Two seek top spot in Clarkson

Long time Republican Supervisor Paul Kimball is seeking to retain his supervisor post in the Town of Clarkson against political newcomer Democrat Kirk Golden.

Paul Kimball has served as the town supervisor for the past 22 years and prior to that served one two-year term as a councilman.

"I'm running again this year because I truly enjoy the job," he said. "I have always enjoyed working with people, since the days of growing up in my dad's diner, next to the town hall, where the current post office is."

Kimball said one of the joys of the job is that being a supervisor and being in politics brings him close to the people.

He said the position of supervisor is similar to managing a $2 million corporation in the private sector.

"I also feel that having 24 years experience in this job is an asset to the community we serve," he said.

Kimball has worked for the marketing and sales department at RG&E for the past 20 years and has an educational background in electrical engineering. Some of the issues facing Clarkson, are those that are facing other municipalities, he said. "We need to maintain a stable tax rate because high taxes will drive people out of the community and stifle growth," he said. "Our current tax rate is less than it was in 1990. We also need to manage future growth and maintain Clarkson's rural character."

Kimball and his wife, Susan, who is an RN at Lakeside Memorial Hospital, have four grown children.

When asked why voters should continue to put their faith in his abilities as their supervisor, Kimball said, "I will continue to work as hard at this job as I did when I was first elected," he said. "I'm fortunate to have a great team to work with. With their help we have been able to maintain a stable tax, increase services and manage growth."

Political newcomer Kirk Golden said the reason he is running for the supervisor's job is that it's time for a change in the Town of Clarkson.

"There's been a single party system for too many years and it's time to open up politics so people can see what the government is doing and how it's spending taxpayer money," he said. "There truly should never be any political race where it's uncontested."

As for the issues facing the town, Golden said there are monetary and safety concerns that need to be addressed. "Road conditions, lighting and lack of sidewalks, especially in the new developments, need to be addressed," he said. "With the impending energy crisis, we need to take a look at everything that's done in the town and find ways to consolidate operations and save money."

Saving money needs to be balanced with looking into smart growth and development in the town and to preserving its historical districts, Golden said.

"We have a comprehensive plan that is 30 years in the making and that shouldn't happen. The plan should be in place and be revamped every 10 years," he said.

Golden said a premium shouldn't be placed on the supervisor position and that people need to look toward the candidate who has the ability to listen to the residents' concerns.

"Elected officials are there to represent the taxpayers and we need to find ways to communicate with them," he said.

Golden proposed having the town's budget published on the website and in newspapers as well as hosting a yearly state of the town address that cites accomplishments as well as outlines plans for the year ahead.

Golden, who works as an assistant principal at an alternative education facility and his wife, Samantha, have three children.

"It's time for a change in politics in Clarkson and I bring leadership and a fresh vision for the future," he said.

The term for the office of the supervisor is two years and the salary is $17,827.

October 9, 2005