Murray council candidates speak out on town issues

Republican incumbents John Morriss and Hank Wagner are looking to keep their Town of Murray board seats against Democratic endorsed candidates Rocco Gervasi and Donald MacIntyre. There are two seats available for two year terms at a salary of $3,000.

Rocco Gervasi said he is looking to become a part of the town board because, "There is nothing more exciting than to become part of a decision-making team for the town in which one lives."

This will be his first time running for political office, he said.

"Making decisions that will not only affect the elderly but our youth and working class as well is something I'd like to be a part of," he said. "Seeking this position is the light of my goal to enhance our horizon in the town of Murray for the betterment of all. This is what a council member's responsibility should be."

Of the issues facing Murray, Gervasi said the biggest one is water districts.

"Many residents state the question why is not every homeowner paying the same water bill yearly, across the board, instead of less, or more," he said. "Zoning is another issue in which we need to expand our thoughts and rezone for industrial use to invite more businesses to our town that will create jobs and increase our tax base. Other issues on the horizon involve the old school in the village, which could facilitate offices for group meetings, a possible art gallery, etc."

Gervasi said the issues can and will be resolved if all municipalities participate and seek more grant money.

He bases his skills and experience for the board on his involvement with the school and his work place.

"I volunteer much time on a number of different committees such as the budget advisory team for the Holley central school and currently filling a temporary seat on the Board of Education," he said. "I sat through one of the hiring committees of our past and current school superintendent and served on our communication center committee at SUNY Brockport and the CSEA committee involving our new college president. Above all, I have an extensive amount of experience in the small and large groups in which escalated into great results."

He and his wife, Darlene, have two grown children.

"I want the community to know that I will keep them informed on what is happening in the town of Murray; there are no secrets or surprises," he said. "Murray is a great place to live with a lot of potential."

Donald MacIntyre, a political newcomer, said he has always been interested in politics and did run for a council seat in 2003.

"I'm willing and able to be a public servant, for the community," he said. "A fresh set of eyes and ears for the community to voice their concerns to. I have an open mind and a willingness to work with the current board to better our community for everyone, in to the future."

He echoed Gervasi's concerns over water districts being an issue facing Town of Murray officials and residents.

"I also feel that other big issues are taxes and spending," he said. "We also need to get the community more involved in the running of the town. Also facing the town are concerns with future growth of its tax base and rezoning for future growth."

A 20-year resident in the town, MacIntyre said he has served on many teams and committees where he is employed. He is also senior warder at his church and has been a vestry member for 10 years and been on the budget committee at St. Pauls Church for more than eight years.

He and his wife, Jennifer, have two grown sons.

"I'd like the community to know that I will be there for them. I will listen with an open heart and mind to their concerns and we will work together as a community to do what is right for the betterment of the Town of Murray," he said.

John Morriss will be seeking his second full term on the board in November. When asked why he was seeking reelection, Morriss said he "enjoys serving the community and likes the things that the board has accomplished" since he's been a councilman.

"It's exciting to see what's happening with our infrastructure," he said. "There are also several projects I've become involved in that I'd like to see through to the end."

Water is always an issue he said and much of the problem stems from the fact that not enough people live on a road that is in need of water to make the formation of a water district affordable.

"We need to get creative and find ways to make water readily available for everyone," he said. "Taxes are also a big thing we are looking at - how can we keep costs down?"

Cooperation and collaboration with neighboring municipalities could pave the way to cost savings, he said.

"Any time we can work together on something it could realize a savings for everyone involved," he said. "One area that we've been exploring is the sharing of a code enforcement officer with another municipality."

A project that's been voted down several times by taxpayers has been the construction of a new town building - either a freestanding building for Murray or a building that could house Murray and Village of Holley offices.

"We both need offices that are handicapped accessible and that offer larger facilities," he said.

He and his wife, Chris, have two sons.

"I'm a long time resident of the town and have been involved in politics in the village for several years before moving to the town," he said. "I have the experience and I don't feel I've been around so long that my ideas are stale. I still have fresh ideas and have always done my best to always put the needs of the residents first."

If reelected, Morriss said he'd like to look into ways to more fully open the lines of communication between the town officials and the residents by starting a web page for the town and to possibly putting together a quarterly newsletter.

Hank Wagner has served on the board for 28 years and said his experience on the board would be an asset to the residents.

"I've served on a board that's been able to keep taxes down and keep things running in an orderly fashion," he said.

Needing water for residents and the need for a new town hall were also issues raised by Wagner. He agreed with Morriss that the town hall needs more space to accommodate court nights as well as the need for secure areas when prisoners are brought to the court.

"Right now we're working on the budget and working to keep taxes down," he said. "We're looking at a very modest, if any, increase on taxes. We know the residents can't shoulder many more taxes especially with the increases in the school taxes."

He and his wife, Sandy, have six grown children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

"During the time I've served I've helped maintain good service for the residents, kept taxes as low as possible and have always done my best to address residents' concerns," he said.

October 9, 2005