Village of Cazenovia Partisan Politics

When you step into the ballot box on June 19, you will see my name listed only once on a line that reads “Caz Independent Party.” For government at the local level, I believe that too much time, energy, and other resources are spent drawing party lines and defending "turf." I made the decision to run for Village Trustee as an Independent because I would be able to devote my time and energies toward identifying and working on the issues that matter most to the people of Cazenovia.

So instead, I encourage you to review the information on this web site. How do my views align with what you envision for our community today and tomorrow? How do the other candidates’ perspectives reflect your thoughts and hopes for Cazenovia? I want to focus on the decisions that will shape our future. I also want to hear your viewpoint, so please come to the May 11 event (view more information) and take a minute to send me an e-mail to let me know where you stand.

Russ’s Views on the Cazenovia Business District

Economic development belongs first in the Cazenovia Village historic business district. We are fortunate to have this commercial area and should optimize its existing buildings, sidewalks, streetlights, and parking spaces. Many properties in the Village are ready for development or revitalization.

Defining a clear vision for how to grow the historic business district is the first step. Let’s begin a community discussion on how to attract new businesses that meet the stated needs and wants of our residents to available spaces in the Village. In addition, let’s articulate our vision for the undeveloped areas along Riverside Drive, the adjacent creek property, and lower Albany Street.

Once the historic business district has reached its full potential, we should discuss commercial growth opportunities in other areas.

Russ’s Views on Village Services and Infrastructure – Fire and Police Departments, Streets, Sewers, Water

With over two hundred years of history and a population of about 2,600, the Village of Cazenovia has a lot to maintain and many households that require fire and police safety, snow plowing, and water and sewer services among others. All of us are grateful to the dedicated members of our community who work hard to deliver these services 24/7.

Making sure that sufficient financial resources are available to continue the efficient and modern operation of Village departments and infrastructure will be a priority of mine if elected.

Russ’s Views on Development in the Route 20 East Corridor

Dating back to the mid-1980s , government action and public response indicate that the majority of community members oppose dramatic changes on the eastern edge of the Village of Cazenovia. Any new development in this area, should mimic what already exists in terms of use, form, density, character, etc..

Significant time and taxpayer money have been spent over the past two decades for studies that recommend against more retail development on the Village’s eastern edge (CAPP Report, Route 20 Commission, Land Use Guide, and the 1991 Village Comprehensive Plan.)

It is widely believed that much of the Village’s aquifer recharge area (the source of our drinking water) lies directly under this land and must be protected. Before any development occurs in this area, we should employ scientific methods to precisely define the geographic parameters of this resource and adopt policy measures to protect it. This service is available at no cost to the community from federal Environmental Protection Agency funding.

Russ’s Views on Town/Gown Relations with Cazenovia College

Excellence in higher education continues to be one of America’s competitive strengths in the global economy. Cazenovia College is no exception and through strong leadership and vision will continue to expand the scope of its educational mission in the coming years. School and Village officials should work together to make sure that the Town/Gown relationship is mutually beneficial.

Russ’s Views on recreational and cultural resources

Many of us decided to live (or stay) in Cazenovia because of its natural beauty and resources. The lake is the cornerstone of our community. Who in our Village hasn’t fished, swam, boated, or just relaxed by it? In addition, there are an abundance of mature trees and open fields for snowmobiling, hiking, hunting, riding, or skiing . Our historic structures and parks are where we enjoy cultural, educational, and community events – think of the library, hearing the symphony play at Lorenzo, or watching fireworks at Lakeside Park. This makes Cazenovia special in Central New York and beyond. Protecting and enhancing these assets should be a major component of our long-term growth strategy.

Russ’s Views on Budget and Taxes

First and foremost, we all know that our taxes are very high. New York State residents have the highest combined federal, state, and local taxes in the nation. While most of this burden is not under the control of the local tax authority, it is important for Village Trustees to be good stewards of public monies. If elected I will work with my fellow Trustees to examine the Village budget and administration carefully for possible efficiencies and savings. I also will work to expand our commercial tax base as described above.