Registered Republican voters in the town of Clarendon will be asked to cast their ballot in the Tuesday, September 11 Primary for one of two Republican candidates vying for the town supervisor seat.

Richard Moy, who was appointed town supervisor on May 8, received the backing of both the Town Board and the Republican Committee in his bid for the supervisor position.

He assumed the leadership role following the departure of interim supervisor Allen Robinson. Robinson stepped into the position in January when Michael Bove resigned. Robinson declined to continue on in the position because of his work demands.

Moy, the former town assessor, originally sought the position because he was concerned with the town's rising tax rates.

"The tax rate is of concern not only to me but to all of the residents in the town of Clarendon," he said.

As a retired Eastman Kodak Company worker, Moy said his 34 years of experience would be of value on the job as the town supervisor.

"I have a business background and to be the supervisor of a town today you need to have a business background," he said.

Moy explained that one of the most important tasks of the supervisor is acting as the chief financial officer of the town.

"If you are not good at budgets and tracking them then you are not fit for the job," he said. Having negotiating skills is also an essential part of the position he said.

Moy said that voters in the town would have the choice between two individuals with totally different skills and backgrounds.

"I believe in fiscal responsibility and so far I think our town board has been a bit lacking in that area," he said.

His leadership abilities and his accessibility to the residents of the town, he said, are necessary attributes. "I am at the town hall every day and am always available if the residents need to speak with me."

Challenger Joyce McMurray is wrapping up her first four-year term as town councilwoman. "I firmly believe that the town Republicans need a choice so I am very pleased to be giving them a voice in the primary," she said.

McMurray said she prides herself on listening to what the residents of the town have to say. "I represent the taxpayers to be best of my ability," she said.

McMurray said lowering the town's taxes is something she would look into if elected. "I view my community as I view my home," she explained. "There is no reason to spend money we don't have." She said Clarendon must continue to look toward the future, maintain its roads and its infrastructure.

McMurray said she wants to give the residents back their opportunity to have a voice in their government. She said she believes strongly that one vote can make a difference and she has always voted her conscience. "I always have time to answer constituents' phone calls and listen to their concerns," she said.

"It won't be too long and Clarendon will be celebrating its 200th birthday. We need to continue to plan for that event and look beyond." She said she is "looking to guide the town into the future." "We have been treading water," she said. "Land development is an important issue and residents need to speak out as we are shaping the future of their town."