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Bath village candidates: Improve local business BATH - All three candidates running for Bath village trusteeships say they want to focus on improving local business conditions. Incumbents Mike Skelly and JeanneGlass, both Republicans, are finishing their first terms as village trustees. Democrat Bill Austin is seeking his first electoral position. There are two open seats on the village board, and elections are scheduled for March 18. Skelly in a recent interview noted the WalMart corporation plans to open a "super store" along state Route 54 in the Town of Bath. The giant retail operation would create new economic pressures on local businesses, he said. "We want to help those businesses stay in Bath," he said, pledging to work closely with the Greater Bath Area Chamber of Commerce and pursue grants to help local businesses improve their storefronts. Glass, who serves as liaison between the village board and the Chamber of Commerce, said such organizations are key to improving the local business climate and quality of life. "Look at the Shade Tree Committee and the Beautification Committee," she said last week. "I want to support their goals of bringing back downtown and making it a more attractive place for retail. There's a lot of work to do, but the energy is there." In a separate interview with The Courier. Austin noted successful economic development involves developing products that can be sold elsewhere. "I've always been of the opinion that village government needs to be aggressive in creating or acquiring businesses that produce a product that can be exported," he said, describing himself as "very pro-economic development." Skelly and Glass added a critical issue facing the village involves plans by Bath Electric Gas and Water Systems to upgrade its electric infrastructure. Both trustees balked recently at the public utility's request for a $9 million bond resolution in support of that project. The bonds would be repaid through increases in electric rates, according to BEGWS. "We all agree the utilities need to be upgraded," Skelly said. He has argued, however, the utility needs to reduce the scope of the upgrade in order to reduce the planned rate increase. "We need an upgrade," said Glass. "I'm looking for the best plan." Austin agreed: "It's something that most likely needs to be done." However, he said he wants to study the issue more. "I will make up my mind about my position once I'm on the board and have the opportunity to study the facts." Village residents also vote for village mayor and village justice Tuesday. Mayor David Wallace, now finishing his second term, is running unopposed, as is village Justice Chauncey Watches. Wallace has said resolving the BEGWS bond issue is a significant responsibility for the village board.
Elections will be held in other New York villages Tuesday. A round-up of central Steuben |
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