Town candidates list priorities

SCHUYLER COUNTY--The REVIEW&EXPRESS asked each candidate running for town positions what their top three priorities are if elected. Their responses are listed below:

CATHARINE SUPERVISOR
John VanSoest (Democrat, Small Government): "Catharine's town board agrees on these priorities: Reduce taxes -- We had zero tax increase in 2014, and a 1 percent decrease in 2015. Our 2016 plan decreases taxes 1 percent. Smart investments now save long-term costs. Avoid debt -- Catharine has no debt, and I plan to keep it that way."
Richard J. Lewis (Republican): "1. Road maintenance. 2. Budget constraints. 3. Code enforcement."

HECTOR TOWN COUNCIL
Justin S. Boyette (Democrat): Boyette said he would like to be more friendly to small business, adding he wants more fiscal accountability in the town's administration and the actual town hall itself. He also wants to make sure the town of Hector does more than "just pay lip service" to protecting Hector's natural resources.
Debra Reid (Democrat): Reid said she wants to address the growth in property taxes, looking at spending and how taxes are being used. She also wants to see more fiscal accountability and look at staffing levels. Reid noted she wants to protect the town's resources, while improving the climate for small business growth.
William T. Preston (Republican, Conservative, Individual Rights): "I am running for this seat because I believe everyone has the right to live the way they want to without government interference. The assessment process is flawed and needs to be changed. I recognize the need to preserve all town services at the present level."
John R. White (Republican, Conservative, Individual Rights): "As Schuyler County has reaped a windfall of sales tax revenue in 2015, simultaneously reducing their contribution to town of Hector by 25 percent and capping for 30 years, is unrealistic. I will use my experience, to seek all additional means to lessen the burden to our tax base."

READING TOWN SUPERVISOR
William "Buzz" DeSarno (Democrat, People's Voice): "1. Ensuring Reading residents their right to voice any concerns without being disrespected. 2. When elected, showing how very committed I am to preserving the beauty and the environmental safety of our area. 3. Promising Reading residents are always afforded a transparent governing body run by their elected officials."
Gary B. Conklin (Republican): "As Reading town supervisor I would like to continue to have the board work together with the departments in the town to develop fiscally responsible budgets. Along the same line, to also continue to work with other towns in Schuyler County and outside of Schuyler County for shared services."

READING TOWN COUNCIL
Gita L. Devi (Democrat, People's Voice): "1. Engage in open and honest dialogue with all Reading residents during board meetings. 2. Enforce our land use laws to ensure that our town is not turned into an unhealthy industrial zone. 3. Help shape the future of Reading by actively participating in the comprehensive plan process."
Tamra K. Jankowski (Democrat, People's Voice): "1. Review Reading's fiscal strength, budget process, fund balances and taxes levied. 2. Participate in the comprehensive plan to shape the future, one that should not include heavy industrialization putting our residents and our community at unacceptable risk. 3. Encourage appropriate economic growth abiding by our land use laws."
Stephen L. Miller (Republican): "1. Represent the taxpayers in the town of Reading in a fiscally responsible manner. 2. Avoid being influenced by special interest groups and only represent the taxpayers in Reading. 3. My interests are in the management of all aspects: economic, highway, safety and environmental requirements of this council."

READING TOWN CLERK/TAX COLLECTOR
Muriel Osborne-Petryk (Democrat, People's Voice): "I'm a lifelong resident of the town of Reading. I am friendly and courteous, and my goal is to get extra hours to meet people's needs and to always be there for them. One additional thing is to take care of the history that is in that building."
Alice W. Conklin (Republican): "I will continue extended hours of three mornings a week, three evenings a week and one Saturday a month. I will continue to work closely with the town board and departments. I will continue to publish my personal cell phone number to be available to town residents at all times."

TYRONE TOWN COUNCIL
Joe T. Sevier (Serve You): "Proper decision making in all aspects of the community. Open government with nothing to hide. Having integrity, commitment and transparency. Make accurate budget decisions."
Edward Perry (Republican): Did not respond by press time.
Thomas R. Allen (Voice of the People): Did not respond by press time.