SMYRNA – Two experienced town leaders – one past, one present – are facing each other for the third time in six years this election, both seeking the Smyrna Supervisor’s position.
Incumbent James Bays (D) ended Gerald Parry Sr.’s 14-year run as Supervisor in the 2005 election with a 247-168 victory.
Two years earlier, Parry (R) had fended off Bays – who also served as Supervisor from 1988 to 1992 – by a five vote tally: 200-195.
In the third round, both men acknowledge that natural gas drilling is at the forefront of economic and political discussions in Smyrna and much of the county. They agreed separately that the resource can be overseen and utilized in a way that’s responsible and lucrative.
“As public officials, we have to recognize, within our oath of office, that it’s our job to protect the health and safety of our citizens. There are risks associated with this,” said Bays, noting hazards associated with drilling that could affectc underground water supplies. “It is also a great economic development opportunity. Not only from the standpoint of landowners, many of them farmers, who have found a second income. Which is great. There are municipal possibilities, too.”
Parry advocates for responsible drilling, and believes gas companies and government have done well to strike a balance so far.
“At this point in time natural gas exploration is a viable financial opportunity for the town and the entire county if it’s handled properly,” said Parry. “We do have to be health-minded as well as conservation-minded. I think the DEC has followed this closely, and everything I see is being handled the right way.”
While it’s critical to ensure quality standards are being met, local governments should be wary of impeding gas companies unecessarily, Parry added. “There are enough obstacles as it is,” he said.
Bays, a vocal leader on the gas issue from early on, believes there will be possibilities for creating local power generation and energy cooperatives from natural gas in the future. Such projects could offset rising fuel costs for towns like Smyrna long-term. He also wants a percentage of gas profits to come back to local governments as payment for wear and tear on infrastructure.
“We don’t want to get in the way, but we also want these gas companies to know we’re watching,” he said. “If they know we’re watching, they’ll do a better job.”
As far as challenges, dwindling sales tax revenues, rising highway costs and potential reductions in road funding from the state will likely be the greatest facing the town in 2010.
“Highway maintenance is the most important thing we do in this township,” said Parry.“The cost of equipment and materials escalates each year.”
That said, the town has to find ways to provide its main service at a quality level that’s reasonable for taxpayers, Parry added, saying, “It becomes a matter of doing your best to hold the line on taxes.”
Rural towns, with a small tax base and large road coverage, are dependent on on state and federal money for roads, said Bays. Based on state budget projections, he’s preparing for that funding to be cut back in 2010.
“When that gets cut it tightens highway funds. That’s a concern,” he said. “With sales tax down everywhere, that’s a real hit. You pull deal with it the best you can... spend the money wisely.”
According to state assessement figures, in 2007 property owners in Smyrna paid $6.86 per $1,000 of assessed value. In 2008, the rate rose to $7.37 per $1,000, a 7 percent increase.
“The budget is in good shape,” said Bays. “We run a pretty good business here, and it is a business.”
Bays was raised in Smyrna. From 1992 to 2000 he was state Director of what is now known as USDA Rural Development during President William Clinton’s administration. He resides on a three hundred acre farm on Coye Road with his wife Jan, a school teacher. They have three sons.
“I want the people to know that our door is wide open in Smryna. If people have concerns, we want them to come in and share them with us,” he said. “I want people to feel like they can approach us at any time.”
Parry, 57, has resided his entire life in Smyrna. He lives on county Road 20 with his wife Deb. They have three sons and one daughter. The family owns and operates a dairy farm, as well as maple syrup business and a road side fruit stand.
“The cooperation, communication and commitment to the town that I had before will continue,” said Parry. “We’re a small, rural township. Everybody has got to work together: Democrat, Republican, liberal, and conservative. ”
Also in Smyrna, voters will be asked to pick two from a field of four candidates for Town Council: Democrats Stephen K. Campbell and Mark E. Swazye, and Republicans Robert L. Matteson and Daniel R. Whitehead. Republican Gary R. Graham is running unopposed for the Superintendent of Highways post, as is Geraldine W. Day for Town Clerk.