By Rikki Cason<br><a href="mailto:rikki.cason@journal-register.com">E-mail Rikki</a>
MEDINA — Mayor Adam Tabelski hopes to serve the Village of Medina for two more years. Tabelski is running on the Village Party, along with trustee candidates Andrew Meier and Sue Squires.
Tabelski was asked several questions about why he wants to continue serving the Village of Medina.
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QUESTION: Why did you decide to seek re-election for Medina village mayor?
ANSWER: I’m standing for re-election because I think the village is making significant strides forward. In the past two years, we have reduced the tax rate twice, put a renewed focus on enhancing code enforcement and reducing blight, collaborated with the Medina Business Association and Orleans Economic Development Agency, and improved the lines of communication with village residents and the two townships. Without question, there’s more work ahead. A few ongoing projects include: this year’s reconstruction of Gwinn Street, cutting-edge, energy-efficiency upgrades at our wastewater treatment plant and compost facility, and a consolidation study.
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Q: What party are you running under?
A: I am proud to be running with trustee candidates Sue Squires and Andrew Meier under the banner of the Village Party. Since the inception of the Village Party in 2005, we have recruited diverse candidates for office who share a commitment to public service. We work together, we bring our unique talents to the table and we stay open-minded and forward-thinking.
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Q: What issues do you feel are important in the village?
A: Because it is on the ballot as a referendum question, I will begin with mentioning Proposition One. The people will get to decide whether or not to dissolve village court. I encourage voters to choose “yes” to eliminate an unnecessary and costly aspect of village government, thereby relieving a $40,000 a year fiscal burden and reducing the size of government. This is a concrete example of something we’re advancing to make local government more sustainable over the long term.
More generally speaking, people are concerned about their quality of life and their ability to make ends meet. That means it’s up to the village government to balance the need to control taxes and spending with the needs to provide vital services like police and fire, maintain an aging infrastructure, and promote our community to the wider world. Every step of the way, we should be held accountable to the citizens of the village and we should be able to communicate and explain our actions.
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Q: What are your qualifications?
A: I have served as mayor for the past two years, and previously served a two-year term as a trustee. I am a concerned taxpayer and homeowner. After I graduated from Medina High School and SUNY Geneseo, I began working as the communications director for state Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, — a position I have held since 2002. I have been involved in several community organizations, including the Medina Historical Society. I am also a member of the Army National Guard.
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Q: What is your view on consolidation?
A: I think we owe it to the taxpayers to explore any and every way possible to provide services more efficiently and cost-effectively. Last year, working in partnership with the towns of Ridgeway and Shelby, we obtained grant funding to conduct a consolidation/shared services feasibility study. This study got under way early in 2010 and will continue throughout this year. I, for one, want the facts to speak for themselves. While we do not yet know the findings of the study, one fact that is for sure is that this open review of local government operations was flatly rejected by my predecessor. I think, at the very least, the study will strengthen the bonds between our three municipalities and help identify more ways to work together.
Contact reporter Rikki Cason at 798-1400, ext. 8227.
