Arcadia selects candidates for fall election

At the Arcadia Democratic Caucus meeting on Sept. 5, candidates for town offices were selected following the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of dedication for two recently deceased members.

Jack Bailey of Lyons paid tribute to the community service and gratitude for the lives of Gary Lagenor and Pat VanDemortel.

Present office holders were all renominated to their four-year positions. They will be led by Supervisor Joseph DeSanto, and Council members Brenda Westcott, and Thomas Chappell. David Harder is the choice for Highway Superintendent.

There were no nominations for the two-year Council Seat, the Town Justice or the Town Clerk positions for the November 6 election.

Nominators spoke of the experience, competency and deep town knowledge possessed by all the candidates.

Pictured are Brenda Westcott, Joe DeSanto and Tom Chappell.

In nominating DeSanto, former Supervisor Tom Healy pointed out that Joe is a full time supervisor, dedicated and honest. He has expanded the water districts, which has helped with residents' fire safety and water quality. He is especially known for his ability to work with village, school, county and state businesses and governments to get things done. He has compassion for how local policies and government at all levels affect the most vulnerable among us: the elderly, the ill, and those who suffer injustice due to circumstances beyond their control.

His work includes the location of the Newark branch of FLCC at the former Sarah Coventry building, which educates many in the region to be productive wage earners without the gas expense of having to drive to Rochester or Canandaigua, and positions on sales tax sharing, which benefits the overall tax load in the fairest way possible. With his knowledge of local practices and codes, DeSanto seeks to help neighbors work out grievances and advises people about how they can solve their own challenges by accessing government knowledge.

In accepting the nominations, all candidates mentioned they had enjoyed serving the public and promised to continue do their best. All attending the caucus felt this team demonstrated the commitment of local Democrats to competent, honest government, and concluded the meeting with applause for the ticket.

To learn more, contact Tom Taylor, Chair, at 331.2948.

More than 150 Arcadia Republicans caucused at the Newark High school Wednesday night and nominated candidates for several expiring positions.

Incumbent Republican Town Clerk Diane Allerton will run unopposed in the November 13 general election, as will Democrat Highway Supt. David Harder.

 Life-long Arcadia resident Richard 'Dick' Colacino was nominated by Mayor Peter Blandino to run for Supervisor. Colacino is semi-retired, having sold his business, Newark Electric, to his son. Blandino stressed the importance of Colacino's business experience and the need for better representation at the county level.

Colacino was out of town on business that evening. He had indicated that he would accept the nomination if offered, and he's ready, willing, and able to serve.

Party Chair MaryAnne Nicosia-McCarthy received nominations for three seats on the Arcadia Town Board.

Retired Newark Police Officer Gary McIlwain was nominated by councilman Mike Diamond to run for one of the expiring positions currently held by Tom Chappell and Brenda Westcott.

Police Chief Bogan seconded the nomination, saying he was honored to support McIlwain. Paul Johnson, owner of the Marion Pharmacy, was nominated by Kurt Werts to run for a Council seat.

Republican Bruce Nielson was appointed several months ago by the Arcadia Town Board to fill the unexpired term of Councilman Gary Grant, who had resigned.

Nielson was nominated by Diane Allerton to serve out the remaining two years of Grant's term. Allerton cited Nielson's fresh ideas as a board member during the past few months.

Attorney Dan Barrett was appointed recently by the Town Board to fill the unexpired term of Justice Don Fletcher. Greg Power came forward to nominate Barrett to run for the position. 'We all know Dan Barrett, who he is, and what he stands for.'

Caucus secretary Helen Blandino was instructed to cast one vote for all the candidates and no run-off vote was necessary.

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