Primary election is taking place today

On Sept. 12, from noon to 9 p.m., voters will head to the polls in the Primary Election. Those listed below will be running for the Republican Party designation.

In the Town of Barton, and running for Town of Barton Justice, are Joseph W. Fravel and Michael E. Myers. 

In Berkshire, and running for Superintendent of Highways, are Karl J. Spoonhower and George A. Hoffmier, Jr.

In the Town of Candor, Patricia M. Reichert, George R. Williams, and Matthew C. Crowe are vying for the Republican Party designation.

Also in the Town of Candor, Robert A. Riggs and William A. Strosahl, Jr. will be running for Town of Candor Supervisor in the Primary Election.

In Richford, Roberta L. Holcomb, Kenneth W. Miller, and Steven P. Kotula will all be running in the Primary Election for Town Council.

For Richford Superintendent of Highways, Harrison R. Marsh, Michael F. Hunt, Timothy J. Ceurter, Sr., and Joseph R. Gorsline are all running in the Primary Election.

There are no contested primary elections in the Towns of Newark Valley, Nichols, Spencer or Tioga.

In the Town of Owego, Jonathan Marks will be challenging Town of Owego Supervisor Donald Castellucci, Jr. in Tuesday’s election.

Castellucci, who has served with the town for 22 years, and as Supervisor for eight of those years, was uncontested in previous elections.

Jonathan Marks is an Owego native who has over 40 years of business management experience, including 18 years of being a Town of Owego small business owner.

Both will be running for the Republican Party designation in Tuesday’s Primary Election.

The two Republican Primary candidates in Owego responded last week to several questions regarding their political platforms.

Regarding transparency in government, Marks feels that the majority of decisions for the town are made behind closed doors and then voted on in the board meetings. He would like to see more discussion held with the public.

Regarding any consolidation of services, Marks feels that it is best to put all county highways under each town’s jurisdiction. 

“Who better than the towns to take care of their own infrastructure,” stated Marks. 

Castellucci talked about looking for ways to save tax dollars, stating, “Being in office already, myself and the Town Board are always looking for ways to save local tax dollars.”

He cited a couple of examples such as the recent lighting project to convert street lighting to LED lamps. 

Talking on flooding, Castellucci stated that the town has been very proactive in enhancing its ability to react and recover to the next inevitable event. He cited Hickories Park and its improvements, repairs to the sewage treatment plant, and the current project of a new town shared services facility.

“This will relocate most of the departments out of the flood plain and will save future tax dollars at the local, state and federal level,” said Castellucci. 

Both candidates reminded voters to “Get Out The Vote” on Tuesday when the polls open at noon. The General Election will follow on Nov. 7.