Most reps to run again

By Tom Grace
Cooperstown News Bureau

June 01, 2009 04:00 am

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COOPERSTOWN _ Nearly all 14 members of the Otsego County Board of Representatives plan to seek re-election this year.

They, and others seeking elective office on a party line, may begin to pass nominating petitions June 9. Those petitions must be filed with the Otsego County Board of Elections between July 13 and 16.

Reps serve two-year terms and make $10,500 a year.

Several board members said they want to continue projects the board is engaged in now, including improving the county's communications system, realigning MOSA and streamlining county departments.

Rep. Katherine Struligross, D-Oneonta, who is completing her first term in office, added she will continue to try to convince her peers to hire professional management.

``We work hard to keep taxes down, but I think if we had a professional working with us, we'd have more success,'' she said.

Government at all levels is becoming more complex, and expert advice more important, said Stuligross.

Rep. James Powers, R-Butternuts, the board's chair, said he wants to work on resolving solid waste and communications problems in his next two years.

``I think we're making progress on both fronts, and this is the time to push hard,'' said Powers, whose county salary this year is $19,834.

With federal stimulus money available and several preliminary studies completed, Otsego County is in a good position to make a dramatic upgrade to its telecommunications systems, he said.

Rep. Sam Dubben, R-Middlefield, said the possibility of defeasing the Montgomery Otsego Schoharie Solid Waste Management Authority's bonds and lowering the cost of disposing of solid waste is driving him to seek another term.

``After all the years of talking about this, we might be able to make a big difference in MOSA soon,'' he said.

Rep. Keith McCarty, R-Springfield, who is completing his fourth year on the board, said it takes awhile to become an effective representative.

``There's a lot to learn because the county has a big operation, but I do enjoy being a part of it,'' he said.

Several representatives, including Stephen Fournier, R-Milford, said they hope the county and its CSEA workers will sign a contract, ending a standoff that's lasted longer than their terms.

Rep. Cathy Rothenberger, D-Oneonta, said she will continue her mission of making sure distressed families are given every opportunity to stay together. ``I think it's more important than ever to be concerned about our services for children and families,'' she said.

Rep. Kathy Clark, R-Otego, and Rep. Betty Anne Schwerd, R-Burlington, said they will continue to advocate the board restrain spending when possible.

Rep. Richard Murphy, D-Oneonta, noted that short, two-year terms and changing committee assignments can make it hard for a board member to be effective, and he's eager to serve another two years.

Rep. James Johnson, R-Otsego, said that in addition to helping guide projects to improve telecommunications, he wants to assure the county's occupancy tax revenue is shared with communities that help generate that tax, such as Cooperstown.