Landfill and open
government are key issues in Riga primary

Four candidates are vying for two ballot spots on Riga's town board in the September 13 primary. Incumbent Peter Brundage and former highway superintendent Peter Neidrauer both received the Republican endorsement. Other board member hopefuls, Ken Kuter and James Fodge, both received the Independence Party, Working Family and Key Party endorsements.

A town board member serves for a four year term. The annual stipend is $5,642.

All candidates agree that the landfill and water are issues facing the town, but not all have the same opinions on the two issues.

Peter Brundage has served as a council member since 1996 and has served on other boards within the town since 1977. His experience in dealing with the town's budget and from coming at it from a "fiscally conservative" viewpoint will benefit the taxpayers, he said.

"I'm seeking re-election because I don't think my work is done," he said. "I've contributed to the town for a great many years and I can contribute for many more."

Brundage said the landfill and water issues remain top priority.

"We have to finish off the water supply, making it so all residents can have access to water," he said. "With the landfill, there is a small segment of residents who feel that the landfill is an issue. The fact is, it's been here for 10 years, it's not going away and with the agreement we signed, we, as a town board, will have a say in future expansion and management."

Conservative budgeting is also a board priority, Brundage said. "We can't let the costs get out of hand for the size town we have."

Brundage has lived in Riga since 1970. He and his wife, Joan, have two grown children, Michael and David.

James Fodge is making his first bid for public office this year.

"I'm running because I want to see a more open government in Riga," he said. "People want an open government and that is what they deserve."

While Fodge has never held an elected office before, he is active in the Churchville Fire Department and is a past captain of the rescue squad. He has operated Jim's Service for the past 28 years and encourages his employees to volunteer in the community.

He said that because he owns his own business and has been active in community service in Riga for close to 30 years, he knows that success requires listening to, and working with, others.

"Hard work and applying fiscal common sense when spending money is an important aspect of serving in a governmental office," he said. "I've been coming to town board meetings regularly for a couple of years now and I think everyone in the community needs to work together for the benefit of the town."

Fodge and his wife, Sheila, have two children and two grandchildren.

Ken Kuter decided to run for office this year as part of a team with Fodge and supervisor hopeful and present board member Pamela Moore.

"I'm running because I think the residents should be given the opportunity to participate in their government and their voices should be heard," he said.

In addition to the landfill issues, Kuter said, the biggest issue in Riga is the lack of leadership by the town board. "There's been a lack of communication with the residents and this has led to a closed government," he said.

Kuter said his skills in communication, planning, development and implementation of both budgets and projects make him a good fit for the town board.

"I'm deeply concerned with this community and the direction it's taking," he said. "I'm concerned with what's happening today and about the legacy we are leaving for our children."

Kuter, and his wife, Sue, have two children and have lived in the community since the early 1970s.

Peter Neidrauer said he is wrapping up commitments with two charitable organizations and now has the time to devote to the service of the residents of the Town of Riga.

"My past experience as highway superintendent (he served five years) and serving as a member of the planning board provides a wealth of experience to bring to the board," he said. "I also have a knowledge of the community that will help guide the future direction of the town."

When it comes to the landfill, Neidrauer said the community needs to put the landfill agreement behind it.

"The amendment to the Host Community Agreement that the town board passed in January was the most lucrative in the state," he said. "We now need to move beyond the argument of where we have been and start looking at where we are going."

The increase in revenue that the town will reap, Neidrauer said, will help to eliminate town taxes to residents.

"This is making lemonade out of the lemon," he said. "The town board may choose to improve water service to areas that currently are without public water or many other improvements like drainage and flooding concerns. We need to be careful that the future boards are good stewards of our money."

He and his wife, Nancy, have lived in the town for 40 years. They have three grown children and three grandsons.