Three vie for two ballot spots in Sweden primary

Sweden Republicans will be faced with choices in the September 13 primary when political newcomer Tim Bates faces off against incumbent town council members Rob Carges and Danielle Windus-Cook.

Tim Bates decided to run for office this year because he said he has been working "behind the scenes" for a long time trying to effect changes.

"I wasn't having much luck behind the scenes so it's time to work from the inside," he said.

First and foremost, he said, the issues facing the town are increases in spending.

"The town has increased its spending by nine percent per year on average while the recreation budget has increased 467 percent over the past nine years," he said. "Sweden's debt service has increased to 177 percent more than in prior years. We can't afford to keep up this spending pattern."

The other issue facing the town is the proposed rezoning of Redman Road. "There is simply no market for the number of homes that are being proposed," he said.

While he has no political experience, Bates said he is "passionately concerned" with the future of the town.

"I want to serve so I can help maintain the values that people here say they want - rural atmosphere and low taxes," he said.

Bates, who has lived in Sweden for close to seven years, resides with his wife Cheryl. He has a daughter, Brenda, and a grandson, Alex. His wife has two children, Erin and Nathan.

Rob Carges, who has served on the board for the past 12 years, said there is a lot to be said for bringing experience in local government to the board and to the residents that board members serve.

"It's become complicated to serve, even at the local level, and there's a certain amount of expertise that's necessary," he said. "Being a senior member on the board is important as I bring history and knowledge to the proceedings."

During his tenure, Carges said, he's been involved in increasing the size of the senior center, increasing the amount of recreation areas for town residents and moving the town's recreation program into the 21st century.

"We've done this while holding the line on expenses," he said. "Considering all that we've done, the average tax bill in Sweden is lower than the 11 other towns in Monroe County."

As with any other town across the state, Carges said, that fiscal issues are facing Sweden now and into the future.

"Because of increasing costs of everything from health insurance to fuel, no one can ignore the slow growth of our community," he said. "We need to look at ways to grow the community to help meet ever-increasing expenses while still maintaining Sweden's rural character."

Carges said he is committed to continuing to serve the residents of Sweden.

For incumbent Danielle Windus-Cook, the reason to seek-re-election was because she feels she has made important contributions during her four years on the board.

"I've been instrumental in the development of the park, creating sign, noise and property maintenance codes and in updating the town code," she said.

She echoed the sentiments of other candidates in that the town board needs to hold the line on taxes while still providing residents with the services they have come to expect.

"Increasing costs in health care insurance, worker's compensation, fuel costs and rising utilities are costs we can't afford," she said. "We are constantly exploring ways to reduce expenses and generate revenues from sources other than taxpayers."

During her time on the board, she said, she has been involved in the creation of three new water districts which brought water to 144 more properties.

"My opponent has made an issue of the Farmers' Museum but it isn't one," she said. "My idea is to use the vacant cemetery caretaker's house as a place for a cemetery office, historian's office and for the displaying of farming artifacts."

The town, she said, has been responsible for the upkeep of the caretaker's house for more than four years now so it is not a new expense.

Because she is a life long resident, operates a real estate business in the town and her board experience, Windus-Cook feels she is qualified to lead the town into the future.

She said her son, JW, is her "greatest joy" in life.

"I'm committed to continuing to improve the town for the residents while maintaining fiscally sound practice," she said.