Newcomers take the helm in three area towns

Newcomers take the helm in three area towns

Town of Hamlin Supervisor Denny Roach said, "The possible turnover of our water district to the Monroe County Water Authority and finishing up the master plan update" is an item high on his agenda.

Hamlin's new supervisor looking forward to challenges
Town of Hamlin Supervisor-elect Denny Roach said he was almost ready to throw in the towel when he wasn't selected as the Republican committee's endorsed candidate, but he decided to persevere.

"If several individuals from within the Republican committee, who are stalwart, actively involved and influential Hamlin residents hadn't encouraged me to pursue the primary election, I might not be in the position I am today," he explained.

Political inspirations, heroes
On the national level, Roach is inspired by Senator John McCain.

"I've admired him since the late 1960s for his leadership abilities, principals, sense of honor and ability to create consensus, which often require bi-partisan efforts for achievement," Roach said.

At the local level, he is impressed by the legacy that former Hamlin Supervisor Charlie Maier established during his tenure.

"I've been told that if I am half as effective as Charlie was, I would be doing okay," Roach said. "I look forward to his advice and counsel during my time in office."

As for everyday heroes, Roach looks to the men and women in uniform - personnel in the Armed Services, fire, police and ambulance services. "These people, daily, go into harms way to protect our country, community, homes and families," he said. "I also hold in high esteem educators of our youth and the local, dedicated people who are always volunteering their time and efforts at the library, VFW, churches, service clubs and schools."

The first 100 days and beyond
"I anticipate my first 100 days in office will be busy, exciting and challenging," he said.

Roach said the newly elected officials will be confronting two major, carryover issues - a decision regarding the lease of the Hamlin and Hamlin-Kendall water districts to the Monroe County Water Authority and the completion and implementation of the comprehensive master plan.

"Both have major consequences for the future of our town," he said. Accordingly, he took action to minimize the turnover of the experienced administrative, legal, staff and support personnel and the turmoil that personnel changes would create. "With the exception of newly-elected Councilman Mike Marchetti, who I'm pleased will also be the deputy supervisor, and me, residents will see all the same people at town hall busily performing their tasks."

"Our goal during our first 100 days will be to demonstrate our commitment to a professional administration that is effective, open, honest and courteous and which is willing to work across party lines to achieve the best possible results for all our challenges and problems," he said. "On the personal side, I hope to meet as many people as possible to acquire as much input as possible in regards to their opinions about the water issue and other issues of concern."

By the end of his term, Roach said he hopes the town will have enacted plans and legislation that will preserve Hamlin's rural character and environment; taken action to enhance our appearance in certain areas; promoted our local businesses and attractions; taken steps to bring the dream of a community center closer to fruition; seen the opening of a senior-housing community; and, provided consistent, fair and impartial resolution to all residents' requests and concerns.

When not in office
"I relax by working around our home with my wife, Cindy," he said. "I enjoy mowing, gardening and creating a habitat where we can co-exist with nature."

At a snail's pace, he is trying to restore a 1949 John Deere tractor.

"I enjoy playing the sousaphone, am an avid Ohio State football fan and enjoy every opportunity available to visit my son and his fiancee' in Macedon and my daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons in Virginia Beach."

Roach served in the Navy and is the director of continuing education for the Gates Chili School District.

Willam Vick, Town of Kendall Supervisor, said, "With the high cost of fuel and costs escalating everywhere, the top of our agenda is fiscal prudence and minimizing expenditures wherever possible." He also mentioned: water district concerns; marina expansion loan oversight and code enforcement; need for a code enforcement officer and concerns about an ongoing major subdivision and school athletic field expansion and road.

New Kendall supervisor to strive for open government
Newly elected Town of Kendall Supervisor William Vick ran on a platform of open government and that is the way he plans to run his office. The prior Kendall town board raised the ire of many residents with the sale and subsequent return of a Civil War cannon from a local cemetery. The problem, Vick maintains, came from those in office who didn't solicit input from the public before disposing of a piece of Kendall history.

Heroes and role models
"My modern day role model on the national level would be Ronald Reagan and I have become a fan of Joe Lieberman because of his courage to tell it the way he sees it without regard to other political influence," Vick said. "On a local level, I think State Senator George Maziarz is the model for the way our leaders should represent us."

During the history of the nation, the role models that Vick would like to emulate run toward George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt, all for very different reasons and for the impact they had on the country.

"In the past I sought office primarily became of my personal view that one cannot complain and dissent without taking an active role in the system," he said. "More recently, it would be the issues at hand, and the encouragement and request of the towns people for me to return to local government."

Vick's heroes in everyday life include Cal Ripken for the example he set of how to approach his task and succeed; our soldiers in the military who do for Americans what most would not have the courage to do, and last, all those parents who actually do parent their children - raising responsible, caring citizens with a good work ethic and a respect for the law.

What's ahead
Vick said from the items on the calendar it appears that a heavy weight is being placed upon the board to resolve issue of the Monroe County Water Authority take over of the present joint Hamlin-Kendall Water District. Meetings were held in both towns in late 2005 to gauge public input and hear presentations from the MCWA on turning the locally run district over to their entity.

"We must recognize that recent increases in taxes on all fronts have become excessive and cost reduction by all levels of government must take place," he said. "We will begin immediately to address this problem."

His general hopes for the administration in the next term include operating a completely open government, providing for the knowledge and input of the electorate and highly active participation by the members of the town board, town officers and appointed boards in addressing the issues and making informed decisions.

Getting away from it all
When not involved in the governing of Kendall, Vick enjoys hunting and fishing, especially when his grandchildren are involved.

"I also shoot competitive trap and sporting clays," he said. "I like to read and do landscape gardening."

Vick is retired from a career as a business owner of Vick Hardware and Vick Water and Heating Systems.

Pam Moore, Town of Riga Supervisor, will be concentrating her efforts on: "Communication, opening the government up to the public. We are going to take a hard look at the finances. We want to utilize the landfill money for a variety of areas, a capital reserve fund, open space recreation and what our citizens want."

Photos by Walter Horylev

In-coming Riga supervisor follows parents' example
When she looks for inspiration or examples of community spirit and volunteerism, Town of Riga Supervisor Pamela Moore looks to her parents.

"Ed and Jessie Moore were my inspiration to seek office," she said. "Together they have performed more than 100 years of community service to Riga."

Both in their 80s, Pam said they remain active in the community.

Political role models, personal heroes
When asked who her political role models are, Moore rolls back the clock to Thomas Jefferson.

"As an architect of our personal liberties, Thomas Jefferson is one of my political role models. I learned from studying him that if we wish to preserve these liberties, we need to be vigilant," she said. "Ronald Reagan is my other role model. He restored optimism, confidence and pride in America by remaining committed to his values and his vision of an America full of opportunities."

From political inspiration to personal heroes, Moore said her heroes in everyday life are members of the armed services.

"While the rest of us are going about our day-to-day activities, the Americans who are in the armed services are putting their lives on the line to protect us, preserve our system of government and bring freedom to people in foreign nations," she said. "Their actions are not only important - they are very humbling."

The first 100 days and beyond
"The top priority in the first 100 days is to enhance communications and develop confidence and optimism about how we can, by working together, make Riga better," she said.

Moore will kick off her administration on January 1 with a swearing in ceremony at the town hall. Among her first actions will be to arrange to have dates for town board meetings and workshops published in the government meeting section of this newspaper, revise the format of the town newsletter and website to provide advance notice of upcoming issues and an opportunity to participate; and institute periodic townwide forums so any resident can come and express their opinions and concerns to the town board.

Following a forced primary last September in which Moore garnered enough votes to secure the Republican line on the ballot and then, in the November election, unseat former Supervisor Timothy Rowe, and in light of the contentious nature of the Millseat Landfill issues, Moore wants to hit the ground running with efforts to unite resources and entities within the town.

"My hope is to preserve our heritage while taking actions to make Riga even better," she said. "We have the resources and the opportunities to become a model community."

She has also set goals to enact an updated comprehensive plan and develop strong partnerships with other government entities, businesses and community groups. "That will be the key to turning this vision into a reality," she said.

Moore is a practicing attorney.