Caucuses Should Pick Pragmatic Candidates

It’s been stated here often that there’s no Republican pothole or Democratic streetlight.  At the local level, issues should be decided on the merits, period.
Still, competition between the two parties plays an important role in recruiting new talent, as has certainly been evident in the Village of Cooperstown.
Well, it’s that time of year again.  The parties have scheduled their caucuses for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25.
Four village trustee seats will be filled in the Tuesday, March 15, elections.
Two are for three-year terms, one for two years, and one for one year.
Incumbents Jeff Katz and Matt Schuermann are expected to run again.  Neil Weiller is stepping down after a three-year term.  Chuck Hage, appointed for a year, has resigned and Mayor Joe Booan plans an appointment at the January meeting, Monday the 24th.
That means the Village Board will have at least two new faces, or potentially as many as four, a majority.

 

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Here’s the answer to the question a lot of people have been asking:  A candidates must run specifically for a three-year, two-year or one-year term.
Regarding the two three-year terms, the ballot will direct you to vote for two candidates.  On the two-year term, you will be directed to vote for one candidate.  Same with the one-year term.
Because of the controversies of the past year, both parties hope to field full slates, and this is good.
In the selection process, both parties should seek candidates with no ax to grind, who have avoided the personality wars, who will resolve issues on the merits, pragmatically, who want to pursue the well-being of our whole, varied village, not a niche.
And in March, all of us should cast our ballots with those merits in mind.

IF YOU GO:  Village caucuses 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25.  Democrats in firehouse; Republicans at village hall.