Four seek two available seats on Kendall town board

Democratic candidates and political newcomers Bart Joseph and James Smith challenge Republican endorsed candidates Charles Scroger and David Schuth in Kendall. The two Republican newcomers defeated the two sitting council members in the September primary. There are two available four-year seats in the Town of Kendall race for councilperson. The council member's annual salary is $3,000.

Bart Joseph said his impetus to run was prompted in part by the cannon issue. "There was a lack of communication, in general," he said. "I've lived in this town for close to 30 years and it was hard to get someone to listen when I talked. I want to change that."

Being a good communicator and being available to the residents and taxpayers is what being an elected official is all about, he said.

Joseph serves as the elected fire commissioner for the Morton Fire District. "My experience with the fire department, its budgets and writing grants for the department is good experience for a potential town board member to have," he said. "I've been a public servant in the past. It' all about giving something back to the community where you live."

Joseph said he wants to find ways to pool resources with other municipalities to reduce taxes. "We also have to continue looking at the water issues that are facing the town, both with lack of water at individuals' houses and with drainage problems," he said.

He and his wife, Becky, have two daughters and a son.

David Schuth said he is seeking election because he is running to "ensure that the future of Kendall is as good as it can be for the people of the community."

He presently serves as a member on the Kendall Planning Board.

"My skills include the ability to listen to the issues," he said. "Working with an active board and being able to respond to complaints and coming to a resolution that is agreeable to all is something I will strive for if elected."

"In the future, the town will be dealing with the Eagle Creek Marina expansion project -- a project that with proper management has the potential to spur the spirit of Kendall residents and open the doors of Kendall to further development," he said.

"There are ideas being discussed by town residents and others that when brought to fruition, will promote the return of Kendall to the showcase town that it has been," he said. "As residents of Kendall we must bring together our abilities to make Kendall the town we want it to be, a warm, inviting, comfortable place to live."

If elected, Schuth said he wants to investigate the idea of a "task force" form of town council where residents are not only invited to participate in town discussions but are actively encouraged to become involved in town decision.

He and his wife, Cathy, have three sons.

Charles Scroger is running for a number of reasons, he said, including the fact that many individuals approached the Republican committee indicating they wanted a change in the way things were done in the town.

"It was the cannon episode that got many of us looking at the town governance and the more we examined things the more we found that needed improvement," he said. "The cannon was simply the spark that set everything in motion."

There are many issues facing the town, Scroger said, and some of those include the fact that the board needs to discuss the implementation of an ordinance to prevent the openings of establishments for adult entertainment.

"Zoning needs to be in place prior to someone approaching the board with this type business proposition," he said, adding that, "the need for water is a constant issue in the town."

In his past work experience, Scroger served in management roles in the private sector. He said he also managed budgets up to $5 million.

Scroger is married to life-long Kendall resident, Kathy, and they have three grown children and two grandsons.

"It really is a time for change in Kendall," he said.

Jim Smith is running for council because he has seen several issues and problems within the town that he believes he can help solve.

"We need to make our downtown area more presentable," he said. "We also have to work on improving cooperation between residents and the town board."

Working on public water related problems and drainage problems are also issues that Kendall council members will have to delve in to.

"I've lived in the town for quite a while so I know the people and I know the problems facing it," he said. "I also have work related experience that would be an asset for a town board member."

Smith has one son and one daughter.

"I think I know what needs to be done to help get Kendall back on track," he said. "I want my kids to want to live here and raise their families here."

October 23, 2005