Two seek two open seats in Parma

In an uncontested race for town council seats, Republican incumbent Kenneth Blackburn and political newcomer, Republican Carmey Carmestro, are seeking election to the Town of Parma board. Trustee Anne Forbert will not be seeking re-election to the seat she has held since 1985.

Incumbent Kenneth Blackburn said he was seeking re-election because he likes being part of the political process.

"It's gratifying to be able to work with all the department heads and support them in whatever way possible so they can perform their jobs," he said. "I also like being available to the residents."

Managing the growth of Parma is an issue the board is dealing with on an ongoing basis, Blackburn said.

He has served as a Town of Parma Councilman since 1998. Prior to that he worked for the Hilton Central School District as superintendent of buildings and director of transportation. He also served for 10 years as the highway superintendent of Parma.

"We need to be able to support further growth as far as offering service while still maintaining a reasonable tax rate," he said. "I think we have a pretty good plan in place but things always have a way of changing as you go along."

Blackburn said that during his tenure he feels the board has done a good job in terms of holding the line on taxes and providing the services that residents request.

He said his wife, June, has been supportive of him in his career in public service, which he has held since 1964.

"I think that people know me and know I will do the best job possible when I'm in office," he said. "I always keep the community at the heart of everything I do. I've provided good service to the community and I'm a truthful, down to earth individual."

Carmey Carmestro, who has lived in the town for the past 20 years, said he is seeking election because while he likes what the present officials have done he said there is still room for new ideas.

"Parma has a great array of services available to the residents," he said. "But we're growing so fast that we need to make certain a comprehensive plan is in place to effectively manage the growth."

Carmestro is serving a five year term as the head of the Hilton-Parma Fire Commissioners and as such, he said, he has the experience of dealing with a wide array of individuals and is also knowledgeable about budgets and the budget process.

As for the issues facing the town, Carmestro said, they are no different than what other municipalities are facing now and in the future.

"The town is looking at escalating healthcare, insurance and fuel costs," he said. "We also have to look at ways to make sure that Parma retains its rural atmosphere. Parma needs to begin work on updating its comprehensive plan to manage growth and to also implement an equipment replacement plan."

He and his wife, Cathy, have two grown sons who are both serving in the Armed Forces.

Carmestro said he wants the voters to know he is "someone they can trust" and that they will be available to listen to their concerns 24 hours a day, seven days week.

"I'm a great listener and I'll make sure I listen to concerns before I jump into making decisions," he said. "As part of the board I will strive to maintain services while keeping the tax rate level."

Town council seats are for four year terms and bring with them an annual salary of $5,346.75.

October 23, 2005