The Hilton Village Election will be held on Wednesday, March 18, from Noon to 9 p.m. at the Hilton Community Center, 59 Henry Street.
All candidates were invited to submit letters outlining their experience, reasons for seeking election, and goals if elected.
Three candidates are vying for the office of mayor: Larry Speer on the Citizens party line, Michael Sengillo on the Hilton First party line, and Andrew Fowler on the Hilton’s Future party line.
There are four candidates running for two open trustee positions. Christine Brower and John Steinmetz are both running on the Hilton Forward party line, Joseph Lee on the Hilton First line, and Jamie Attoma on the Hilton’s Future line.
CANDIDATES FOR VILLAGE MAYOR
Larry Speer
Citizens
With years of experience and being fully retired, I, Larry Speer, have the knowledge and time to be completely dedicated to the Village as Mayor. As a life-long Hilton resident, I’ve had the opportunity to serve our “little village with a big heart” in numerous ways, including 22 years on the Village Board, 34 years as a volunteer firefighter, 24 years volunteering with Hilton athletics, 15 years as chairman of the Hilton Rotary Fly-in Drive-in raising over $100,000 for local charities, and 12 years on the Parma Union Cemetery board. As for my career, I spent 38 years as a Senior Engineering Technician, 20 years working for a family-owned construction company, 30 years part-time with Burger Funeral Home, and 40 years owning/operating a snowplow business.
As Mayor, I will work to strengthen, boost, and advance the place we call home. This means using my multiple talents and experiences to provide a positive morale to talented village staff, in an effort to help deliver high-quality services for the residents of Hilton. This includes working with the Department of Public Works. It also means promoting local businesses, the heart of our community. As for advancement, I am already in the process of working to establish a community ambulance service based at the Hilton Fire Department, which will improve emergency medical response times in the Village. I look forward to the opportunity to serve our Village in a larger capacity.
Michael Sengillo
Hilton First
For more than three decades, Hilton has been the heart of my family’s life. It’s where we built our home, raised our children, and where I’ve had the privilege of running a local business alongside neighbors who feel more like family. Hilton isn’t just where I live—it’s who I am.
I’m running for Mayor because I care deeply about protecting what makes our village special. Hilton’s strength has always come from its close-knit community and hardworking local businesses that form the backbone of our village. As we look to the future, Hilton deserves leadership that is transparent, accountable, and guided by common sense.
My priorities as Mayor are clear:
- Maintain low village taxes
- Keep our community safe by strengthening public safety
- Improve traffic safety on South Avenue, including pedestrian and signage lighting
- Restore advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical services
- Fill available commercial spaces and support local business growth
- Strengthen communication with the Town of Parma
- Develop a long-term vision through “Envision Hilton 2030,” including a concept plan for the Fireman’s Field
- Revitalize the village while preserving Hilton’s small-town character
- Strengthen partnerships with local churches to support community and youth involvement
- Lead with transparency and open communication
- Establish a special leadership team, including the Mayor, Parma Town Supervisor, and Hilton School Superintendent
- Plan additional Village Events
I’m ready to bring steady leadership and a genuine love for this community to the Mayor’s office. Together, we can ensure Hilton remains a place where families thrive and businesses grow.
Andrew Fowler
Hilton’s Future
My name is Andrew Fowler, and I’m asking for your support in the upcoming election because I believe our community deserves leadership that is experienced, accessible, and focused on strengthening the place we call home. As a three-term Village Trustee, former Vice Mayor, and liaison to the Village budget and multiple community partners, I have the proven experience to do this job effectively on day one.
My plan centers on building a more vibrant and connected Village. I will support our local economy by helping to organize small business events and creating a Summer Concert Series at the Village Gazebo. I will also prioritize community beautification and revisit our village’s comprehensive plan, “Envision Hilton 2030,” to ensure our long-term planning reflects today’s needs.
Transparency and accessibility are essential. I will work to publish reviewed village board meeting minutes within 72 business hours, post meeting recordings online, and expand opportunities for public comments at board meetings. I also support moving meeting times to be more convenient for all residents, creating advisory committees, reimagining our Village website, launching e-newsletters, and holding open forums and regular open office hours.
I am committed to rebuilding strong relationships with our neighboring municipal partners, Monroe County, and New York State, because collaboration unlocks resources, strengthens services, and strengthens Hilton’s future.
With your vote, we can build a government that is open, responsive, and truly community-driven.
CANDIDATES FOR VILLAGE TRUSTEE
Christine Brower
Hilton Forward
My name is Christine Brower, and I am running for Trustee on the Hilton Forward party line. For over 33 years, the Village of Hilton has been my home, where I’ve raised my family and actively contributed to our community. My decision to run is driven by a genuine desire to ensure our village continues to thrive, thoughtfully balancing progress with the preservation of our unique character.
My previous service on the Village of Hilton Planning Board provided me with firsthand insight into critical development decisions, emphasizing thoughtful planning, fiscal responsibility, and transparent governance. Beyond the Planning Board, I was extensively involved with the Hilton Heat Soccer Club, the Hilton Apple Festival Board, and Quest Elementary School, fostering strong community connections and reinforcing my belief in collaboration and listening to every voice. I regularly attend Village Zoning Board meetings to stay current on local matters. Additionally, my MBA and MPH will help me navigate complex issues while prioritizing residents’ best interests.
I am committed to bringing a dedicated, experienced, and community-focused perspective to our village board. I will be a strong advocate for residents and a responsible steward of our village’s future, focusing on key areas such as:
- Fiscal Responsibility & Transparent Governance
- Public Safety & Reliable Village Services
- Local Business Collaboration & Support
- Community Upkeep & Beautification
I look forward to working collaboratively to address challenges, enhance our quality of life, and ensure the village remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.
John Steinmetz
Hilton Forward
My name is John Steinmetz, and I am running for Trustee on the Hilton Forward ticket. My wife Ann grew up in Hilton, and we moved back over 30 years ago. It’s where we raised our daughters, where I built my business, and where we’ve made lifelong friends.
If elected, I will bring three decades of experience as a community planning consultant to our Village Board. I have spent my career helping municipalities across New York State and beyond make smarter decisions and maximize opportunities.
Government should bring people together to respond to challenges and capitalize on opportunities. At its best, government is proactive, transparent, and enhances the quality of life for businesses and citizens. At its worst, government is reactionary, unresponsive, and hostile. I will strive to emulate what is best about government through improved communication and civility. I will work hard to improve our village’s overall charm and appeal. I am an expert at forming partnerships and identifying resources to make an impact in these areas.
I am optimistic about Hilton’s future. We have a solid foundation, fueled by the commitment of our residents and business community, to move into the next chapter of our story. We also have an excellent Village staff and personnel who deliver exceptional services. My goal is to protect what makes this village special while pushing for more — smarter zoning decisions to preserve neighborhood character, proactive solutions to protect key services, and strategic infrastructure investments that serve future generations.
JOSEPH LEE
Hilton First
My name is Joseph Lee, and I am running for Village Trustee. Prior to serving three terms as Village Mayor, I began my tenure with the Village of Hilton as a trustee in 2004. Before becoming an elected official, I worked at Eastman Kodak as a chemical engineer from 1970 to 2006.
I moved to Hilton in 1968 and knew right away that this would be the place I would call home forever. It has been an amazing experience not only to see the Village evolve, but also to be a part of it.
In addition to being a Village Board member, I enjoy being an active contributor to our community. I serve on the Apple Festival Committee (2025 Citizens of the Year!), am a 30-year member of the Hilton Lions Club, Knights of Columbus Council #9461, and a Classic Cars on Main Street volunteer.
As Village Mayor, I have served as President of the Monroe County Association of Villages twice. During my first term, I initiated the Veterans Wall of Honor located at 59 Henry Street. I’ve always fought to keep our village taxes low without sacrificing services.
To serve the community, I believe the best ability is availability. I have always treated this as a full-time position because that is what you deserve.
Together, we represent a village we can be incredibly proud of. On March 18, I’m asking for your vote so that I can continue to do what I do best – serving my community to the fullest.
Jamie Attoma
Hilton’s Future
My name is Jamie Attoma, and I am running for Village of Hilton Trustee. My decision to run for Village of Hilton Trustee comes from a genuine commitment to this community and a belief that strong local leadership is built on trust, transparency, and long-term thinking.
Hilton is a village with solid foundations—engaged residents, dedicated volunteers, and a strong sense of pride. As our community continues to grow and change, it is important that village leadership remains accessible, fiscally responsible, and focused on sustaining what makes Hilton a great place to live.
Through my volunteer work with Hilton Parma Recreation and my support of local parks and programming, I have seen how vital community spaces, youth opportunities, and partnerships are to our quality of life. These experiences have reinforced my belief that when residents are informed and engaged, better decisions are made.
As a trustee, my focus would be on transparency and accountability. Village budgets, meetings, and decisions should be easy to access and understand. Clear communication helps build trust and ensures residents feel confident in how their village is governed.
I am also committed to maintaining safe, welcoming neighborhoods, supporting public safety and emergency services, and continuing to champion local businesses that strengthen Hilton’s economy and character.
My goal is to work collaboratively with residents, village staff, and fellow trustees to ensure Hilton remains a vibrant, thriving community for generations to come. It would be an honor to earn your trust and serve the Village of Hilton.
