NORWICH – With just over two weeks to go until the mid-term elections, several campaign trails converged on the St. Bart’s Spaghetti Supper fundraiser Thursday night, making sure of one final push in Chenango County.
Those awaiting a hefty plate of homemade pasta and meatballs out in front of the Festa Parish Center were met with an impromptu receiving line of candidates – some familiar and some new – hoping to gain or retain seats at all levels of government.
Retiring 24th District U.S. Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (R-New Hartford) said he’s currently on a farewell tour through the district he represented for 24 years, and this is most likely his last stop in Norwich. “I’m not going to get out the rocking chair, but I am retiring,” he said, adding that he’s not looking too far ahead until the end of the year.
Besides discussing his future plans, Boehlert gave his thoughts on New York Regional Interconnect Inc.’s proposed power line, and the possible involvement Washington could have in deciding the issue. “NYRI’s proposed route has got about as much chance as a snowball in hell,” Boehlert said. “I’m certain Washington and the Department of Energy would not approve a plan that has not looked at realistic options.”
City of Norwich Mayor Joe Maiurano, running against Democrat Mike Carnrike and Independent Vince Anthony for the city’s top office, said he is excited about the political atmosphere in Norwich as he greeted patrons out in front of the parish center in between shifts as a food server. “We’re working hard in the city right now,” Maiurano said. “We have a lot of people interested in the city government, and we want to keep it that way.”
24th District Congressional candidate Ray Meier (R-Western) was also on hand, and he praised the work of Boehlert and hopes to continue on the same path if elected to replace him. “My record as a legislator is that I stick up for my community, no matter who is on the other side,” said Meier, who is running against Oneida County District Attorney Michael Arcuri (D-Utica). “Your first job is to represent your community, not your party or your party leader.”
Boehlert fully endorsed Meier as his successor. “Ray Meier is a man of integrity, a man of values, and a man who gets things done,” Boehlert said, adding that he’s never been one to religiously tow the party line. “It’s not just because he’s a republican. I know his position and respect him, he’s a good replacement for me.”
Owego Democrat Mark Trabucco, who is taking on incumbent state Senator Tom Libous (R - Binghamton) for the 52nd senatorial seat, believes honesty will win the day, and his openness will build-up Chenango County’s faith in state government. “When government takes place behind closed doors, people lose faith,” Trabucco said. “I want people to feel like they are a part of something.”
Senator Libous gathered in the entrance with his constituents, conversing about sports, food, and several local issues, including NYRI. “From the very beginning I made a commitment to Chenango County to stop this power line, and that’s not going to change,” said Libous. “We don’t want it here, period.” Libous confirmed that he would be attending the public forum organized by Assemblyman Cliff Crouch that’s taking place at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25. The meeting is meant to update the public and answer questions related to the power line.