Hamlin voters will elect five Republicans to office on Tuesday. Supervisor Austin Warner, Councilman Paul S. Rath, Councilwoman Shirley Hollink and Justice Richard Moffett are all unopposed incumbents. Thomas Ingraham is making his first bid as highway superintendent.

Although Hollink had to force a primary to get the Republican endorsement, the five candidates are running as a team now.

Warner said that one of Hamlin's challenges is to be unified as a community. The rural town is split between three school districts and is served by multiple fire departments. "We're out in the country and we're mostly a commuter population. It's important for us to develop some things that are uniquely ours."

The town is involved in negotiations to bring a bank to Hamlin, and is forming a business committee to assist businesses in coming and staying in the town. A master plan committee is working on a report on the use of town properties. Warner meets monthly with other local supervisors to discuss ways to share resources.

Warner believes his administration has improved communication through a monthly newsletter, a website and bi-weekly staff meetings. He has also tried to get more community involvement in town government by asking residents to serve on committees. The town library was expanded earlier this year while its monthly rent was reduced. Warner also said the town has adopted a more aggressive investment strategy with certificates of deposit.

"We've got some great things started," Warner said of his decision to seek a second term. "Now we just have to see them through."