The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Candidates square off at forum
Candidates for local offices came to the Kallet Civic Center Tuesday for a chance to answer questions from their prospective constituents.
Democrat incumbent mayor LeoMatzke and Republican challenger Gary Reisman Jr. gave their takes on the state of the city, including quality of life issues such as nuisance properties and how to build a sense of community among residents.
“Quality of life is very, very important,” Matzke said. “We have to bring back pride in our city. To have people feeling safe. To do that, we have to have things like neighborhood watch, which we’re building now. We have to have a community friendly police force.”
Matzke touted the city’s increased walking patrols for police, as well as more aggressive measures taken against nuisance properties.
“For 20 years we did nothing,” he said. “Now we’re taking them to court.”
Reisman felt more could be done for the city he’s called home since 2011, including a more community-focused police force and more frequent community events.
“You know what I’d do? Right off the bat? Have a winter ball right here in the Kallet where everyone is invited,” Reisman said.
Both candidates were in favor of a city administrator, which has been a pet project of Matzke’s for a few years. The city bud-
get was meant to include a line item for the position in this year’s budget, but was reallocated during Matzke’s recent illness. He said it’s in the 2018 budget, however.
“I am absolutely for it. It will make us more efficient and give us the opportunity to make long term decisions,” Matzke said.
“We need a constant in city hall,” Reisman said. “We need someone who will be there for them.”
In the race for Common Council, Democrat James Coulthart and Conservative Jason Tiffin are going for the open Ward 3 seat, while Republican incumbent Thomas Simchik and Democrat challenger Donald Moore are competing for Ward 6.
One of several issues constituents wanted addressed was the Oneida Public Library.
“There were some people for it, some people against it, I’m here to say that the Oneida Public Library is on its way,” Tiffin said, who notedhowagood librarycan leave a lasting impression on people. “We don’t have a choice, so now we have to capitalize on it.”
“I’man avid reader,” Coulthart said. “Having a strong library in the community is important. If I can help in a small way or a big way, I will.”
“Weneed toworkwith the board,” Simchik said. “We need to make it the most inviting we can. There are still some financing issues, but those need to be worked out with the comptroller.”
“I was on the common council when the library wanted to buy the land originally,” Moore said. “I wasn’t really for that, we had something for themon theNorthside, but the library is coming no matter what.”
Public safety was a big concern for several in the audience, especially when it came to the Madison County sheriff candidates. More than one question was concerned with the qualifications for each candidate: Democrat undersheriff John Ball, who has been acting sheriff since former sheriff Allen Riley accepted a position with the state; and Republican Todd Hood.
“My whole career is police experience,” Hood said, stressing his extensive career, including corrections, patrol, and homicide investigations, among others.
Hood elaborated on his time on the S.W.A.T. team in Syracuse and that when there was a major incident, the chiefs of police would come to him for the best course of action. When it comes to the job, Hoodmade it clear bringing in more people and more input so there’s a clearer picture on the proper decision.
“I do not have a police background,” Ball said. “I have a public safety background.” He’s been in public safety for 25 years with a focus on the jails and administration work, he said. Before coming to Madison County, Ball oversaw a jail with a budget of $20 million, a staff of 200 and an inmate population of 540.
Several in the audience had questions about the Oneida Indian Nation and how money from the Nation agreement with Madison County and the state could be better utilized.
“We shouldn’t be relying on funds from the Oneida Nation compromise to expand our economy,” Democrat appointeeMargaretMilman-Barris said. “I think we have a lot of other options to bring more businesses into the county.”
“The $3.5 million given to us fromtheOneidaNation is given as a gratuity,” Republican incumbent John Reinhardt said. “We accept that money happily every year.”
“The Oneida Indian Nation is here to stay,” said Republican Mary Cavanagh. “We have to work together with them and work with administration in Oneida to bridge the gap and make sure Oneida gets their fair share.”
“If I understand the compact correctly, that money goes through the state,” Republican Tom Boylan said. “It doesn’t come directly through the Oneida Indian Nation.”
“This is a complicated issue and interesting at the same time,” Democrat incumbent Joseph Magliocca said. “Our fight isn’t with the Oneida Indian Nation, our fight is with the governor and with the county.”
“I can tell you for a fact that there is a formula used for the first $3.5 million distributed through the county,” Democrat incumbent Lewis Carinci explained. As for the next $2.25 million that is distributed, Carinici believes the four supervisors need to fight harder to get their fair share from lost tax revenue.
More than 120 people showed up to the event and many had questions. Not every person was able to have their question answered, but the candidates were at least able to expand on who they are and what they are offering the community.