NORWICH – For a second time, Republican Scott M. Sutton will take on Democrat incumbent Supervisor James J. McNeil for ward supervisor in the county’s seat. The Norwich chiropractor lost to McNeil in a close race in 2007 – 411 total votes to McNeil’s 495.
In 2007, Sutton ran only as an Independent. In this election, he is on the Republican ballot as well.
McNeil said his experience on the Board of Supervisors has allowed him to develop a strong understanding of how the county system works and the issues it faces.
As for the 2010 budget, he said he will oppose any new positions being added that would increase the tax burden.
“I want to maintain the current status of the services the county offers and supplies. And do so as effectively as possible,” said McNeil. “To be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers of my district; that’s my heart and soul.”
Cuts in county highway funds are another issue.
“We may lose money from the state,” said McNeil. “I want to make sure the county highway system is maintained,” said McNeil. “Everyone uses the county highway system. It’s not a selective thing.”
A county-wide revaluation of property assessments should also be sought, said McNeil. He says if properties were assessed equally across townships, it would make school taxes – like what City of Norwich residents pay compared to resident in other towns within the district – more fair.
McNeil is a life-long resident of Norwich. With his brother Patrick, he owns and operates McNeil Jewelers on South Broad Street, and has 35 years of experience in the business. He’s also a member of the county Public Works Committee, the Planning and Economic Development Committee, a past board member of the Southern Tier East Regional Planning and Development Board, past President of the Norwich Merchants Association.
He’s seeking his 6th term as City of Norwich Supervisor for Wards 1, 2 and 3. He lives on Fair Street with his wife, Libby. They have three daughters.
McNeil’s voted against raising the Supervisor’s salary each year in office.
In general, Sutton said his main priority is to bring a new perspective to the Chenango County Board of Supervisors.
“It’s my goal to bring some new ideas and some new blood to the county government,” said Sutton. “We have a lot of really good people on the county level with a lot of good experience. What we don’t have is fresh new faces.”
“If in life we’re given opportunities to try and make change, we should take advantage of them,” said Sutton. “We can’t do the same things and expect different results.”
If elected, Sutton said he’ll work closely with city leaders and residents.
“People will have a chance to voice their opinions and have someone to listen to them,” he said.
Sutton was born and raised in Norwich, where he owns and operates Broad Street Chiroporatic. He’s a member of the Norwich Greenway Conservancy, Norwich Merchant’s Association, and Rotary. He moved back to Norwich after spending eight years in Boston. He’s previously served in the U.S. Army, is currently an adjunct professor at SUNY Morrisville and helped organize the first Organic Community Day in Norwich last summer.