Special election to fill trustee seat for one year

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Goot

An incumbent who was appointed to the Scotia Board of Trustees earlier this year after narrowly losing his last race faces off against a political newcomer in a special election on Nov. 8.

Incumbent Republican Tom Neals and Democrat Rory Fluman are running to serve the remaining year of the term of Andrew Kohout, who resigned in March to become the village’s public works superintendent.

Fluman

Fluman said he chose to live in the village because he liked being close to its amenities and general way of life. He is running to preserve services while not raising taxes.

“We’ve got to stay under that 2 percent,” he said, of the state-imposed tax cap.

Fluman also wants to explore opportunities for shared services with the town of Glenville. Residents spoke clearly earlier this year that they did not want a combined police department, he said, but would like to start discussions on merging public works or the water department. Assistance is available from the state to help communities with exploring shared services, according to Fluman.

Fluman said he is disappointed that the Holiday on the Avenue festival is not happening this year and would like to see a new event take its place.

Neals

Neals said he is running again because he loves being a trustee and serving the community. “We have some tough decisions coming up with the new tax cap,” he said.

Neals who serves on the Finance Committee, said taxes have been held in check. He also serves on the Contract Committee and noted that the village has to negotiate new police and fire contracts with a goal of making sure employees contribute to health care costs.

He said the board has accomplished much including revitalizing the river front, upgrading the fire department to a fully-staffed paramedic unit, acquiring a new ladder truck with a $900,000 federal grant and paving more roads than previous administrations.

Neals, the only Republican on the Board of Trustees, was first elected in 2006. He narrowly lost a bid for re-election in 2010, finishing 36 votes behind Trustee Joe Rizzo. Mayor Kris Kastberg crossed party lines to appoint Neals.