Two seek ballot spot in Kendall supervisor race

In the Town of Kendall, the incumbent supervisor and a Republican Party endorsed candidate are both seeking ballot positions in the September 13 primary race.

Supervisor John Becker and William Vick are both in the race for the top spot in the town. One of the issues raised during the course of the primary was the sale of the Civil War cannon from the town's cemetery. The cannon was later recovered and returned to the cemetery following requests by town residents.

John Becker, who has served the residents for more than 14 years as supervisor and six as town councilman prior to being supervisor, said he is seeking re-election so he can "continue providing residents value for their tax dollars."

He said that during his tenure, the board has extended water lines, made improvements to the town hall and highway department, improved the town's drainage system and won an economic development grant for $562,000. "We've done all this while still keeping taxes among the lowest in Orleans County," he said. "We plan to continue water line expansion, improve drainage and improve the overall level of town government to the residents."

Major issues facing the town, Becker said, are expansion of water lines and drainage.

"In light of reduced grants and higher costs, keeping taxes low is a priority but most important will be the improvement of the level of communication between town government and residents," he said.

As to the sale of the cannon, Becker said, "The sale was a major mistake and I'm sorry it happened." He pointed out that town officials were able to return it to the town.

A point of confusion in the town, Becker explained, is with the $562,000 grant the town recently received.

"The grant was awarded to the town specifically for the marina (Eagle Creek) expansion project," he said. "Obtaining a grant means that no local tax money is used for the marina project. The town will be loaning the money to the marina and holding a mortgage. Once the money is paid back to the town by the marina owners, the money will be available to other small businesses within the community."

Becker wants residents to know that no matter the fate of the marina, the town is not obligated to repay any of the grant funds.

Becker and his wife, Wendy, have three children, Sarah, Nelson and Emily.

William Vick, a former supervisor in the Town of Kendall, said he is running because of the "cannon issue." He said the board's decision to sell the cannon without informing residents was the impetus for his seeking election.

"Something has to be done to change the way the town board does business," he said. "When the cannon got sold, I got very involved in circulating petitions to get the cannon back. As I went from house to house people encouraged me to run for the supervisor position."

Vick said it wasn't one town board member who was culpable in the sale of the cannon, it was the whole board.

During his time on the board in the 1970s, Vick said he played a significant role in the construction of the town hall. He also served on the Orleans County Legislature.

"I'm a fiscal conservative and believe my past experience is what's needed for the board," he said.

A life long resident of Kendall, Vick is also a life member of the fire department and served as a former fire commissioner. He and his wife, Sheryl, also owned and operated Vick Hardware and Vick Water and Heating Systems.

"This town is facing serious issues right now and recent decisions by the board indicate a lack of moral authority," he said. "The board has proved and demonstrated a disregard for the public's needs."

If elected, Vick wants to institute bi-monthly sessions where residents can come and bring up concerns. He also wants to implement a policy for the disposition of surplus equipment within the town. He echoed Becker's concerns with the need for additional water districts and the need to address drainage concerns.