Wayne W. Calder
Age: 66
Occupation: Rotterdam Police Department (Ret)
Residence: Rotterdam
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Biography/Introduction:
A Vietnam Veteran, served in the U.S. Navy. Married my wife Bobbi and moved to Rotterdam in 1967. We have two children and five grandchildren. A communicant of St. Paul the Apostle Church, I enjoy playing golf and pickleball. Appointed to Rotterdam P.D. in 1971, Youth Services 1979, and Detective 1984. I served as an Investigator with the DEA Narcotics Division, and upon returning was promoted to Lieutenant in the Detective Division. I served as Deputy Police Chief until retiring in 2001. I volunteered with the Carman F.D. and Rotterdam Little League, and served with the Schenectady County Traffic Safety Board, the Rotterdam PBA, the Northeast Police Chiefs, and New York State Chiefs of Police Associations. I was elected to the Mohonasen School Board for a three year term ending in 2004, and now work part-time for Mohonasen. I am the endorsed Democratic, Conservative, Independent and Working Families Party candidate.
Why do you want to sit on the Town Board?
Our Town faces serious problems. My ability to work with others to find solutions and my experience in government are attributes I bring to the Board. I was told that success in public service comes from listening to the people and I am a good listener.
Do you think the Town Board of Rotterdam is dysfunctional? If so, how do you plan to fix it?
The Town Board comes from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, hard working and strong willed individuals from the fields of business, education, engineering, and law. I would harness this energy and focus on what unites us instead of what divides us, for the common good of our Town.
How do you plan to deal with Rotterdam’s current budget?
Municipalities face problems with increasing expenses and declining revenues. The people do not want more taxes yet they do not want to lose any services. Cutting costs and reducing taxes by eliminating duplication and sharing services between municipalities is a concept whose time has come.
How would you promote economic development in Rotterdam?
We realize future success by using all resources, private and public, to build a commercial tax base creating jobs. You outline goals and objectives, involve people with experience and ideas, then formulate and adopt a plan, creating partnerships that make it a success. We all benefit.
Additional comments:
I readily accept the challenges we face and will bring new ideas to the Town Board. There are services we provide in Town today that we can do less expensively. We need to identify those functions, determine what those services costs our residents and then explore partnerships with others that allow us to maintain those services and reduce associated costs. Many such opportunities exist today in the areas of composting, sewage treatment, highway services, prescription drug programs, and assessments to name a few. We need to maximize new revenue streams. One such revenue stream alone would provide an estimated additional $150,000 in annual tax relief to our residents just by allowing ambulance services to bill insurance companies for the services being provided by our police department paramedics. These opportunities shouldn’t be overlooked and will receive my prompt attention should they choose me as their Town Board member.
Frank S. Salamone
Age: 26
Occupation: Attorney and Counselor at Law
Residence: Rotterdam
Political Affiliation: Republican
Biography/Introduction:
Frank Salamone grew up in Rotterdam, New York and attended Mohonasen High School, graduating in 2002. He graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University in 2006 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Economic Crime Investigation. In 2009, he graduated from Hofstra University School of Law in top third of his graduating class. Frank Salamone has devoted himself to public service throughout his entire life. He started Cub Scouts at a young age, and progressed through the ranks, ultimately achieving the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 32, sponsored by St. Gabriel’s Church when he was a senior in high school. Frank continues to serve as a member of the Troop 32 Committee, as an adult volunteer. When he was a student at Utica College of Syracuse University, Frank was a founding member of, and founding treasurer of, the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Student Wishmaker program on campus.
Why do you want to sit on the Town Board?
I believe it is imperative that when one sees a problem, they rise to the occasion and do something to fix it. I saw what was occurring in Town Hall and believe that the people of this Town deserve better. I’m running to give the people the representation they deserve.
Do you think the Town Board of Rotterdam is dysfunctional? If so, how do you plan to fix it?
This Board has refused to listen to the concerns put forth by the public and has also been sued 4 times in the past 11 months for failing to comply with NY law. I will actually listen to the public’s concerns and I will demand adherence to the law.
How do you plan to deal with Rotterdam’s current budget?
An 11.36% tax increase is unconscionable. The Supervisor’s proposed budget is a slap in the face to every hard-working resident of this Town. Unfortunately, in tough times cuts must be made. No one wants to do it. But in times, such as these, it is the responsible thing to do.
How would you promote economic development in Rotterdam?
It is imperative that we do whatever we possibly can to maintain the commercial and industrial property in Town. The only way that we can take the property tax burden off residents is to increase industrial and commercial activity in town. This would also foster job growth.
Additional Comments:
I have fought for the rights of the citizens of this Town by speaking at the podium during Town Board Meetings, and I brought a lawsuit against the Town to block the plan to give golden parachutes to employee’s seeking to retire, including one employee who has worked for the Town for less than a year. Because of that lawsuit, the current administration did not put that plan into affect and the residents were saved at least a quarter of a million dollars. I believe I can combine my experience and my educational background as an attorney to put the Town on the right track. It is time to stop the political games, and to have non-connected people actually stand up to do what is right for the people. I ask for your support on election day, November 2. Vote for Frank Salamone: A New Voice For Rotterdam!`
