the bus loads of migrants that were to take over one of our hotels. We fought back and won! Most importantly, the town has secured millions in grant funds over the last 2 years for projects that will transform our community and provide new development that will ease the tax burden on our residents. The work has just begun. Two years is not nearly enough time to complete all that we have been working on. I am running for re-election to finish what we started.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
Infrastructure – paving our roads and improving drainage throughout our neighborhoods is always the most important issue for any town. Since I was elected Supervisor in 2021, we have paved more roads (over 30 roads paved) than any time in our current Highway Superintendent’s history with the town. I am very proud of that achievement and look forward to continued improvement to our roads and making sure our neighborhood streets are the best in the county. Additionally, we are undertaking a vigorous drainage improvement plan throughout the town. We have allocated funding to clean out and re-ditch our drainage easements and have continued removing gutters and installing new roadside drainage where the gutter systems have failed.
Park Improvements – the parks system in any town is an amenity for all of us to enjoy, whether it be an easy walk to get some exercise, or a place to bring young ones to play. We wanted our parks system to be improved. We have added an additional 5 acres of land to Duerr Par and will be constructing a nature trail in 2024. At Duerr, we updated the playground, added a pavilion, and installed new pathways between the ball fields. At Electronics Park we just updated the parking lot and installed new sidewalks. At Burnham Park, we just repaved the parking lot by the football fields, and we will be installing a walking trail around the park in 2024. At Schaffer Park we installed a new fence to make the park more inviting and installed a new pavilion. All our parks now have camera systems for 24/7 monitoring, keeping them a safe place for us to enjoy.
Codes – we have been more vigorous than ever in the most problematic part of our town holding businesses and homeowners accountable to improve our community. From neighbors who never mow their lawn and yards that pile up with broken down cars and debris, to smoke shops with enough LED lights to send a beacon to Hancock Airport, we are on their cases and working to make sure our neighborhoods and communities are well-kept. We now require tobacco licenses that come with tighter regulations on signage and lighting.
Stella Penizotto
Conservative
What makes you the ideal candidate?
I have 29 years of experience operating a successful business and have served on a not for profit board. I have also won numerous awards over the year including being named Small Business Person of the Year by the US SBA.  In the course of operating my own business I have learned how to manage human resources, obtain grants, work with people in the public sector and the community and possess many other skill sets that a Town Supervisor needs and should have to serve all the residents.
Why are you running for this position?
Many citizens in the town including myself do not agree with the direction the town has taken in the          last two years and believe it’s time for a change and need to bring our town back together.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
Transparency is lacking in our town in almost every aspect.  I plan on posting the town board meetings online on the town website so residents can view any meetings they can’t attend and still remain informed of what’s going on the town. Residents should be informed and be able to voice their opinions in major changes in the town such as the change in our garbage removal company where our bill doubled with less services being offered and without securing the required number of bids.
Codes is an issue in the town as it is not enforced uniformly throughout the town.  I want to make sure that everyone and every business is treated fairly so everyone can enjoy their home and business as they are entitled to.
I believe in fiscal responsibility so citizens’ tax dollars are spent wisely and to keep more of their money in their pocket without sacrificing the quality and safety of our great town.
First Ward Councilor
Hayley Downs
Democrat
What makes you the ideal candidate?
I am a lifelong resident of Liverpool. I grew up in the Town of Salina’s third ward. I attended Liverpool Central School District, then went on to attend Syracuse University. At Syracuse University I studied Inclusive Elementary Education, then Secondary Social Studies Education. After graduation, I worked in the City of Syracuse as a teacher. Growing up and living my adult life in the Town of Salina, helps me understand the issues and challenges Town of Salina faces.
Recently I graduated from Syracuse University’s program of Educational Leadership, and currently is a Vice Principal at Grant Middle School.  This has led me to believe in inclusivity, being an advocate for those who need support, and the importance of continuous learning. It has also taught me the importance of being flexible, problem-solving challenges, and engaging stakeholders.
I serve on the Liverpool Central School Board, and I am in year two of my three-year term. My work with district budgets has helped with understanding fiduciary responsibility. My work with policies, overseeing the superintendent, and working with a board has helped me to see the larger picture, monitor and meet goals, and look towards the future.  I serve in two other volunteer roles such as Advisor for Gamma Phi Beta Sorority (Syracuse University) and am a coach for Girls on the Run. Each volunteer role helps to build and mentor young women.
Why are you running for this position?
As a former social studies teacher, I helped to instill in students the importance of local elections. Representatives live where they serve. Local elections are where change happens and decisions by local officials impact residents. I want to help make change. I want to lead by example and support the community that has given me so much. I also want to ensure that the Salina Town Board is representative of Town of Salina’s population. Currently, there is an all-male board, but almost 54% of the population is female.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
Effective and open communication- I will make sure our town residents have full access to our board meetings through streaming and in-person means. I will publicize our agendas with sufficient notification and time for public review. I will also host monthly community listening sessions to celebrate our town’s successes and learn about concerns of my constituents. I want to make sure the Town of Salina residents in the entire town, and not just my ward, know their voices will be heard and what they say matters.
Supporting the community- I want to make sure our community supports our youth through a robust parks and recreation program. I want to make sure we support our seniors and veterans living in the Town of Salina. I will also make sure there are more events at the local libraries and at locally owned businesses, supporting literacy and entrepreneurship in the Town of Salina.
Inclusivity- The Town of Salina needs to be inclusive, and all residents need to feel supported and that they belong. I will make sure our community is involved in shared decision-making by having feedback sessions and taking in new perspectives from town residents.
Jason Recor (incumbent)
Republican
What makes you the ideal candidate?
I have been a councilman for the last two years. In which the board and I have accomplished so much. Together we have been able to get millions of dollars in grants, pave a record amount of roads, and lower the tax rate.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for councilman because I have a need to serve the community and to make my home a better place.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
Important issues will always be taxes, schools,crime and roads. This is not a political race. We have a candidate with 6 years of government experience, running against someone with no experience. This is not about right or left it’s about the right person for the job.
Second Ward Councilor
Matthew Cushing (incumbent)
Republican
What makes you the ideal candidate?
I’m Matt Cushing, your Second Ward Councilor since January 2022. A bit about me: I’m a CNY native, born and raised in Minoa. I graduated from ESM High School and earned my degree in Sociology and Communications from SUNY University at Albany in 2013. My wife and I became homeowners in Salina’s Jewell Manor area in June 2020. During my short time on the board, we’ve achieved so much, including: record funding for our parks, roads, and infrastructure, implementing tobacco retailer laws, securing millions in grant funding for town improvement, and eliminating full-value tax assessments.
Why are you running for this position?
I truly believe that local government is where we can make the most impact on our communities.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
One of the most important issues impacting our town is the speeding through our neighborhoods. This is why I implemented the “Drive Like Your Kids Live Here” Initiative in the summer of 2023. In collaboration with the Onondaga Sheriff’s department, we issued over 100 traffic violation tickets. I’m dedicated to shaping a better future for Salina, where my two-year-old son will grow up. My top priority is to represent all my neighbors with integrity, dignity and honor, ensuring that all voices are heard.
Leesa Paul
Democrat, CNY Neighbors
What makes you the ideal candidate?
My social work education from Syracuse University was where my passion to help and advocate for others became my reality. I have managed many social service programs for a local agency including such programs as EISEP, KMOW, and a volunteer program with more than 100 volunteers as well as providing outreach at local food pantries I have successfully written grants on local, state, and federal levels as well as private sector grants.  The grant money was used to create new programs and maintain existing programs. My husband suffered a massive stroke, and I was looking for support and programs for caregivers and stroke survivors. When I couldn’t find any local programs, I started a not for profit named Cope with Stroke. When I see an unmet need I try to find a solution that works for the greater good of the community. When I see people not advocating for themselves. I assist them in having a voice.
I am in my 7th year as an instructor at OCM BOCES teaching a NYS DMV mandated program called IDP (Impaired Driver Program) for individuals who have had a driving charge related to drug or alcohol impairment. I am currently celebrating my 18th year teaching kindergarten- first grade at a local religious school.
I have extensive executive board experience. I have held the position of Board president for 10 years for NCJW Syracuse Section. I have been secretary for 6 years to NCJW Syracuse Section. I have been treasurer for AccessCNY Disability Advocacy Group
I have received the 2020 Volunteer of the Year award from Temple Concord. In 2022, I received the Heart and Soul award from Temple Concord. During the 2023 election cycle, I have received endorsements from Eleanors Legacy and UAW Region 9.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running to make a difference in the community that I call home. I have lived in Ward 2 for 30 years. I want to help advocate for the people in my community. I want our community to be an area where people can age in place. A community where people feel safe and a place where they are proud to live. Currently there is no diversity on the board. The board is all male all similar in age. I would like to change that and bring a different perspective. I am a team player, but I can also think independently. Board diversity is important to represent the entire community.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
There are many issues the community is facing.
Infrastructure. Making sure the streets are in safe condition and plowed in the winter. Ensuring the sewers and drainage are working effectively, and when there is a problem notifying residents when the work will be done done.
Accountability. Making sure the people you voted in are doing the job they are paid to do. This also includes attending board meetings.  When a board has no diversity, no one is being held accountable.  I believe when you are a board member, you are representing your community all the time. You are accountable for your words and actions as a representative of the town. What you see on my social media accounts and what I say on social media is representative of the person I am.
Taxes. Our town needs people who will represent the entire town and everyone’s interests. Budgeting drives the tax base. Without board diversity, not everyone’s interests are going to be considered. Spending concerns affect everyone, and diversity is crucial in making decisions that represent our entire community.
Transparency. If you can’t make the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 6:30 pm you don’t know what’s going on in the town. I have started videoing the meetings and created a YouTube channel for all to see. I would like to have live zoom meetings for people that are unable to make the meeting. I’ve heard numerous times that there was a hearing on a particular issue and residents had no idea and a decision was made without public opinion. Comments are limited to 3 minutes. I would like to have ward meetings where residents could be on zoom or in person on a particular day and share the good and bad that’s happening in their neighborhoods. I would bring to the board on behalf of my ward or assist residents in speaking at the board meetings.
Traffic safety. Speeding through neighborhoods and stop signs has been a major concern to residents. I would like to have the removable speed bumps in locations where there are problems and rotate around the different neighborhoods. I would advocate for a larger sheriff’s presence in the neighborhoods to reduce speeding and crime.
In closing, the first step in having your voice heard is by VOTING. Please vote during early voting or on November 7, 2023.  Voting + advocacy = change. Let me lead you on that journey for change. Vote Leesa Paul!
Third Ward Councilor
Daniel Ciciarelli (unopposed)
Republican
What makes you the ideal candidate?
I am currently serving my second term in this position which has been almost 4 years. Since being in this position I have helped to reduce our Town taxes by working with the rest of the Town Board and department heads to identify ways to improve efficiencies and cut spending. I have also been a member of the Code Task Force Committee and have addressed/corrected many flaws in our Town Law as well as identified procedural issues that are still being worked on.
Why are you running for this position?
First and foremost, the job I set out to do is not done yet. I plan on continuing to run for this position until I complete all the promises I have made. I am a long-time resident of the 3rd Ward and have continuously been the voice for residents when they need it heard most. I work for them; they don’t work for me.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
The issues that residents have spoken to me about over the years the most are the appearance of the area and the issues with teenagers not having enough to do to keep them out of trouble.
Through addressing issues with the Town Law/Codes Department and actively being involved in looking for and obtaining grants for this area we have started to address the appearance issue. I have also advocated putting more money into the budget for paving more roads each year. Things are starting to get cleaned up, businesses are finally fixing their buildings and parking lots, and we are building a new Town of Salina Community Center where the former roller-skating rink used to be. The more we invest in our community, the more businesses we will start to see filling empty storefronts. The resurgence of this area is starting to take shape.
As far as the teens, there are two things we are currently working on: 1) In the new community center, we want to provide teens with their own space and will be working with The CanTeen to provide programs and give insight on what should be in this space. 2) We are looking into ways to restructure the budget to build a recreational program for the entire Town of Salina to have more activities to keep kids/teens of all ages occupied.
As much as we all wish for things to be fixed overnight, it takes time for certain wishes to come true, especially after many years of this area being pushed aside. The fight has been long, and we are starting to see progress, but it is not over yet. If the voters want me to be, I plan on being here until it is finished.
Fourth Ward Councilor
David M. Carnie (unopposed)
Republican
What makes you the ideal candidate?
As a father of two sons David (25) and Dominic (23) I have raised children in the Town of Salina.  Starting Kindergarten at Nate Perry Elementary through graduation at Liverpool High School.  I coached my sons at Salt City Little League.   I started with Pyramid Brokerage Company in 2013 and have specialized in commercial real estate services for more than 10 years.  With extensive experience working as a representative with fiduciary duties to my clients, I have honed my skills as an effective communicator, strategic thinker, and problem-solver.  These skills seamlessly transition into the political arena as I work to improve the quality of life for all in the Town of Salina.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for this position because I like to help people and I care about the people in the Town of Salina.  This is my home.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
Certainly, public safety is an important issue the community must address.  Crime continues to plague our community.  The Public Safety Task Force continues to work on creative measures to address this.  My focus is strengthening the community and improving quality of life.
Town Justice
Paul G Carey (unopposed)
Republican, Conservative
What makes you the ideal candidate?
I believe I am the am the best candidate for the judgeship in the town of Salina based upon my extensive training and experiences. I proudly served as a police officer for 15 years. I served with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s office where I proudly started the first K-9 unit. I was promoted to detective in the Abused Person’s Unit, a special unit, that primarily investigated sexual crimes against children and the elderly. After being accepted into Syracuse University’s Law School I continued my duties with the Sheriff’s Department in the administration department and as the co-director of the Police Academy. I received my bachelor’s degree at Syracuse University in the field of psychology and a law degree from Syracuse University’s Law School, graduating with honors. I have been in private practice for over 35 years and have established my own law firm. I have been the Judge in the town of Salina since being elected in 2007. I submit that all of the above make me your best candidate to continue as your judge,
Why are you running for this position?
I have been honored and humbled by serving as the judge in the town of Salina for the last 15 years. I truly have a passion for justice and a deep understanding of the law. I, along with my clerks and court officers, take great pride in treating every person, whether they are in court for a civil case or a criminal case, with dignity and respect. We understand that appearing in court can be very stressful. We try to alleviate that stress by treating everyone equally and fairly. Being involved in an individual’s life is an awesome responsibly. We take that role very seriously. I respectfully ask for your support in the upcoming election.
What are the most important issues the community is facing and what would you do about them?
As the busiest court in Onondaga County we have seen an increase in criminal activity. As your judge I will continue to administer justice in a fair, equal and impartial manner and uphold the rule of law.