Four seek two spots on Kendall town board

The Republican Party in the Town of Kendall has endorsed two political newcomers, David Schuth and Charles Scroger for two available board seats. Incumbents Gary Kludt and Michael Weisenburg are seeking re-election to hold onto their seats on the board in the September 13 primary.

Incumbent Gary Kludt, has been on the board, serving the residents of Kendall for the past 14 years.

"I'm seeking re-election because I want to keep working for the residents by improving the town by providing them with value for their tax dollars," he said.

Over the past 14 years, during his tenure, Kludt said, town officials have increased water service, remodeled and computerized the town hall, constructed a new salt barn and have continued to address and improve drainage problems in the town. Kludt said he was proud to be part of the board as well because of the securing of an Economic Development Grant of $562,000.

He lives in the town with his wife, Linda. They have four children, Matt, Jill, Lisa and Russ and granddaughter, Grace.

"My family and friends have offered a lot of support and understanding during my time on the board and now that I am seeking re-election," he said.

Kludt said the issues facing the town include improving drainage, expanding waterlines and keeping taxes low.

"If re-elected I'll be able to continue to improve drainage, water line expansion and town government.

David Schuth said he is seeking election for the first time because he "hasn't been thrilled" with the processes the current administration has been following.

"I also have kids who are growing up here, I've lived here for 30 years and I want to help make the town better for my family," he said.

A member of the planning board for the past year-and-a-half, Schuth said his experience in the town comes from his knowledge as a resident and from being involved with the school district. He said that in his position as a quality control manager he has skills in making sure things get done properly.

"I also want to make sure the concerns of the residents are heard," he said. Development of the Eagle Creek Marina project, expansion of code enforcement issues and more direction in code enforcement need to be undertaken, according to Schuth.

"Kendall used to be one of the jewels in Orleans County and I want to bring it back to being a place where people what to come," he said.

A graduate of Kendall High School, he and his wife, Cathy, have three children, Michael, Nicholas and Matthew.

"I'm the only candidate running who lives in the hamlet and I'm the youngest. I want to listen to the younger generation of residents," he said. "The ideas of the next generation of Kendall residents need to be heard."

Charles Scroger is running for a number of reasons, he said, including the fact that many individuals approached the Republican committee indicating they wanted a change in the way things were done in the town.

"It was the cannon episode that got many of us looking at the town governance and the more we examined things the more we found that needed improvement," he said. "The cannon was simply the spark that set everything in motion."

There are many issues facing the town, Scroger said, and some of those include the fact that the board needs to discuss the implementation of an ordinance to prevent the openings of establishments for adult entertainment.

"Zoning needs to be in place prior to someone approaching the board with this type business proposition," he said, adding that, "the need for water is a constant issue in the town."

In his past work experience, Scroger served in management roles in the private sector. He said he also managed budgets up to $5 million.

Scroger is married to life-long Kendall resident, Kathy, and they have three grown children,

Chaley, Jennifer and Charles and two grandsons.

"It really is a time for change in Kendall," he said. "This board has lost its ability to listen and react to what the people want."

Incumbent Michael Weisenburg, who has served on the board for nine years, said he has served and is seeking to continue serving the community because he has a genuine desire to represent the residents of Kendall. He also said that his experience, dedication and desire are driving his re-election bid.

"I want to see the town fulfill its potential," he said. "There are also fiscal issues facing this, and every other town, that elected officials need to prepare for."

Zoning and planning issues need to be addressed as well, Weisenburg said.

"In Kendall, any changes or obstructions in the natural flow of the land could have repercussions with drainage issues," he said. "We're also looking at another water district for residents."

The town's receipt of a $562,000 economic development grant, that is earmarked for the Eagle Creek Marina expansion, is something that needs to be closely monitored, Weisenburg said.

"The grant will be a challenge to administer because of the background work that went into our obtaining it," he said. "If someone comes into this project cold, it could be difficult to administer and could result in the loss of the grant."

Weisenburg is also involved in the process of finding Kendall a "Sister City" with which to partner.

"That project could have both cultural and economic development benefits for the town," he said.

Elected officials must remain cognizant of the need to balance Kendall's rural character with any economic development it approves, he said.

A 20-year resident, he lives with his wife, Stacy, and their children, Michael and Joshua.