Two political newcomers seek Hamlin supervisor position

Dennis Roach, a first time candidate, is seeking the position of Town of Hamlin supervisor against Patricia MacIntosh, who has worked as the secretary to the Hamlin supervisor but is seeking election the first time.

Pat MacIntosh, who has served as secretary to the supervisor for the past six years, is running for the town supervisor seat on the Conservative line because she feels she is the most qualified candidate.

"I have worked at the town hall in the accounting/supervisor office and this has given me the inside experience of the town's government," she said. "I attend all the town board meetings, do the budget, investments, insurance and I supervise the human resource department."

Because she deals with employees on a daily basis she said she is aware of the problems in the town hall and has positive interactions with the employees.

If elected, MacIntosh said she is interested in improving Hamlin's property maintenance codes and the enforcement of such codes and maintaining a stable tax base. As for why she thinks she is qualified for the supervisor position, she said, "I was appointed to the conservation board and the zoning board before I was hired for my present position in the accounting/supervisor's office."

She and her husband, Roger, have lived in Hamlin for the past 32 years. They have a son, Scott, who is married and lives in Kendall.

MacIntosh said she is the most qualified and experienced person in line for the position.

"I also want to provide an open and honest government, accountability and fiscal responsibility for all the residents of the town of Hamlin," she said.

Political newcomer Dennis Roach, who was not the Republican committee's candidate but who received the support of the voters in the September primary, is seeking the position of supervisor because his experience as a retired Naval officer and former public school administrator have instilled in him a desire to continue as a public servant.

"I am motivated by the challenge of providing professional leadership to this wonderful rural, residential community," he said. "I enjoy working with people to solve current problems and plan for the future. I want to help maintain our rural heritage, natural setting and low taxes."

Roach said the issues facing the town include maintaining a high level of quality services and low taxes despite the ever-increasing cost of doing business - cost of fuel, personnel services (health insurance, retirement) and mandates from higher authority. The need to properly plan for unexpected development of the town, while maintaining its rural, agriculture and natural environment are also of importance, he said.

"Enhancing our public image and improving the appearance of certain areas in the town as well as enhancing the lines of communication between town hall and all the residents of the town is something we need to look at," he said. "Planning and saving for capital items, such as a community center, without unduly raising property taxes is also something the board must undertake."

His education as well as his military experience are skills that would help him undertake the tasks of running the town government, he said.

"I've led thousands of people in challenging positions at sea and ashore; managed public works, facilities and equipment; administered million-dollar budgets; conducted public affairs programs; and, worked with high-level government officials and dignitaries, including Congressional members, Assistant Secretaries of Defense and Navy and foreign military officers," he said.

He has also been involved with the Hamlin Recreation Commission, Hamlin Radio Tower Committee, Hamlin Community Center Exploratory Committee and Friends of the Hamlin Library.

He and his wife, Cindy, have two grown children and two grandsons.

"I plan to bring professional leadership to town government and conduct an open, responsive and cordial government," he said. "I will respect and listen to the needs and desires of all the citizens. I want to expand the opportunities for all personnel who desire to participate in the decision-making process."

He said he will employ the following "supervisor's test" for all his actions and dealings: Is it legal? Are the people aware and is it what they want? Does it conform to our comprehensive master plan? Is it cost effective? Does it make sense?

The Hamlin supervisor position is a two year post that brings with it a salary of $21,160.

October 16, 2005