Riga residents vote for change

Voters in the Town of Riga cast their ballots overwhelmingly for change in the make up of the town board. Town board member Pamela Moore, in her bid for the town supervisor seat, garnered 1,137 votes. Incumbent challenger Timothy Rowe received 950.

Moore's running mates, James Fodge and Kenneth Kuter, unseated incumbent board members Peter Brundage and Peter Neidrauer. Fodge received 1,371 votes; Kuter, 1,424; Brundage 628; and Neidrauer 591.

Landfill issues, open government and communication between board members and residents were the hot button issues in the race. Moore and her party were unhappy with the way the Mill Seat landfill agreements were negotiated. Moore, as a board member, also took exception to the way board meetings were operated and that residents were unable to voice opinions.

"We think our wins mean that the citizens of this town are clearly ready for a change," Moore said. "We can't wait to get started and we thank everyone for their support and for the huge response we received."

New board members take over on January 1.

November 13, 2005