Dr. Milton C. Sernett and Scott Hughes, creators of the NAHOF Traveling Abolition Museum, discuss the outreach exhibit with Dr. Carolyn Howe, Worcester, Mass., Women’s History Project in front of one of the installed walls of the mobile exhibit telling the history of American Abolition from the Colonial Period to the Civil War.

Robert Djed Snead portrays Syracuse Underground Railroad station conductor Jermain Wesley Loguen at Loguen’s October 2011 Induction to the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum in Peterboro.

(Town of Smithfield, NY – Jan. 2012) As Black History month commences, Peterboro is finalizing plans for 2012 programs that explore and explain the 19th Century history of African-Americans in the hamlet and its significance to the history of our nation.

On Jan. 31, the anniversary date of the Thirteenth Amendment that abolished slavery, the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum Traveling Abolition Museum was transported from Case Library at Colgate University to Memorial Library at SUNY Cortland for Black History Month.

The museum had been installed at Colgate for Martin Luther King, Jr., commemorations at the college. Milton C. Sernett, Ph.D., professor emeritus Syracuse University, developed the text and visuals for the traveling museum that cover the history of American Abolition from slavery in the Colonial era to the Civil War.

Sernett, a member of the Cabinet of Freedom for the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum (NAHOF) in Peterboro, will also be presenting at SUNY Cortland on the Abolition Crusade in Upstate New York. Robert Djed Snead, a Jermain Wesley Loguen re-enactor who performed at Loguen’s NAHOF induction in October 2011, will perform and present Loguen at SUNY Cortland.

The History Center in Ithaca will be hosting the John Brown Lives! Timbuctoo exhibit during Black History Month. Timbuctoo explains Gerrit Smith’s plan to gift 3,000 African-American men with 40 acres of land.

The 20th Annual Peterboro Civil War Weekend June 9 and 10 will join in the nation’s commemoration of the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War. Military battles were not waged on Peterboro soil, but Peterboro was the center of human rights activities that waged war against slavery, and those activities led to the ignition of the Civil War.

Sernett will present The Terrible Swift Sword: Abolitionists and the Civil War. Also, Alice Keesey Mecoy, will return to NAHOF to share insights into her great-great-grandfather John Brown.

NAHOF will exhibit a copy of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation gifted by the New York State Library. Lincoln presented his draft of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation to his Cabinet September 22, 1862. The New York State Museum will open an exhibit Sept. 22 about the Proclamation, which was briefly owned by Gerrit Smith of Peterboro.

For more information, visit sca-peterboro.org or AbolitionHoF.org, or call (315) 366-8101.

(Madison County, NY – Nov. 2011) The Madison County Landfill Operation (all sites) and the ARC MRF Recycling Center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 24.

The Landfill Office on Buyea Road in the Town of Lincoln will be closed on Friday, November 25.

(Peterboro, NY) The Peterboro Civil War Weekend Committee announces plans for the 20th annual Peterboro Civil War Weekend to be held June 9 and 10. The annual event coincides with the sesquicentennial of the Civil War commemorated throughout the nation.

Peterboro had a pivotal role in the ignition of the Civil War because of Gerrit Smith, who was an influential leader in anti-slavery efforts – a movement that led to the Civil War.

Smith’s support of John Brown caused a direct ignition of the Civil War.

For two decades, the Peterboro encampment has demonstrated many aspects of military and civilian life in the mid-1800s. In recent years, exhibits and programs on abolition and the Underground Railroad have been added.

The committee plans to develop more programs in 2012 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. For more information: civilwarweekend.sca-peterboro.org.

(Nov. 8, 2011)

Madison County Judge (County, Surrogate’s and Family Courts) – Uncontested

Dennis K. McDermott 7,777

Brookfield

Town Supervisor

John Salka 402; Joshua Haar 304

Highway Superintendent

Rod Jennison 342; Robert Piersma 372

Town Council

Marylou A. Rhodes 215; Joseph H. Walker 412; Clinton A. Abrams 450; Jefferson L. Mayne 303

Cazenovia

Town Supervisor

Thomas J. Clarke 597; Ralph M. Monforte 853

Town Council

Elizabeth C. Moran 860; Jennifer Basic 822; William N. Zupan 819

DeRuyter

Highway Superintendent Walter C. Cook 264; John Farewell 200

Eaton

Town Supervisor

Priscilla Suits 312; James C. Monahan 170

Fenner

All races uncontested.

Georgetown

Highway Superintendent

Howard F. Hunter 105; Duane J. Newton 78

Hamilton

Town Supervisor

Eve Ann Shwartz 613; Scott Mills 504

Town Council

Dominick Pangallo 529; David N. Holcomb 604; Chris Rossi 563; Kerry Dart 487

Lebanon

All races uncontested.

Lenox

Town Supervisor

Rocco J. DiVeronica 874; Richard  L. Rossi 445

Town Council

Douglas Havens, III 485; Richard Wimmer 664; Tom Bush 750; Edward Cerasia 407

Lincoln

All races uncontested.

Madison

Town Council

Brad Dixon 244; Anne Meyering 119, Gregory M. Reuter 267

Nelson

Town Council

Sharon A. Driscoll 199; John LaGorga 221; John E. Laubscher 202

Smithfield

Town Clerk/Collector

Janice C. Sebring 105, Page B. Winn 55

Stockbridge

Town Council

Roy E. Meeker 129; Kyle R. Russ 78; Roland C. Shea, Sr. 121

Sullivan

All Races Uncontested

Oneida

(Oneida, NY – Nov. 8, 2011) With 100 percent of the votes recorded from the Madison County Board of Elections, the unofficial results for races in the city of Oneida are as follows:

Mayor

Leo Matzke – 1,118

Donald Hudson – 1,223

Ward 1 Common Council

Susan Stratton – 159

Brahim Zogby – 217

Michael F. Musacchio Jr. – 34

Ward 2 Common Council

David Cimpi (unopposed) – 488

Ward 3 Common Council

1. A.     Max Smith (unopposed) – 264

Ward 4 Common Council

Michael Kaiser (unopposed) – 181

Ward 5 Common Council

Jim Chamberlain – 191

Brian Karst – 103

Ward 6 Common Council

Claudette Buss – 120

Tom Simchik – 183

Supervisor Wards 1, 2 and 3

John Reinhardt (unopposed) 1056

Scott Henderson (unopposed) 1055

Supervisor Wards 4, 5 and 6

James Rafte (unopposed) – 683

Lewis Carinci (unopposed) – 620

Proposition 1

Yes – 1,422

No – 772

Pictured from top are Douglas Havens, Chris Rossi, Dominick Pangallo, John LaGorga, Jennifer Basic, John Laubscher, Joshua Haar, Linda Mather, Liz Moran, Ralph Monforte, Scott Mills, John Salka and Tom Clarke.

By Martha E. Conway

(Madison County, NY – Nov. 2011) The Courier emailed as many candidates as we could find with a few questions to give them one last opportunity to reach voters. We asked:

a. What is the most pressing issue facing the office you seek and how would you work to resolve it?

b. What is your leadership philosophy?

c. What is the most positive trend you’ve seen concerning local government-related current events or activities during the past two years?

Some responded to our questions (name is in bold); others submitted statements.

Here’s a lineup of everyone on the ballots and what some of them had to say.

Those who did not respond are marked as “did not participate” below their name.

Pictures are posted in no particular order.

Brookfield

Supervisor

Joshua Haar (Liberty)

Fellow citizens of Brookfield:

Here’s my two cents on our local political situation. Plain and simple, our town government is being run with little concern for limiting the growth of government and the tax burden on the citizens of Brookfield.

Over the past two years, this has been amply demonstrated. Rather than just finding fault, I’ll offer a solution: this time, elect a new supervisor. Regarding my capability for the job, you don’t end up with a 4.0 in accounting by not being able to balance revenues and expenditures.

Regarding my platform, here’s my view on the growth of government. As Americans, we have established our government to preserve the conditions necessary for us to prosper, delegating to it limited authority. Over the years, primarily at the national and state levels, broad interpretations of this role have resulted in a massive governmental structure that lowers us ever deeper into debt in order to finance the government’s expansion.

This same expansion of power and expense is becoming a concern at the local level, as well.

I oppose adding responsibilities to Brookfield’s government (having the government “help out” in new areas) because that can hardly result in the lower taxes or simplified regulations that are essential to our rural way of life.

If elected, I’ll work to keep taxes down and the town government in line. I’m perfectly comfortable with the job of representing this town at the county and state levels, and I won’t try to transform Brookfield into some suburban paradise, complete with homes magnificent enough and incomes large enough to contribute thousands in taxes without noticing it.

We’ll keep our cabins in the woods (most of us, anyway), thank you.

I welcome questions or comments; email me at jhaar13@student.mvcc.edu or call me at (315) 855-4465.

John Salka (Brookfield Republicans, Madison County Independence Party, Madison County Conservative Party)

The most pressing issue is how to keep our town intact financially and still maintain the wonderful rural lifestyle we enjoy. I feel that bringing all together to brainstorm on how we can make the best use of scarce resources is not only the best option, but also makes for good government.

My leadership philosophy is making sure that the members of a community are involved, informed and enlightened. For instance, I instituted a relatively simple practice of holding town board meetings in all three parts of the township, and it has been a success. People feel that government is coming to them, and although I would always like to see better attendance from positive, well-intended members of the town, we are always respectful of those that show up and voice their opinion.

Our town website and public signboard at the town hall is also a key to keeping people informed.

As far as positive trends, in the town of Brookfield we have been building a Comprehensive Plan that has given the opportunity for our community to become involved on how we are planning for the future of Brookfield.

Part of the plan involved sending out a survey to the community with very well thought-out questions on what people think we should do for the future of our town. It was very successful, and we are able to use that data to lay the groundwork to determine the best direction in which to take our town.

I will continue to offer the citizens of Brookfield mature, responsible and conservative leadership that is responsive to the needs of our town and is able to cope with an ever-changing fiscal environment. Small towns are the bread and butter of what this country is all about, and we need to fight for them every day.

Thank you.

Highway Superintendent

Roderick B. Jennison

Endorsed by the Democratic, Conservative, People’s Choice and Independence parties

My name is rod Jennison; my name appears on the November ballot, and I am seeking your support for a second term as highway superintendent for the town of Brookfield.

In the last two years, I have worked diligently with the Brookfield Town Council to provide the best possible services while at the same tie keeping costs to you, the taxpayer, down as much as possible.

We have upgraded some of the equipment at the highway garage and cut expenses such as our debt service – reduced $1,000 a year, the equipment repair line reduced $10,000 a year, and there is a good possibility that there may be money left in this line at year’s end.

At this time, there is $32,000 in the snow removal line and approximately $20,000 in the payroll line that should roll over into the town’s saving account at year’s end.

As your highway superintendent, I will continue to work hard to provide safe travel for you and your family, at the same time respecting the costs to you, the taxpayer.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Robert J. Piersma

Did not participate.

Council

Clinton A. Abrams

Did not participate.

Jefferson L. Mayne

Did not participate.

Marylou A. Rhodes

Did not participate.

Joseph H. Walker

Did not participate.

Cazenovia

Supervisor

Thomas J. Clarke (Democratic, Strong Community)

There are two equally pressing issues in Cazenovia: the possibility of [hydraulic fracturing] operations in the town and maintaining the health and quality of Cazenovia Lake. [Hydraulic fracturing] is a serious concern and information about its legality, safety and hazards to the environment are constantly changing.

Currently, there is no case law regarding bans on [hydraulic fracturing] operations and municipalities may not specifically target them. To ensure the wellbeing of our rural community, Cazenovia should begin now to put in place protective measures that will limit any adverse effects, such as water and soil contamination, wastewater disposal, safety issues, impact on emergency services, road damage, noise, air pollution and visual disruption.

Cazenovia Lake is a critical natural and recreational resource for the community. In the past two years, the lake has been treated twice for Eurasian milfoil infestation. Another treatment will occur next spring. Plans to mitigate additional infestation should be prepared quickly to ensure the long term health of the lake.

The town council must work cooperatively with the village, Cazenovia Lake Association and other community groups to prepare a long-term maintenance and funding plan for Cazenovia Lake, including sewers around the lake.

This will require substantial research into costs, viable systems and impact on the environment and neighborhoods. Public participation will be essential. Fighting for the lake’s healthy future will require a community effort.

My leadership philosophy is one of consultation, cooperation and consensus-building, all of which are necessary for meaningful progress in Cazenovia and Madison County. The town supervisor serves as chair of the town board and represents Cazenovia on the Madison County Board of Supervisors. Decisions by both boards should be made openly with opportunities for the public to express ideas and concerns. I am a good listener, respectful of differing opinions and committed to effective follow-through.

The most positive trend I’ve observed about government-related events and activities in the last several years is the interest in local government that has been demonstrated by Cazenovia town residents. Planning board meetings and town public hearings are well-attended, and residents are enthusiastic about serving on various committees.

To reinforce that interest, I will solicit advice and counsel from Cazenovia residents using scheduled office hours and print and electronic media to keep the community informed about public issues. The life and vitality of Cazenovia depend on the energy, interest, enthusiasm and contributions of its residents.

Another equally positive trend in local government is consideration of sharing services among municipalities. In a demanding economic environment, fiscal scrutiny is crucial. Taxpayers expect the most effective use of their tax dollars.

Wherever services, such as highway departments, courts, billing and purchasing can be shared efficiently, it is useful to examine cost benefits and effectiveness. Boundaries should be invisible when neighboring municipalities benefit from cooperative undertakings.

Ralph M. Monforte (Republican, Independence, Conservative)

The most pressing issue facing the office I seek is to balance the rights of land owners while keeping in mind the needs of our community as a whole. Oftentimes, the legislation that has been put in place, such as the laws governing development in the lake watershed or the commercial areas that have been identified in the Comprehensive Plan, have produced results that have unintentional and costly impacts on people’s lives.

My plans for resolution of this issue is to continually review legislation that is in place as the needs for development in our community arise and, where appropriate, seek remedies or recommendations for change.

My leadership philosophy is simple: Give, get or get out.

The most positive trend I have seen has been the local resident entrepreneur choosing to invest in their communities by building or relocating their businesses here and creating fiscal opportunities and quality of life for their neighbors. They are our best source for economic stability going forward.

Town Clerk/Tax Collector

Linda Mather (Republican)

Submission courtesy Cazenovia Republican Committee

Linda has committed 24 years to serving the people of Cazenovia. As our town clerk for more than two decades, Linda’s responsibilities also included tax collector, registrar of vital statistics, records management officer, records access officer, NYS Town Clerk’s Association, and NYS Tax Collectors Association.

Linda’s constant attention to detail has worked well to serve the people of Cazenovia for many years. Her dedication and personal effort in everything she does is greatly reflected in the results she obtains.

Linda has become a familiar face to all for a reason. She is trustworthy, attentive, detailed and thorough in all that she does.

Linda and her husband Walt raised two children and reside in New Woodstock. She is a life resident of the town of Cazenovia.

Council

Jennifer Basic (Republican)

Submission courtesy Cazenovia Republican Committee

Jen is a local business owner, mother of three, and longtime resident of Cazenovia. In addition, she is currently serving her fifth year on the Cazenovia Town Planning Board. It is because of these life experiences that Jen has firsthand knowledge of community and family concerns, local business owner concerns and wider community development issues.

Additionally, Jen’s husband Joe grew up working on his family’s dairy farm (which is still in operation), giving her a strong respect for the farming heritage of our community.

Over the years, Jen has served on many local boards ranging from the library board, to Caz Forum, to president of the Madison County Bar Association.

These experiences have given Jen the opportunity to hear many perspectives from people in our community on numerous issues. As an attorney, her education, experience as a parent with young children in our schools, time on the planning board during the era ushering in the enforcement of the Comprehensive Plan, sensitivity to our history as a farming community, along with her experience as a local business owner provide Jen with a unique skill set to serve on the town board.

Elizabeth C. Moran (Democratic, Strong Community)

The issues facing the town of Cazenovia relate to wise stewardship of our natural resources and growth management. With the property tax cap in place, we will face tough choices in the future.

My professional background will help the town board implement the next phases of the Cazenovia Lake restoration effort, and my previous public service will help us craft effective and fair policies to encourage growth and investment in the community.

My leadership philosophy is to listen well, gather information from all sides and make rational, not ideological, decisions. My previous record attests to my fair and effective leadership skills.

Over the past two years, Cazenovia has begun to see the positive outcome of our immersion in planning and zoning revisions. New commercial activity has finally begun on Route 20, and without the contentious debate that hampered previous efforts.

We have also had more open and frequent conversations about shared services, and the possibility of eventual consolidation of the town and village.

William N. Zupan (Democratic, Strong Community)

Did not participate.

DeRuyter

Supervisor

Daniel S. Degear (Republican, Conservative, Independence)

Did not participate.

Town Clerk/Tax Collector

Rebecca M. Wightman (Republican)

Did not participate.

Highway Superintendent

Walter C. Cook (Conservative, Independence)

Did not participate.

John Farewell (Republican, Good Neighbor)

Did not participate.

Town Justice

John A. Fox (Republican)

Did not participate.

Town Council

Cedric M. Barnes, Jr, (Republican)

Did not participate.

Edwin B. Coon (Republican)

Did not participate.

Eaton

Supervisor

James C. Monahan (Democratic)

Did not participate.

Priscilla Suits (Republican)

Did not participate.

Highway Superintendent

Larry J. Phillips II, (Democratic, Country Roads)

Did not participate.

Council

Ellen M. Andros (Democratic, Good Neighbor)

Did not participate.

Richard DePuy (Republican)

Did not participate.

Fenner

Supervisor

Russell L. Cary (Republican, Conservative)

Did not participate.

Town Clerk

Joanne E. Buyea (Republican)

Did not participate.

Highway Superintendent

Frank M. Hyatt (Republican)

Did not participate.

Council

David R. Jones (Republican)

Did not participate.

William W. Wester (Republican)

Did not participate.

Tax Collector

Sharon E. Larkin (Republican)

Did not participate.

Georgetown

Supervisor

David Coye (Republican)

Did not participate.

Town Clerk/Tax Collector

Sarah Brush (Democratic, Republican)

Did not participate.

Highway Superintendent

Howard F. Hunter (Democratic, Happy Roads)

Did not participate.

Duane J. Newton (Republican, Independence)

Did not participate.

Town Justice

Ronald Hailston (Republican)

Did not participate.

Council

Paul H. Walrod (Democratic)

Did not participate.

Bart C. Chapin (Local Citizens)

Did not participate.

Hamilton

Supervisor

Scott Mills (Republican, Hometown)

The most pressing issue locally is the town budget and the ensuing 30-plus-percent tax rate increase. I served on the town council for 12 years as councilman and deputy supervisor. I always looked at expenditures and issues facing the town as carefully as possible.

We maintained a replacement schedule for equipment that allowed the town to never have the need to borrow money. This approach allowed 100 percent of taxpayer capital to pay for services instead of debt service.

It also allowed us to have a steady budget without huge increases in the tax rate from year to year.

If we did not deplete our line items in the budget, we used the savings to set some reserve funds aside for a financial cushion.

This budgeting and spending plan only works if you keep expenditures to a minimum, especially something for which you may not have budgeted.

The present issues with the budget and the huge budget increase has more to do with a total new majority on council and the length of time needed to get up to speed. There has been a large turnover of bookkeeping budgeting staff that has led to a poor snapshot for budgeting.

The solution is reducing the politics affecting town business and hire one qualified person; even with a qualified person, it will not be a fast fix. The town with the right mix of people on the board will move past this and get the financial part of the town government in order.

Other than this town government issue, we live in a great area and have much going for us regionally.

Eve Ann Shwartz (Democratic, Good Government)

Did not participate.

Town Clerk/Tax Collector

Catherine S. Hotaling (Republican, Hometown)

Did not participate.

Highway Superintendent

Bert F. Glazier (Democratic, Republican)

Did not participate.

Council

Kerry Dart (Republican, Hometown)

Did not participate

David N. Holcomb (Republican, Hometown)

Did not participate.

Dominick Pangallo (Democratic, Good Government)

In Hamilton, the dual challenges brought about by the poor bookkeeping and budgeting practices of the past – which has resulted in a tough current budget and tax situation today – and the completely botched 2011 town-wide property revaluation will require competent and proactive leadership to remedy.

By working together in a civil and positive fashion, we can implement all of the Office of the State Comptroller’s audit recommendations to get our town back on track, end unfair tax practices and rebuild Hamilton’s finances.

Further, we must ensure that all future reappraisal contracts are awarded to the lowest qualified bidder, that the appraiser is respectful in his or her interactions with our citizens and that the assessment and appeals processes are conducted in a more objective and equitable fashion.

Finally, Hamilton must establish a town website, so residents can easily learn about upcoming hearings and meetings, access public documents (including monthly and annual town financial statements, meeting agendas and minutes) and find out how to contact their elected representatives.

My leadership philosophy is informed by my graduate studies in public administration and my volunteer efforts with local community groups in Hamilton like the Public Library, the Palace Theater, and the Parents Advisory Committee of the Chenango Nursery School.

I believe strongly in a collaborative, citizen-led government that engages all residents, is respectful of all stakeholders and their opinions and interests that leads to well-planned policy decisions considering the short-term desires of residents and the long-term fiscal health of the town.

There have been three positive trends I would like to continue and grow further if elected to the town council. The first is the large-scale citizen participation in local government following the bungled revaluation; while the goal is to have civic engagement be positive and civil. Any time citizens become more involved in the political process, our democracy is ultimately strengthened.

Second, the current town government has come together across party lines to support a tough, but ultimately fiscally prudent, budget and tax levy for 2012. Finally, good progress has begun to be made in terms of shared services, both through formal agreements and informal collaboration between town and village governments.

More can be done, however, and we must plan for a future of mandates and policies from the county and state that require our towns to be more innovative in how they work with other governments to share services and cut costs, partner with non-governmental local stakeholders and organizations and seek grants and other non-tax funding to lessen the burden on our taxpayers.

Chris Rossi (Democratic, Good Government)

Hamilton is emerging from a past of poor accounting practices that created confusion in the budget process. This was further complicated by a well-intentioned but unsustainable tax dip last year leading to a substantial projected tax raise for 2012.

In addition, Hamilton recently suffered a badly managed property revaluation resulting in an inequitable assessment. There is a long history of missteps with the budget and the revaluation that stretch across party lines.

Fortunately, we can learn from these mistakes and work together to make sure they do not happen again. The Office of the State Comptroller has provided us with guidelines to get our budgeting process back on track, ensure fairness in how we tax and plan for the future.

In terms of the revaluation, we will need to do another to rectify the inequities created in the 2011 process. As with all future appraisals, we need to hire a truly qualified bidder (not just the lowest) and make sure the process is done in a fair, predictable and transparent manner.

Working with my community as co-chair of STOP NYRI has greatly shaped my leadership philosophy. We won the power line fight by doing our homework, clearly communicating what we learned and working together with all members of our town toward a common goal.

That open and inclusive community participation in local government is something I want to foster. Key to this effort is involving citizens as partners in shaping the future of their town through open and accessible meetings, the creation of citizen task forces and the use of a town website to ensure easy access to information and resources.

The mistakes of the past have made divisions in our town. There is already good work being done to better our community and bring people together. During the revaluation, citizens first alerted town government to the unfairness of the process then volunteered their time to help each other understand and navigate the appeals and grievances.

More recently, the current board has made a good start in working together in a bi-partisan effort to make the needed corrections to our budget and accounting practices following recommendations from the State Comptroller’s 2009 audit. We need to expand on these inclusive and engaged efforts to better plan for Hamilton’s future and the challenges it will bring.

Lebanon

Supervisor

James S. Goldstein (Democratic, Conservative, Independence)

Did not participate.

Town Clerk/Tax Collector

Nicole Viera (Democratic)

Did not participate.

Highway Superintendent

Alex P. Hodge (Democratic, Republican)

Did not participate.

Council

Marie Morgan (Democratic)

Did not participate.

Carol A. King (Democratic, Republican)

Did not participate.

Lenox

Supervisor

Rocco J. DiVeronica (Republican, Conservative, Independence)

Did not participate.

Richard L. Rossi (Friendship)

Did not participate.

Town Justice

Edward A. Pokorny (Republican)

Did not participate.

Grace E. Rapasadi (Republican)

Did not participate.

Council

Tom Bush (Republican)

Did not participate.

Edward Cerasia (Independence)

Did not participate.

Douglas Havens, III (Democratic)

For me, the most pressing issue is transparency. We are very open now, but I feel that the town council should lead the way in being as open, honest and available to our community as it can be.

That is why I want to modernize the conduct of town meetings, making it so that they can be viewed live from anyone’s home computer. Everyone would have the ability to give us their opinions and ideas for all issues.

My leadership philosophy is a team approach, working with others to get the job done. There are wonderful people with terrific ideas about how to make our community better. By getting out once a month to talk about the issues, I feel that their ideas can be easily passed to the board to help develop our community for the future.

The town of Lenox has done an excellent job of keeping taxes low and taking care of many people. Mr. DiVeronica, Mr. Hadyk and Mr. Palamara have been great board members; I feel that I can easily work with them to continue to improve our town.

I am young, ambitious and have a great vision for growth in our community. Canastota and the town of Lenox used to be a center of activity due to the Erie Canal and railroad, and I think we can bring that back once again.

There is opportunity for business to move into our community, with the Thruway right here in town, and the prospect for outdoor parks that all community members could enjoy.

Given our central location, I would love to see a community college, or SUNY college satellite office be established in our community.

Richard Wimmer (Republican)

Did not participate.

Lincoln

Supervisor

Darrin P. Ball (Republican, Independence)

Did not participate.

Town Clerk (two-year vacancy)

Linda A. Happle (Republican)

Did not participate.

Town Justice

H. T. Kissel (Republican)

Did not participate.

Robert B. Sturdevant, Jr. (Republican)

Did not participate.

Council

Heather A. Eddy (Democratic)

Did not participate.

Wayne B. Hertel (Republican)

Did not participate.

Madison

Town Justice

Mike Hynes (Democratic)

Did not participate.

Council

Brad Dixon (Democratic)

Did not participate.

Anne Meyering (Democratic)

The most pressing issue is to find ways to continue to provide services essential to the safety and health of the residents of the town of Madison with limited revenue.

My leadership philosophy is to provide as many occasions as possible for the views of the broadest possible array of residents to be heard on issues before the town of Madison, including town meetings and Internet communication.

The most important positive trend in local government in the town of Madison is a recognition that cooperation and commitment to the common interests of all residents are essential to achieve the best use of limited resources.

Gregory M. Reuter (Republican, Independence)

Did not participate.

Madison County

Madison County Judge (County, Surrogate’s and Family Courts)

Dennis K. McDermott (Republican, Conservative, Independence)

Did not participate.

Nelson

Supervisor

Roger D. Bradstreet (Democratic, Independence)

Did not participate.

Town Clerk/Tax Collector

Deborah J. Costello (Republican, Good Neighbor)

Did not participate.

Highway Superintendent

John R. Sevier, Jr. (Republican)

Did not participate.

Council

Sharon A. Driscoll (Democratic)

Did not participate.

John LaGorga (Democratic)

I believe the town of Nelson is currently governed and managed satisfactorily. I am seeking the town board position not because I have an agenda or to make significant changes, but rather as a means to serve my community and to share my 20 years of experience as a municipal-civil engineer specializing in water, wastewater and storm water-related projects.

I believe the most pressing issue, or my greatest responsibility as a town board member, is to create, adopt and implement a cost-efficient budget. I will help create the most cost-efficient budget by applying proven business practices to our municipal budget. These practices rely on understanding the true life-cycle costs of our town’s assets and applying this knowledge to get the most out of our assets for the least cost.

I have applied these practices for other municipalities as a municipal-civil engineer, and I look forward to applying them in the town of Nelson. I will also encourage shared services to create a cost-efficient budget. From my professional experience, I have witnessed municipalities formally and informally sharing services, such as seeking unit price contracts together or sharing a piece of equipment.

Shared service is different from consolidation. As a town board member I will encourage shared services and engage in discussions about consolidation, but I am not currently an advocate for consolidation.

By using asset management practices and encouraging shared service, I seek to create a cost effective town budget.

In terms of leadership style, I am a true democratic leader. I seek consultation and input from stakeholders, and I thoughtfully deliberate on this input to make decisions. I am well-practiced at listening to people and taking the time to understand their point of view or input.

I am also well-practiced at evaluating input, which allows me to make informed and thoughtful decisions. Although the process of seeking and receiving input may appear indecisive, I contend that this is a critical part of the municipal decision-making process and leads to decisive decisions and actions.

I am pleased with our town’s comprehensive planning effort and how it has led to our new town of Nelson Land Use and Development Law. I appreciate the hard work that was put forth to update the town’s Comprehensive Plan and create the new zoning law.

I believe the comprehensive planning process has set the town on a sustainable and successful path forward, and I am fully committed to “preserving the town’s rural agrarian culture, image and practices, while protecting the many sensitive environmental, cultural and historic resources, as well as promoting and supporting a sustainable local economy.”

John E. Laubscher (Republican)

The most pressing issue is budget and revenue. I would work with all parties to minimize spending, investigate grant opportunities, and focus our resources on maintaining infrastructure. To understand the equipment assets and infrastructure needs to allow long range planning. To work towards having the necessary cash reserves on hand as required.

Lead by example, walking the walk before talking the talk!

That everyone has value, to listen to others and understand them.

That everyone one has individual rights, and to respect everyone and their opinions.

To do the necessary research to make good, sound, common sense recommendations and decisions.

Regarding any positive current or recent trending, nothing seems to be remarkably different or improved. A number of items have been discussed and some brought to resolution as have happened in the past. A goal for improvement would be to get more public input in decision-making.

Oneida

Mayor

Donald W. Hudson (Republican, Conservative)

Did not participate.

Leo Matzke (Democratic, Working Families, Independence)

Did not participate.

City Chamberlain

Nancy Andrews (Democratic)

Did not participate.

Supervisor Wards 1-3

Scott A. Henderson (Republican, Conservative, Independence)

Did not participate.

John A. Reinhardt (Republican, Conservative, Independence)

Did not participate.

Supervisor Wards 4-6

James V. Rafte, Sr. (Democratic, Conservative, Independence)

Did not participate.

Lewis Carinci (Democratic, Conservative)

Did not participate.

Council Ward 1

Susan Stratton (Democratic)

Did not participate.

Brahim Zogby (Republican)

Did not participate.

Council Ward 2

David Cimpi (Republican, Independence)

Did not participate.

Council Ward 3

A. Max Smith (Republican)

Did not participate.

Council Ward 4

Michael Kaiser (Democratic, Working Families)

Did not participate.

Council Ward 5

Jim Chamberlain (Democratic, Working Families)

Did not participate.

Brian E. Karst (Republican, Conservative, Independence)

Did not participate.

Council Ward 6

Claudette Buss (Democratic, Independence)

Did not participate.

Thomas L. Simchik (Republican, Conservative)

Did not participate.

Smithfield

Supervisor

Richard O. Bargabos (Republican)

Did not participate.

Town Clerk/Tax Collector

Page B. Winn (Democratic)

Did not participate.

Janice C. Sebring (Republican)

Did not participate.

Highway Superintendent

Jason D. DeGroat (Republican, Conservative)

Did not participate.

Town Justice

Harriet H. McNamara (Republican)

Council

Karen Huller Pitts (Republican)

Did not participate.

James A. Zophy, III (Republican)

Did not participate.

Stockbridge

Supervisor

Alexander R. Stepanski (Republican)

Did not participate.

Town Clerk/Tax Collector

Cami L. Kiehn (Republican)

Did not participate.

Highway Superintendent

Peter R. Kiehn, Sr. (Republican)

Did not participate.

Council

Roy E. Meeker (Democratic)

Did not participate.

Kyle R. Russ (Democratic)

Did not participate.

Roland C. Shea, Sr. (Republican)

To all the voters of the town of Stockbridge, I have served as your town councilman for the last four years, attending every meeting, along with special meetings.

I have worked to improve the playground in Carlon Field and Love Memorial Park with some grants and town money, supported new equipment for the Highway Department, road and bridge improvements and have worked to improve

Sullivan

Supervisor

John M. Becker (Republican, Conservative, Independence)

Did not participate.

Town Clerk/Tax Collector

Charlotte A. Ferstler (Republican)

Did not participate.

Highway Superintendent

Elwin C. Centner, Jr. (Republican, Conservative)

Did not participate.

Council

William S. Cole (Republican, Conservative, Independence)

Did not participate.

John E. Brzuszkiewicz (Republican, Conservative, Independence)

Did not participate

The extended hours are to provide an opportunity for those who cannot get in to the Board of Elections during regular hours to apply for an absentee ballot to vote. Applicants may apply and vote at the time of visit.

The evenings will be as follows:

Tuesday, Oct. 25, and Thursday, Oct. 27, from 5 to 7 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 31, and Thursday, Nov. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Saturday mornings will be as follows:

Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon.

It is too late to register to vote for this General Election. This time is merely to assist those who wish to vote by absentee ballot.

For more information, call (315) 366-2231.

General Election Notice

Notice is hereby given pursuant to the Statutes of this State that at the General Election to be held in this state on the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday in November, which is Nov. 8 the following may be lawfully voted for, to wit:

Madison County Judge – County, Surrogate’s & Family Courts

City of Oneida: mayor, city chamberlain, two supervisors for Wards 1-2-3, two supervisors for  Wards 4-5-6, one councilmember Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Also, in each town, the following may be voted for:

Supervisor, except in the town of Madison

Town clerks, except the towns of Brookfield, Eaton, Lenox, Lincoln and Madison

Highway superintendent, except the towns of Lenox, Lincoln and Madison

Town justice will be voted on in DeRuyter, Georgetown, Lenox (2), Lincoln (2), Madison, Nelson and Smithfield

Town council (2)

In the town of Fenner only, there will be voting for tax collector

In the town of Lincoln only, there will be voting for town clerk/collector – two-year vacancy

In the town of Eaton, two local ballot proposals

In the city of Oneida, one local ballot proposal

Pictured is Hugh C. Humphreys who will serve as master of ceremonies for the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum induction held Oct. 22 at Colgate University.

(Peterboro, Hamilton) The public is encouraged to meet 19th century abolitionists Abby Kelley Foster, Jermain Wesley Loguen and George Gavin Ritchie during the evening induction ceremonies of the three abolitionists to the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum (NAHOF) at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 at Colgate University in Hamilton.

Hugh C. Humphreys of Hamilton will be master of ceremonies for the program.

Lynne McKenney Lydick will bring Abby Kelley Foster to life through Yours for Humanity – Abby, a one woman play written by members of the Worcester Women’s History Project (WWHP) through support from the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities.

After providing the blessing for the annual dinner in the words of Rev. Loguen, Robert Djed Snead, historical reenactor, will bring the life and times of escaped slave and preacher Jermain Wesley Loguen to the present with a portrayal of the “King of the Underground Railroad” that Snead has been studying and preparing for years as part of the Akwaaba Project at Nazareth College in Rochester.

Dr. Carol Hunter, author and speaker on Loguen during the afternoon, Gregg Tripoli of the Onondaga Historical Association (partner of the Loguen induction), representatives of churches at which Loguen served and researchers will be nominators for the induction of Loguen.

George Gavin Ritchie’s abolitionist legacy laid in the archives of Colgate University from whence Ritchie was expelled when the institution was Madison University – until 1994 when Nellie K. Edmonston created the original and, at the time, the only biographical article on upstate abolitionist George Gavin Ritchie as a presentation to the Hamilton Fortnightly Club and as a contribution to the 1995 Hamilton Bicentennial Book.

Jane Pinchin, Ph.D., Professor of English at Colgate University and Hugh C. Humphreys will open the 160 years of archival obscurity and reveal Ritchie to the audience. Dr. Pinchin, the Edmonstons and Ritchie’s descendents will be nominators for Ritchie’s induction.

Lectures on the three inductees will be delivered during the afternoon Abolition Symposia which is hosted by the Upstate Institute at Colgate University. Carol Faulkner Ph.D., chair of the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum Inductee Committee,  will explain the induction process and encourage the public to nominate other abolitionists to the hall.

The Traveling Abolition Museum will officially open to the public at 11:30 a.m. in the Clark Room in the James C. Colgate Building at Colgate University.

Sernett created the text and assembled the visuals for the traveling “walls” to chronicle American abolition in a similar way that Sernett’s lyceum series has done.

Scott Hughes managed the fabrication and the installations.

The mobile museum has been made possible by generous donations from the American International College, Norman K. Dann and Dorothy Willsey-Dann, The Gorman Foundation, Ellen Percy Kraly, the New York Business Development Corporation, Sernett and Janet M. Sernett, Maryann M. Winters and the Upstate Institute at Colgate University.

The public is encouraged to attend the free exhibit.

Abolition Symposia Schedule for Saturday, Oct. 22

Noon:Upstate Institute Abolition Symposia, Golden Auditorium in Little Hall on Lally Lane

12:30 p.m.: Stacey M. Robertson, Ph.D., “Abby Kelley Foster: A Radical Voice in the West”

1:30 p.m.: Carol Hunter, Ph.D., “I Owe My Freedom to the God Who Made Me: Jermain Wesley Loguen and the Struggle for Freedom”

2:30 p.m.: Nellie K. Edmonston and William E. Edmonston, Jr., Ph.D., present on George Gavin Ritchie

3:30 p.m.: C. James Trotman, Ph.D., “Frederick Douglass: Pioneering Reformer”

Admission is $5 at the door for each lecture or $8 for all four lectures.

Admission for the 7 p.m. induction ceremonies is $5.  For more information and reservation forms, call (315) 366-8108, visit AbolitionHoF.org or email info@abolitionhof.org.

Bill and Nellie Edmonston

By Dot Willsey

(Hamilton, Peterboro, NY – Oct. 2011) On the Hamilton NY campus from which he was expelled in 1847, George Gavin Ritchie will be honored in 2011. Ritchie’s expulsion from Madison University (now Colgate University) for his antislavery activities did not deter him from continuing to fight for abolition.  Family, supporters, and others will gather in Golden Auditorium at 7 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2011 to participate in ceremonies to induct Ritchie into the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum in Peterboro NY.

Nellie K. Edmonston and William E. Edmonston, Jr. write in their nomination of Ritchie to the Hall of Fame: “George Gavin Ritchie, editor of the first student newspaper at Madison University (at that time a Baptist Seminary; now Colgate University), was expelled for publishing his editorial, “Equal Suffrage and the Religious Press” (Hamilton Student, January 15, 1847) criticizing the voters and churches of New York State for not supporting equal suffrage for black males in the election of 1846. From this time forward his life was consumed with the cause of abolition. In the face of public repudiation and humiliation by the faculty, he continued publication of the paper in Hamilton, NY, first as the Hamilton Student, then as the Hamilton Student and Christian Reformer, and finally as the Christian Reformer, an organ fearlessly devoted to abolition and other reforms. He advocated antislavery through editorializing, reprinting letters and articles from other abolition and mainstream papers announcing abolitionist meetings, and voicing support for his contemporary and colleague, Gerrit Smith. The Hamilton Student was the voice of abolition and reform in Central New York during its brief history.”

Born in Scotland in 1820, Ritchie died at an early age of 33 (Frederick Douglass’ Paper March 25, 1853). In those short years Ritchie preached antislavery from many pulpits in New York and served on local, state, and national anti-slavery committees. The Edmonstons will explain much more of Ritchie’s life and legacy in a lecture on George Gavin Ritchie at 2:30 p.m. in Golden Auditorium, as part of the Upstate Institute Abolition Symposia during the afternoon of October 22.

The Ritchie induction to the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum (NAHOF) is the result of the first public nomination submitted to NAHOF. Nellie K. and William E. Edmonston have lived in Hamilton for nearly 50 years. Both are retired teachers: Nellie was a Speech-Language Pathologist at the Sherburne-Earlville Central School and Bill is Professor Emeritus of Neuroscience/Psychology at Colgate University. Both have published in their respective fields; Nellie, professional articles and a language comprehension test for young children; Bill, professional articles and three professional books. From1989 to 2005 they had a small publishing company (Edmonston Publishing, Inc.) that specialized in original letters and journals of the American Civil War.

Nellie created the original and at the time only biographical article on upstate abolitionist George Gavin Ritchie as a presentation to the Hamilton Fortnightly Club in 1994 and as a contribution to the 1995 Hamilton Bicentennial Book. In 1997 Edmonston Publishing released Four Years in the First New York Light Artillery. The Papers of David F. Ritchie. David F. Ritchie was the son of George Gavin Ritchie, and it was through the publication of his Civil War papers that the Edmonstons became good friends with the Ritchie family.

With the development of the National Abolition Hall of Fame in 2005, the Edmonstons recognized the importance of nominating the local abolitionist and martyr to the cause, George Gavin Ritchie, whose story had lain in archival obscurity for nearly 160 years. Now his story will be properly preserved.

The public is encouraged to attend and participate in the “righting of Ritchie.” Admission to the evening induction ceremonies is $5 at the door. Admission to the 2:30 Ritchie is $5 at the door. (Admission to all four afternoon programs is $8). Colgate students, faculty, and staff are free. Information and registration for other events of the day is available at www.AbolitionHoF.org, info@AbolitionHoF.org, and 315-366-8101.

(Hamilton, Peterboro, NY – Oct. 2011) On Saturday Oct. 22 starting at 10:30 a.m. the National Abolitionist Hall of Fame and Museum will have its 2011 induction ceremony at Colgate University.

The day will start at 10:30 a.m. at Golden Auditorium on the Colgate University Campus.  Milton C. Sernett and Hugh C. Humphrey’s will unveil Abolition Lyceum IV Slavery, Law, & Politics.  This will be followed at 11:30 a.m. by the opening of the Traveling Abolition Exhibit in the Clark Room at the James C. Colgate Building.

Events will return to the Golden Auditorium at noon starting with the Upstate Institute Abolition Symposia, followed at 12:30 p.m. by Stacey M. Robertson Ph.D who will present “Abby Kelley Foster:  A Radical Voice in the West.”

At 1:30 p.m. Carol Hunter Ph.D will present “I Owe My Freedom to the God Who Made Me:  Jermain Wesley Loguen and the Struggle for Freedom” followed at 2:30 p.m. Nellie K. Edmonston and William E. Edmonston, Jr. Ph.D will present George Gavin Ritchie.

Finishing the afternoon’s activities will be C. James Trotman Ph.D who will present “Frederick Douglass: Pioneering Reformer.”

The annual NAHOF dinner will start at 4:45 p.m. at the Hall of Presidents in the James C. Colgate Building and will be catered by the Colgate Inn.  The Keynote will be given by Dr. John R. McKivigan and is entitled The Gerrit Smith-Frederick Douglass Partnership.

The night will conclude in the Golden Auditorium with Induction Ceremonies for Abby Kelly Foster, Jermain Wesley Loguen and George Gavin Ritchie starting at 7 p.m.

For more information, the complete program schedule, and how to become a steward, please visit www.sca-peterboro.org, www.gerritsmith.org or email them at info@gerritsmith.org.

Abby Kelley Foster portrait created by artist Joseph Flores of Rochester.

National Abolition Hall of Fame News

By Dot Willsey

(Peterboro, NY – Oct. 2011) Abolitionist and women’s rights activist Abby Kelley Foster was inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame Oct. 1 in Seneca Falls and will be inducted into the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum Saturday, Oct. 22, at ceremonies to be held at Colgate University, Hamilton.

Born in Pelham, Mass., Jan. 15, 1811, Kelley was raised a Quaker and became a teacher at the Friends School in Lynn, Mass., in 1829. In 1832, when she lived in Worcester, she was influenced by a speech from radical abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison.

She joined the Lynn Female Anti-Slavery Society and, in 1837, she and others gathered more than 6,000 signatures on anti-slavery petitions.

The Lynn Female Society named her a delegate to the first national Anti-Slavery Convention of American Women in New York City. The following year, at the second Anti-Slavery Convention of American Women, Kelley gave her first speech against slavery with a mob threatening to burn down Pennsylvania Hall.

She and fellow radical abolitionist Stephen Foster married in 1845 and bought a farm in Worcester, Mass. Kelley gave birth to their daughter, Alla, in 1847.

Kelley faced hostile audiences from within and from outside the abolition movement in her five decades of advocating for immediate abolition of slavery and for advocating leaving churches that did not condemn slavery.

At 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, Stacey Robertson, Ph.D., will present “Abby Kelley Foster: A Radical Voice in the West,” the first program in the annual afternoon Upstate Institute Inductee Symposia.

“Abby Kelley Foster single-handedly transformed the nature of the western antislavery movement in the 1840s,” Robertson said. “From her first visit in the summer of 1845, she inspired hundreds of abolitionists to reconsider their approach to the movement and embrace a more uncompromising position. Women found her irresistible, and she helped to organize dozens of female anti-slavery societies in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. She also convinced several women to join her in the lecturing field, devoting themselves full-time to the movement. No other person impacted western antislavery more than Abby Kelley Foster.”

Robertson is the Oglesby Professor of American Heritage and the Director of the Women’s Studies Program at Bradley University (Peoria IL) where she has taught since 1994.

Admission at the door for each of the lectures and the induction ceremony is $5; admission for all four symposia programs is $8.

Information and registration forms for the day-long induction event are available at AbolitionHoF.org or at (315) 366-8101.