Yates candidates comment on the issues

YATES COUNTY--The Observer asked each incumbent candidate in a contested election to state what their vote was when it came to five contentious county issues and resolutions. Challengers were also asked which way they would have voted on the same issues if they had been on the legislature at the time.
The questions included if they voted or would vote yes or no on the following resolutions:
• The resolution in support of the Greenidge power plant reopening.
• The resolution in support of adding two full-time corrections officers to the sheriff's department.
• The resolution in support of repealing the SAFE Act.
• The resolution in support of the Yates County fiber network infrastructure.
• The resolution in opposition of the gas storage project in Reading.
Their responses are listed in the table at right.
The Observer also asked each candidate running for town and other non-legislative county positions what their top three priorities would be if elected. Each candidate was given 50 words to respond. Their responses are listed below:

YATES COUNTY CLERK
Lois E. Hall (Republican): "1. A smooth transition in the administration of the clerk's office with no interruption in services or quality.
2. Complete e-recording for real property records providing cost savings and turn-around time for clients.
3. Support legislation to increase the county share of DMV funds without increasing licensing costs."
Virginia A. Fenton (Fenton for Yates): "The main priority is to manage expenses and continue the revenues of the clerk's office to reduce operating costs. Second, I would like to continue to provide clerk customers quality service and focus on staff development. Third, I would like to ensure the implementation for electronic filing of land records."

YATES COUNTY CORONER
Brian C. Champlin (Republican): "My number one priority is providing caring and compassionate service for the families of the deceased. I will work for the people of Yates County and be here for them. That's what I think the coroner is all about."
Ronald E. Dailey (Shamrock Party): "I do not have three priorities, I have only one. I would like to be re-elected so I may continue to serve the citizens of Yates County as their coroner in a caring, considerate, compassionate and competent manner, as I've tried doing during my past four years in office."

MILO TOWN COUNCIL
Dale Hallings (Republican): "1. Continue working to provide the level of service we provide now.
2. Maintaining our infrastructure (roads, buildings, equipment, water and sewer districts and employees).
3. Maintaining our sound financial status."
Mark W. Morris (Conservative, Reform Party): "1. Protect the watershed, as it is the basis of our agricultural and tourism economy.
2. Keep a focus on cost by identifying potential savings opportunities.
3. Increase transparency by putting meeting notes, agendas and other key documents on the town website like the county does."
Valerie J. Brechko (Democrat): Did not respond by press time.
Arden G. Sorensen Jr. (Republican): Did not respond by press time.

POTTER TOWN COUNCIL (unexpired term)
Terry L. Button (Reform Party): Button said if he is selected, he will try to have a conversation with his constituents to find out what their needs are, as well as listen to what possible solutions they have. He also wants to cut through rhetoric and get to the facts and reality of an issue.
Brian A. Bootes (Republican, Brian A. Bootes): Did not respond by press time.

TORREY TOWN COUNCIL
Linda K. Francisco (Republican): "The main focus at the present time in the town of Torrey is putting our efforts toward public water for those folks south of Route 14 where water is scarce and/or of bad quality. Continuation of these efforts would be the priority."
Peter Martini (Democrat): "If elected I would like to focus on sustainable growth and providing essential services to residents without increasing the tax burden. Doing so would ensure that the town of Torrey continues to be a great place to raise families and businesses."
Lawrence Martin (Action for Torrey): The candidate did not wish to provide a comment.

For information on where polling places are located, visit the Yates County Board of Elections website at http://www.yatescounty.org/upload/12/6170.pdf.