Two posts unopposed in Hilton village election

It is election time for two Hilton Village Trustee spots and, once again, there is no competition. In fact, three of the four trustees have served multiple terms and Mayor Bill Carter is in his third term.

Village residents will be asked to go to the polls to re-elect Jim M. Gates to his third four-year term and to re-elect Walter P. Horylev to his fourth full term (Horylev was actually appointed during a previous term and has already served for 14 years). Both said they are eager to continue their service and excited about what the future holds for Hilton.

Horylev, who lives with his wife, Sharlee, on East Avenue, has seven children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. The 76-year-old has lived in Hilton for 50 years and works as a freelance photographer following a 33-year career with Kodak.

Gates, who is 51-years old, has lived his entire life in Hilton and works as the maintenance coordinator for the Hilton School District. In addition to his commitment as a trustee, Gates is a life member of the Hilton Village Fire Department, where he served as chief from 1987-1989. He and his wife, Jane, live on Short Hills Drive and the couple has three children, Jeff, Jennifer and Julie.

Gates said the biggest challenge at hand for village officials will be producing the best possible budget in light of a steep increase in the New York State Retirement Fund costs.

"We're going to have to look at how we juggle this increase without cutting services," Gates said. Horylev said he believed another year of constant taxes is possible despite the economic challenges ahead. The village has held the line on taxes for 11 years running. Horylev, who serves on committees for the village and is the acting vice mayor, said he is also positive about the growth Hilton has experienced and the continuation of that trend. In recent history, Hilton has had the highest growth rate, just over 12 percent, of any village community in Monroe County. The village is also seeing an increase in interest by commercial operations. Abbott's Frozen Custard will be moving into the village in April in the former Beautiful Angel store. ESL has almost completed construction of a new drive through ATM near Hilton East. Unity Health will be constructing a nearly 70-unit senior apartment complex behind Unionville Station. Horylev also said the village purchased the old Antique Co-op site and some land on the west end of Old Hojack Road that they intend to sell to companies.

Horylev, who has served as the Economic Development coordinator, said the village is actively seeking other businesses that will benefit residents. "I think we can meet a lot of people's needs with some good niche businesses without them having to drive," said Horylev.

Gates said he senses that Hilton is on an upswing. "We're a family-oriented community, and we have a great school district," said Gates. "We really have a lot going for us."

Gates attributes much of the success to great teamwork among village leaders and a dedicated and talented group of Village employees.

"The Village employees are super dedicated people," said Gates. "Part of our focus in the next budget will be making sure we are balancing our responsibility to the taxpayers with our need to treat the employees well."

Residents can vote Tuesday, March 16 from noon to 9 p.m. at the Village offices, 59 Henry Street.

Editor's note: Walter Horylev is a freelance photographer for Westside News Inc.