VOTES: Village of Medina prepares for upcoming election

By Rikki Cason<br><a href="mailto:rikki.cason@journal-register.com">E-mail Rikki</a>

MEDINA — Four candidates are vying for two open trustee seats in the Village of Medina election March 18.

Village Party candidates Kelly Kiebala and Mark Irwin will take on Accountability Party candidate Owen Toale and People’s Party candidate Clayton Ehrenreich at a candidates forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Shelby Town Hall.

The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Orleans County.

Each candidate will answer a series of questions from the audience.

We asked the four candidates their opinions on several important issues to the village. This is part one of a two-part series.

Clayton Ehrenreich, People’s Party

QUESTION: How do you plan to serve Medina?

ANSWER: When I previously served as trustee and mayor, I served both positions as a full-time public servant. And if elected I fully intend to service the people of Medina to the same extent. I will participate on as many committees, attend as many meetings, communicate with state and federal offices and individuals, take part in community functions and, most importantly, be available to and communicate with the people.

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Q: How long have you lived in the Village of Medina?

A: I was born and raised in Medina. I attended and graduated Medina Central School. I have lived in Medina my entire life. My family were longtime business people in the community. I spent a number of years working for the family business and was very active and familiar with the business climate in Medina and Orleans County.

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Q: What are your qualifications?

see Q&A; on page 4

Q&A; ...

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A: I have completed both undergraduate and graduate work in political science and economics. I graduated with honors from Niagara University. I earned a master’s of public administration with a thesis on consolidation from the Wehle School of Business at Canisius College. I served as trustee and mayor of Medina. I have both the education and experience that is not possessed by any of the other candidates or any of the current trustees except for Mr. Toale.

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Q: Why are you running for trustee? 

A: During the years I previously served, Medina saw a time of new projects and community spirit. The village government and the people of Medina began working for each other and for the betterment of the people and the community as a whole, with all citizens treated equally to an extent that hadn’t been seen in a number of years. The notion of special privileges for only a certain few was replaced by the reinvigorated sense of community in completed projects such as the North Street project. During the past year, much of the progress in this area has diminished and I would like to help restore it once again.

I also want to see individuals have a greater say in village government. During the past year this has also diminished with the imposing of reduced public comment sessions at board meetings, a limit on the amount of time people have to speak and the occurrence of board decisions being made prior to public discussion. The Village of Medina belongs to all the citizens and not just five individuals sitting on the board. One current board member once made the statement that he knew “what was better for the people than they did!” The people need to have their voice in this village restored. Last but not least, a number of new programs, contracts, activities and improved ways of doing business were started. There is a definite need for individuals on the board that are fully aware of the beginning, the carrying out and in some cases the conclusion of these items.

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Q: What would you like to do differently?

A: I want to see the people of the village of a greater opportunity to participate in village government and be able to more freely express their view and ideas. State regulations advise that all conflicts of interest either real or implied be avoided by village government and those serving as elected officials. Greater watching for potential for conflicts of interest needs to be done. The board also needs members with extensive knowledge of budgeting, finance, labor relations, negotiations and other fundamentals of proper government operation.

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Q: What are the important village issues for you?

A: The primary concern of any elected official is to provide the best government services to the public within tax rates that are affordable to the public. There is a definite need for greater board participation in the budgeting process in both the generation of alternative revenues, the proper spending of revenues collected and optimal government performance.

There are many misconceptions being spread by both individuals and governments regarding consolidation. Many have the idea that consolidation is simply erasing the lines on a map and living happily ever after while saving an enormous amount of money. Unfortunately, it is not that simple, nor is it always the best or the cheapest option in the end. There are actual cases of consolidation in Western New York that have resulted in an increase to the taxpayers. Another area to be considered is greater cooperation between governments. However, to work, it has to be cooperation with mutual respect, ways that are beneficial to all parties, and are economically viable for all. Consolidation is a one-time fix ... elected officials should at all times (be) financially proactive.

I am aware of the local business climate and issues facing businesses already here and those we would like to attract to our village. The village officials need to be progressive in providing an environment that will keep and attract individuals to the village and, in turn, to the businesses that exist. This will also make the village more appealing to outside interests.

Another area of concern is the condition of the sidewalks in the village other than trying to pass off liability. A year ago the board was presented with a proposed local law that would have had the village work with property owners to improve the walks. To date, nothing has been done, to my knowledge, with that local law and very little has been done by the board to improve this situation.

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A: What do you plan to do to help local businesses?

Q: The village ... needs to be proactive in promoting all forms of business and be fair in its treatment to all parties. The village also needs to begin working with other state and federal agencies to provide information to help businesses and companies be more successful and sustainable. Currently, there are programs and information being offered to village officials in the form of national telecasts and assistance from the New York Conference of Mayors that show how to keep and attract retail business back to downtown areas and, in turn, the consumers who frequent them. These are the meetings and the activities that the elected village officials should attend and be participating in. The elected officials need to do more to attract new businesses.

Mark Irwin, Village Party

QUESTION: How do you plan to serve Medina?

ANSWER: I plan to serve Medina by carefully considering everything that comes before the board with a mind towards reducing spending and having a safe, vibrant community. I have always been completely accessible and available to village residents and will continue to be so.

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Q: How long have you lived in the Village of Medina?

A: I’ve lived 24 years in the village and 41 in Western New York.

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Q: What are your qualifications?

A: I’ve served 12 years on the Medina Planning Board and served on other boards including Orleans County Christian School. I’ve been a village homeowner and taxpayer for 21 years.

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Q: Why are you running for trustee?

A: Because I support the direction toward which Mayor Tabelski and the Village Party trustees are leading the village. Specifically, lower property taxes, greater cooperation between the towns and villages, diligent (but not oppressive) code enforcement, openness in decision making.

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Q: What would you like to do differently?

A: I will bring my own understanding of village issues and concerns to the table. Also I will work to reduce petty bickering and foster a better, more cooperative, relationship between the board members.

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Q: What are the important village issues for you?

A: All of the above examples are vital. Consolidation is vital to reducing the tax rate. Reducing the tax rate is essential to business growth. Business growth is vital to increasing individual property values.

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Q: What do you plan to do to help local businesses?

A: I will help to foster an attitude supportive of business. The future of Medina depends on a healthy, vibrant business community. This can not be with the highest tax rates in the USA. There must be more changes. State and federal grant opportunities must be avidly pursued with the goal of cutting the cost of doing business.

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