Supervisor
Mary Ann Sumner (Democratic, Protecting Dryden)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: Forty years ago I came to live in Dryden. I built my home here, with my own hands and the help of many friends. I raised two wonderful kids and became involved in the community – reading to preschoolers at Southworth Library; learning with Leadership Tompkins; serving on the Dryden Town Board for two years; and now as Town Supervisor.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?: I’m running for re-election because my experience as Supervisor has made me keenly aware of the good work that elected officials and the people of Dryden do to make this a wonderful place to live. The knowledge I’ve gained through the years I’ve been Supervisor is a valuable asset as we continue to plan for the future.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO TACKLE IN THE POSTION YOU ARE SEEKING?: Maintaining our low tax rate and fiscal stability continues to be the most important priority for the Dryden Town Board and Supervisor. At the same time we must have a vision of the future. All spending must be evaluated for effectiveness in preserving natural resources, economic vitality and quality of life in Dryden. Ongoing conversations with Dryden residents are essential to assure that we, elected officials and residents, understand how best to preserve and enhance the things people value about life in Dryden.
Ronald Szymanski (Republican, Independence)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: I am a Town of Dryden resident, have lived in the Village of Freeville for the past fifteen years, and am the Republican/Independence candidate for the Town Supervisor. For the last six years, my employment with MetroMattress includes my current store manager position for the Lansing location. I am a member of the FreevilleUnitedMethodistChurch and I chaired the Village of Freeville Planning Board for two of the five years I have served on the board.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?: Dryden needs a Supervisor who can and will develop, promote, and establish an economic growth strategy. The taxpayers need relief and our schools, our teachers, and our kids, need education revenue from growth rather than tax increases. Dryden must increase the tax base to spread the property tax burden and meet town and school budget demands. A marketing plan based on free market principles is needed to encourage compatible, sustainable, small business activities that will protect our Open Space way of life. In this effort, I trust the common sense of the good residents of Dryden to build a prosperous future with innovation, creativity and hard work. Local government will continue to provide well maintained roads under experienced Highway Superintendent Jack Bush, as well as police and fire safety. It should otherwise get out of the way of individual progress.
I have worked in small business my whole life. Much of my work experience is in agriculture and I can accurately assess the businesses that will be successful in Dryden. This experience includes work transitioning a commercial farm to organic farming. It also includes managing woodlots to establish a sugar bush and premium high quality timber. Dryden has many natural resources. My training includes alternative energy technology and ten years in the energy conservation industry. I have practical and formal sales training from the farm, energy project development, business to business, and retail. I love this town and the people. I have the skill set necessary to perform my duties as the Town Board Supervisor that will facilitate prosperity in Dryden. I look forward to humbly doing my part if the voters choose my vision, listening to all, and respecting diverse opinions, including those of people who do not agree with me.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO TACKLE IN THE POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING?: Changing the vision of the Town of Dryden to a facilitator, not opponent, of suitable growth; reducing the size of the Town of Dryden government and of taxes to sustainable levels; and respecting individual freedom and choices rather than picking winners and losers. My growth program will address the needs of the 22% of our residents who live below the poverty line for high paying jobs and self-employment to put food on their tables. The best remedy for poverty is available work and business development opportunity that pays well.
Highway Superintendent
Jack Bush (Republican, Independence)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: I have lived in the Dryden area for 38 of my 51 years. My heart has always been in Dryden since a child living with my Grandfather Leo Olds. My relationship with him and my parents taught me a work ethic and other values that has lead me to who I am today.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?: I am running again for the Office of Highway Superintendent to make a difference in the area of government that I know best based on my nearly 27 years with the Town of Dryden. From July 1998 to the present I have filled a highway superintendent role.
Starting at the Highway Department as a laborer, obtaining a commercial drivers license (CDL), reclassifying to a motor equipment operator over an eleven year period, I learned about roads and how to operate a roller, dozer, grader, backhoe, excavator, loader, and snowplow truck. I also learned many needed skills during my military reserve time with the Navy Seabees (the construction branch) and money management with investment property.
Each budget year I’ve witnessed, I have seen the challenges a Town Board has to deal with when deciding what and how much to appropriate. As Highway Superintendent, I am able to help them through this challenge with the continued education courses I have completed and experience I have gained. Three particular areas I’ve initiated are a 5/20 year Road Surface Management Plan, a 10 year Equipment Replacement Plan, and a 10 year Sign Management Replacement Plan. The appropriations in the 2014 budget for the Town of Dryden Highway Department and the Department of Public Works show the plans are working.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO TACKLE IN THE POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING?: An important issue I see coming in the next term is higher highway costs, based on the price of crude oil. The price of oil impacts every aspect of the Highway Department. A few examples are: steel for culverts; polyethylene for plastic culvert pipe; fuel for snowplows and heavy equipment; asphalt for road paving; and, heating and electrical needs, etc. To meet this challenge it will require knowledge of best methods for preserving roads, an understanding of road conditions, projected plans in place, and alternate energy sources, to name a few. I am confident that I can meet this challenge head on and provide Dryden taxpayers the continued service expected in a cost effective manner.
Richard Young Jr. (Democratic)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: I’ve lived in Dryden for 49 years, and I’ve been a member of Dryden Fire and Ambulance for 31 years. Currently, I am the deputy fire chief.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?: I feel the highway department needs a change. A lot of issues are being ignored by the current supervisor not returning calls, not answering calls or questions. I feel that as a public servant, he should be listening to the needs of the taxpayers with a straight and honest answer to their problems. I believe that better leadership would help to improve the moral of employees.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO TACKLE IN THE POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING?: I believe there could be a better working relationship with other municipalities that doesn’t seem to be happening.
Councilperson (Vote for 2)
Jason Leifer, (Democratic, Protecting Dryden)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: I am an attorney with a solo litigation practice in TompkinsCounty. My wife Cindy is a professor at the CornellVeterinarySchool and we have two boys, Ryan and Daniel. Prior to moving to Dryden we lived in Maryland. I am a member of Dryden Kiwanis.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?: I have served on the Town Board since January 2008 and I am running for reelection because I believe that I have the knowledge, vision and experience to help promote Dryden as the best place in Tompkins County for people to raise their families and establish or grow their businesses. I have supported business development programs such as our IDA partnership with Alternatives Federal Credit Union, supported giving a voice to our farmers by helping create our Agricultural Advisory Committee, successfully worked to expand Internet access throughout the town, and I have been a consistent supporter of adult and youth recreation. I am also presently working with other municipalities to negotiate a better cable franchise agreement for the town with Time-Warner Cable.
While I do not support fracking in Dryden we cannot say no to all development if we are going to be pro-growth. Now that our zoning ordinance is finalized I want to focus on selling Dryden as a prime location for commercial, agricultural, and residential development. Dryden’s central location between Cortland and Ithaca is advantageous for traditional development but also for agri-tourism and distribution. Since we are not far from either Syracuse or Binghamton we should also be able to attract tourism and investment from those areas. We can and will do all of this while keeping our water and air clean as well as respecting people’s property rights.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO TACKLE IN THE POSITION YOUARE SEEKING?:
The biggest challenge for Dryden is to keep all of its residents engaged and interested in Town Government. Geographically Dryden is a large town – 94 square miles – and parts of Dryden are in five school districts. This makes it too hard for some residents to realize that they are a part of Dryden. Keeping everyone involved is important because moving forward on issues such as sustainable development will work best if we have participation of people from all over town.
For example, promoting sustainable development for our agricultural business is important because agriculture’s success not only impacts many local businesses but it also touches the research programs at our local colleges and universities. If Dryden focuses on developing a sustainable business base we will make it easy for future town boards to resist the temptation of succumbing to the pressures of permitting boom and bust business models, like shale gas extraction, to establish themselves in the Town. Developing and nurturing a broad based economy is in all of our best interests.
Bette Minarski (Republican, Independence)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: I graduated from CanastotaHigh School and AlbanySecretarialSchool. After graduation I worked for Aetna Insurance Company, First Federal Bank of Rochester, Hill Drug Store Dryden (30 years) and with the Tompkins Trust Company (8 years). I am currently retired. I have volunteered in a local food pantry, at community dinners and for nursing home visits. I have served on our church Parish Council, taught religious education and been a member of our local church for 28 years. Currently I enjoy time with grandchildren and sharing in care giving for my in-laws. David and I have been married 41 years and raised five children in Dryden.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?: I am running for office in Dryden because I believe we need to bring a balance of ideals and common sense back to the town board. The Dryden Town Board should encourage opportunities for new businesses while respecting and encouraging our community’s agricultural roots. Having worked at a food pantry, I know many people work very hard but still have trouble making ends meet. Good jobs are the best way out of poverty. I am and always will be a proponent for personal liberties and personal accountability. It will be a privilege for me to serve the Dryden community with respect and with an open mind for others’ opinions and ideas.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO TACKLE IN THE POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING?: I believe the challenges that we face as a community are to broaden our tax base and bring more high paying job opportunities to the community. I would like to see our taxes decrease, but more realistically, I would work to keep taxes from increasing. I will strive to rein in spending and limit the intrusion of the Board’s involvement in private enterprise.
Greg Sloan (Democratic, Protecting Dryden)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: I have worked at Cornell for 12 years as a research astronomer, teaching courses occasionally at Cornell and IthacaCollege when help is needed. My wife works at the Lab of Ornithology and I have two daughters, one at Ithaca High and the other in middle school. We have lived in the Ithaca area since 2001 and in the Town of Dryden for the last three.
Two years ago, in the town board campaign following on the change in zoning laws to prevent fracking in Dryden, I had the opportunity to talk to many people in Dryden as I went door to door and put up yard signs. I was greatly impressed by how the issue of protecting Dryden and preserving its qualities had unified people across party lines. And I was just as impressed by how well informed people were on the issues and how much they cared. The whole experience was very motivating. Here is a community that deserves our energy, and I feel fortunate to be a part of it.
In my years as a scientist, the most important lesson I have learned is that to solve a problem, you need to weigh it objectively, look at the evidence, and draw conclusions with care. I continue to be amazed when I watch politicians push solutions that we know don’t work, simply because
they are popular. I have also learned that being right doesn’t help if you can’t convince others, which means that people need to work with what they have in common rather than alienating each other if they are going to solve problems together.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?: I am running to continue the battle to preserve our victories and conserve what we value about our town. This involves more than just keeping the laws preventing fracking in Dryden. It also involves preparing for the likelihood that fracking will soon be legal elsewhere in New York. When that happens, we need to have in place laws protecting our investment in our homes, our land, and what we jointly own: our roads and other infrastructure. I will push for road protection, for aquifer protection, and if necessary, for other forms of protections as dangers reveal themselves. We have not moved as quickly as we should have on these issues, as the recent damage to German Cross Road from heavy truck traffic demonstrates. In addition, I want the town to promote good health by pushing efforts to extend bicycle paths from Ithaca to the village of Dryden and building athletic fields at a central location accessible by everyone.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO TACKLE IN THE POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING?: The agenda I support comes with two big challenges. First, we must figure out how to pass the protection laws we need without adding to the red tape people have to put up with. If a new law angers enough people, it is ultimately doomed no matter how good its intent. Second, we have to operate within realistic fiscal constraints. While I want new bike paths and athletic fields, we have to work those into our existing budgets and build them without adding to our already high tax rates. One great example is the Hamlet Plan for Varna, which I will support, in no small part to its reliance on federal and state grant money. That’s the kind of smart solution I plan to be a part of in the future.
Stephen Stelick Jr. (Republican, Independence)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: I have been happily married to the former Lisa Hurst from Freeville, NY for over 32 years. Our families have resided in the Town of Dryden over 100 years. Lisa and I are lifelong residents of the Town of Dryden and are alumni of the DrydenSchool District. We have four children all of whom reside within the Town of Dryden and are DrydenSchool graduates: Brandon, Travis, Trevor & Kendra. We have all been very active in our community as volunteers, fundraisers, and committee members. Our family has grown to include two daughters in law, Ellen and Cheryl, and two grand-daughters, Hailie and Alyssa. My wife and I voluntarily ran the Dryden Youth Sports Programs for over 10 years including coordination and support of many volunteers and many fundraisers to purchase uniforms/equipment/recognitions. I have been a youth sports coach over 10 years. I was an original member of the Dryden Recreation Commission.
I have been employed by Rite Aid Corp. for nearly 25 years. I am currently a Compliance Specialist. Prior to this position I was a Field Compliance Auditor, a Loss Prevention/Audit Manager, and a Training Store Manager. I was also employed for many years in the Banking industry. Having a full-time traditional job providing for my family does not diminish my commitment and service to the Town of Dryden and its residents. I have nearly three decades of experience in banking, budgets, leadership, retail and personal management. I am a current representative on the Agriculture, Personnel and Finance Committees. I am a past representative on various committees such as: Recreation (DRC), Fire & Emergency Services, Assessment Review, Tompkins County Cable Commission, Town Hall Building/Infrastructure, Music-In-The Park, Technology, Grants, Highway, Montgomery Park, Sewer & Water, Village Board rep., and I was a past Deputy Town Supervisor.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?: I have served as a Town of Dryden Councilman for twelve years. I am proud of the positive forward progress, growth, and accomplishments the Town board has made during my service. I am dedicated to continuing my positive, experienced, respectful, and active service as a Town Councilman which includes listening to and working for residents and with the local municipalities and businesses. I have integrity and am a proactive forward thinker with effective leadership skills and proven ability to build collaborative relationships and get things done. I would be honored to receive voter support so that I may continue my service as a steward for the Town of Dryden and its residents.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO TACKLE IN THE POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING?: We must continue to work on developing a sustainable budget with plans to continue with work already completed, marketing the Town as a nice place to live, to bring up a family, and to start a business with plans to continue working closely with Town of Dryden municipal leaders and stakeholders for planning and bringing in good and positive growth and prosperity to the Town of Dryden and fill our empty store fronts.
