Hamlin primary to determine voters' options

The Hamlin Republican Primary, September 9, will determine whether or not residents will see a two or three person supervisor race this year.

Ed Evans, a town board member for 12 years, is challenging Austin F. Warner III, the town's supervisor since 2000. It is do or die time for Evans, as Warner will appear on the Conservative line regardless of the primary's outcome.

Evans said, after speaking to many residents, he is starting to gain confidence. "I am feeling really good about the support I have received," said Evans. "I would say my odds are fifty-fifty."

If Evans makes it through the primary he would then square off against Warner and Peter Tonery, the Democrat candidate. Tonery has been a Hamlin resident since 1987 and the self-described "vocal opposition to the local government for many years." He will lead the Democrats who have been a historically quiet political contingent in Hamlin. The last time a Democrat became supervisor was 1980.

Tonery said the current political climate in Hamlin makes this a good time for the Republicans to have some opposition. "What has impressed me the most about the Democrats in town is their enthusiasm to try and bring about political changes," said Tonery. "They feel like they are not invited to participate in our town government - they are not welcome."

Joining Tonery on the Democratic ticket will be Jim Martin and Nancy Pierce running for town council spots, and Matthew Turcotte running for town justice. Tonery said the candidates on the Democratic ticket have also formed a new party, the All Hamlin Party. They will also appear on this line. Tonery said the All Hamlin Party was formed to be truly representative as two of the candidates are Independent.

"We feel that the Hamlin Republican Party has been very exclusive in who they allow to participate," said Tonery. "The proof that we are not political is the creation of the All Hamlin Party."

The formation of the All Hamlin Party may also be seen as a reaction to the political affiliation of many of Hamlin's residents. Currently in Hamlin the political breakdown is as follows: 2,385 Republicans, 1,107 Democrats, 1,279 Blank (non affiliated), 158 Independence Party, 145 Conservative, 3 Working Family.

For now, Warner said his focus is on winning the primary. He has begun the same door-to-door campaigning that first put him in the supervisor's office. "I've been happy with what I've heard so far," said Warner. "People have been really positive."

Warner said he believes there are many reasons for Hamlin residents to be happy. He points to the work that was done by the Tower Committee and the work that is being done by the Master Plan Committee. Warner said he has also been able to raise the town's reserve fund from $12,000 to $200,000 over the last three years with only a six percent increase in taxes. "All in all, things have been really productive," said Warner.

Evans does not share Warner's feelings on how things are going at the Hamlin Town Hall. Evans said the current government is not customer friendly and does not serve Hamlin residents effectively. Evans said concerned citizens who bring issues to the town board do not get the resolutions they deserve. "I'm genuinely interested in helping people," said Evans. "I would never hide behind policies and procedure to avoid getting things done."

Evans also said the current town government has not been forward thinking with regards to developing Hamlin. He said one example of this has been the town's reaction to adding senior housing behind Tops Friendly Market. Evans said the town has been reluctant to rezone the land because it might invite some unattractive development in that area.

"The problem is so easy to solve. You have a public hearing and you create a new zoning designation called senior housing," said Evans. "The government could encourage positive development in Hamlin."

Warner said developing Hamlin will be a focus in the upcoming term. Warner said he is hoping that the Master Plan will help guide Hamlin in a "smart" manner, adding that the new courthouse, which was funded with the help of grants, is an example of Hamlin moving forward.

Warner disagrees with Evans' and Tonery's assertion that his administration has not been open and responsive to residents' needs. "I have been both visible and accessible, working at the town hall between 25 and 30 hours per week," said Warner. He added that the creation of a Hamlin web site has helped the town government better communicate with the residents.

Evans said he is putting together some plans for guiding the town, should he be elected the next supervisor. He has approached former Supervisor Dick Kruger, who has agreed to serve as Evans' deputy supervisor.

"This would drastically shorten the learning curve and allow me to have things up and running on day one," said Evans.

At best, Evans is still two big steps away from that day. For Warner and Evans, it all comes down to the Republican Primary on September 9.