Published: November 02, 2009 01:55 pm      

Town council seats sought

Ridgeway and Albion prepare for Tuesday’s election.

As Election Day approaches, many people are anticipating who will come out victorious. In the Town of Albion, four are vying for two open council seats. Candidates are Republican incumbents Timothy Neilans and Matt Passarell, and Democrats Christopher Kinter and Jeffrey Smith.

“We have a lot of challenges coming up, I believe I offer solutions,” said Passarell during the Oct. 22 candidate forum. “I will put forth the effort. I make it a point to be up on the issues. Studying our budget, making sure I’m aware before I make a decision.”

Neilans also spoke at the candidate forum about how he and Passarell plan to save costs for the Town of Albion. He said they are looking at every line item of the upcoming budget, asking if they can reduce those expenses. Some items they have no control over but, he said that for the items they can modify, they are thinking of the pros and cons to reduce the cost.

“It’s been a pleasure serving this community,” Neilans said. “ I look forward to another term, if elected.”

The two democratic candidates were not in attendance at the League of Women Voters forum.

Also up for re-election is Supervisor Judy Koehler who is running unopposed. Republican candidate Ryan Miller is running to fill the remainder of a two-year council term. He is also running unopposed.

In the Town of Ridgeway, both Jeffrey Toussaint and Paul Canham are seeking re-election to the town board. Both are running unopposed. Due to the retirement of current Highway Superintendent Gary Blackburn, two residents are running for the four-year term. Candidates are Mark Goheen and Paul Benben.

We asked both candidates a few questions as to why they were interested in this position. Benben did not respond by press time.

Mark Goheen

QUESTION: Why are you interested in becoming highway superintendent?

ANSWER: Being a longtime resident of Ridgeway, I can say that our community has been one that I have enjoyed living and raising a family in and one that I am confident — with the correct leadership — will continue to succeed. When I learned of Mr. Blackburn’s retirement, I reflected on the knowledge and experience I have and felt it had prepared me to effectively and efficiently fill a role that could positively benefit our community. The combination of both my formal education and practical business and management skills make me very well-prepared to truly make a difference as the Ridgeway highway superintendent.

Perhaps most of all, I want to help Ridgeway continue to be a town we can all feel safe in, be a town we can afford to live in and a community we can be proud to live and raise our children in. I would welcome the opportunity to serve as the Town of Ridgeway highway superintendent and work for the community which my family and I call home.

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Q: What are your qualifications?

A: I have an associate’s degree in mechanical engineering and many years of supervisory experience. I have my CDL license, OSHA training and experience with a myriad of equipment and machinery. What is important to consider is this position is not only about heavy machinery and our roads. This position also requires an individual to be an excellent manager, leader and team-player. The highway superintendent is responsible for working with the department, government officials and contractors to ensure the safety and well-being of thousands of residents.

My background in management, small business and machine maintenance provides me with a broad perspective and the people skills necessary to realize and accomplish the needs of the highway department staff and our town residents, along with the realities of our economy. My experience supervising and training employees as a foreman and manager will allow me to provide the hard-working members of our highway department the support and mentorship they deserve and need to continue to succeed.

More than experience paving roads or operating a piece of machinery, proper planning and effective management will help us get more value for our tax dollars and allow Ridgeway’s roads to continue being the safest, cleanest and most convenient they can be.

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Q: What are some of the things you would like to see done in the Town of Ridgeway?

A: My first priority as highway superintendent would be to look into the current status of our community and the department and take inventory of where things are right now (infrastructure, equipment, manpower, processes, etc). Getting to know the current staff, as well as other local leaders will be paramount in my transition to the position.

Most importantly, however, what I most would like to do is to learn firsthand what the people of Ridgeway feel is a priority. I understand that this position is one of balance between the town’s needs and capabilities and the residents’ needs and desires. While I was out campaigning I found that many residents not in a water district want/need to have water. My goal is to help these residents with petitions so the process can get started.

Contact reporter Rikki Cason at 798-1400, ext. 8227.