Three Candidates Running For Two Town Board Seats
by Alex Brooks
In the election in Petersburgh, Town Justice Amy Manchester, Highway Superintendent Rob Cottrell and Tax Collector Emily Harrison were endorsed by both parties, as was Supervisor Candidate Peter Schaaphok.
[private]Incumbent Councilman Alan Webster has also been endorsed by both parties, but this does not guarantee him a seat because there are three candidates running for two seats, and the two with the most votes get them regardless of party endorsements.
Incumbent Councilman Neil Geary is not running for re-election. The two candidates running for Geary’s seat are Democratic nominee Dennis Smith and Republican nominee Amy Gutermuth Schaaphok.
The candidates have offered these statements about their candidacies:
Alan Webster
Alan Webster is a lifelong resident of Petersburgh. For 25 years he taught English and coached a variety of sports at Berlin Central School. In 2010 he took an early retirement from teaching to pursue a variety of other interests, most notably writing and small-scale farming. His first book of poetry was published in 2014 and he is in the process of completing his second book of poetry and first novel.
Webster previously served as a town councilman for two terms and more recently was appointed two years ago to fulfill an unfinished term, and was elected last year to complete that term.
When speaking of the past two years Webster said, “For me, stabilization has been the key word. We have experienced a great many changes and have been very fortunate to have had a dedicated Board and remarkable office staff and highway department to guide us through these transitions.”
Webster sees his involvement with the Economic Development Committee as being a primary objective if elected. “ We have the people and resources to make positive things happen in Petersburgh. It’s our responsibility to develop the plans to make those possibilities a reality.”
Amy Gutermuth Schaaphok
“My name is Amy Schaaphok and I have lived in the area my entire life. I have a Finance Degree from Siena College and have worked for small businesses for many years. I have four young children and think that I would be a great addition to the Town Board. I would like to be more involved in the community and think I would bring a different perspective to the table.”
Dennis Smith
“I’ve been asked several times the last couple of months if I was insane, running for the Town Board. Yeah, maybe a little bit, but the answer I gave is true. It is important that the voters have a choice. Unfortunately, the only competition is for the two council seats. Two years from now, hopefully, some of you might have a similar fit of insanity.”
“I am 62 years old. My brother and I have operated a contracting business in the area since 1991. My wife has run a day care for the same period. Business experience can be an important skill set in Town Government. However, some of the most satisfying moments in my life have come from community service. I served on the Town Board for 6 years (1988-94) and for the last 18 yrs on the Board of Assessment Review, 13 as Chairman. The most satisfying, 22 years and counting with the Petersburgh Rescue Squad.”
“I’ve never been good at asking for things, drives my wife crazy. So I’m not going to ask you to vote for me. (Though if you do I’d be happy to serve. Sneaky way of asking, huh? Natural born politician!) However, please vote. It is important. Don’t be taken for granted. Show ’em you’re paying attention and care.” [/private]