Voters Go To Polls Tuesday In Watershed Village Race

Mayor Booan’s Dream Team, Strong Democratic Slate Vie

COOPERSTOWN

Eight candidates – four Republicans, four Democrats – are vying for four seats on the Village Board in the Tuesday, March 15, elections.
The polls will be open from noon to 9 p.m. in the firehouse on Chestnut Street.
There are two three-year terms being sought by Democrats Jeff Katz and Ellen Tillapaugh Kuch, and Republicans Matt Schuermann and Jim Potts.  (Vote for two.)
There is one two-year term being sought by Democrat Walter Franck and Republican Phil Lewis.  (Vote for one.)
And there is one one-year term being sought by Democrat Jim Dean and Republican Joan White.  (Vote for one.)
At the League of Women Voters’ debate Monday night, March 7, only Katz said he supports expanding paid parking to Main and Pioneer streets, a controversial subject for the past three years.
Given the temper of the times, all the candidates spoke of reducing expenses, with the Republicans pointing out that village revenues have risen 65 percent in nine years.
Some political observers see Tuesday’s vote as a bit of a referendum on Mayor Joe Booan’s administration to date.  
The ONC BOCES administrator, one of a bloc of trustees seeking to better understand village finance, was elected to the top job last March on a pledge to improve village streets and sidewalks.
Controversies over the past year have included paid parking, management of village police and an effort to bring the Gateway project, seven years in the making, to a conclusion.