Five in Hamlin Town Council race for two seats

Five men are vying for two seats on the Hamlin Town Board. Of them, only one has served previously. Tommy Jensen and Richard Marsden are running under the Democratic ticket; Michael Marchetti and incumbent Paul Rath are running under the Republican ticket, Rath will also be on the Conservative line along with James Krempasky.

All of the candidates echo the same sentiments that Hamlin needs a town government that is more open and honest in fulfilling its duties and they all say they will strive to preserve Hamlin's rural character.

Tommy Jensen said he is seeking election this year because, "Our town government has failed us for years." He said that in order for government to be fixed, it must be done from the inside, as a town board member.

Jensen said that the sudden, rapid growth in housing and subdivisions, crime and vandalism and the inconsistent application of town codes and laws are some of the bigger issues that are facing Hamlin. He said he is the past president and chairman of the Hamlin Ambulance Corps, was a member of the Playground Committee and has attended virtually every open town meeting for the past three years.

"I want to bring common sense and fair play back to the Hamlin Town Board," he said. "Our town should work for everyone in Hamlin, not just a select few. Everyone who seeks services from the town must be treated equally."

Jensen and his wife, Karen, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary on election day and they have two daughters, two grandchildren and one on the way.

James Krempasky, who is running for the first time, said the present town board doesn't seem to be responsive to the community.

"The current government doesn't listen to the people," he said. "Open forums will be held, residents will speak, but there is no dialogue between residents and officials. The conversation and questions fall on deaf ears. We need to open the lines of communication so taxpayers and elected officials will interact."

The biggest issue facing Hamlin, he said, is the finalization of the comprehensive master plan. "We need that in place as it will guide us, and the town's development, for the next five to 10 years," he said. "We need a plan in place as to the way we want to grow the town - do we want to stay rural or become more high density?

A 20-year resident of Hamlin, Krempasky said he moved to the town from New York City and that gives him a unique perspective to see both ends of the spectrum when it comes to development. "I understand the value of open space," he said.

Michael Marchetti, another political first-timer, said that even though there are five people on the board there is a lot of "behind the scenes" politics.

"I want to help the residents have an open, honest and fair government," he said.

Marchetti said one of the issues facing Hamlin is developers who want large projects to be sited there. "We have developers who want to put in high density developments," he said. "Hamlin doesn't need that."

What the town does need, Marchetti said, is a community center but he wonders whether taxpayers can afford to fund it.

"I care about the future of Hamlin," he said. "I'm young and energetic and I want to be on the board so I can help serve the entire community, from children to seniors."

Marchetti and his wife, Julie, have four children.

Richard Marsden said he is seeking election this year for several reasons including wanting to help revamp the infrastructure of the town government by establishing a government that is truly representative of all residents in Hamlin.

"I also wish to improve the health, safety, and welfare of the town's citizens through pro-active, intelligent responsible legislation," he said. "We also need to put in place a full-time code enforcement team. Now is the time for innovative ideas to refresh stagnant, archaic policies."

Marsden said the town's comprehensive plan doesn't meet the long term needs of Hamlin and that Hamlin's property maintenance code is not functional for an agricultural/residential community.

"Hamlin needs a realistic, comprehensive legislation that will control the town's future development and draw attention to the aesthetics of the town," he said.

"I would like to challenge the people of Hamlin to get involved in each governmental process that affects their lives," he said. "Together, we will all benefit from a compassionate, inclusive, accountable town government."

Paul Rath, who has served on the board since being appointed in 1996, is seeking re-election because he believes he can continue to contribute to the town and its residents because of his experience, background and willingness to listen to concerns and act on them.

Rath, a lifelong resident of Hamlin, said he knows how important it is to the residents that Hamlin maintains its rural character. "Budgeting, property maintenance and enforcement, revaluation and a potential community center are issues facing the board at this point," he said. "These issues need resolution and there should be community input and evaluation. These are not town board topics, but town topics that all residents should be involved in."

His experience as a board member and as a certified public accountant where he focuses on governmental agencies and how to work within their budgets efficiently, making sure there is proper reporting and disclosure, are experiences that the board needs, he said.

During his tenure, Rath said he has been involved in many projects for which he is proud. Rath said with each project, plan or law he has asked himself, "Will Hamlin be a better place to live when this project/plan/law is approved?"

He and his wife, Katie, have four children.

"I will continue to make a difference through accountability and fiscal responsibility to provide the best services for all residents," he said. "We should provide the residents with an open and honest government that is forward looking to have Hamlin be the town we want it to be."

Town board members serve for four year terms and receive an annual stipend of $6,446.

October 23, 2005