Time for Fresh Perspectives in Our Village
The March 18th village elections are shaping up to be less of a democratic contest and more of a game of musical chairs, with three past board members looking to return.
The “Echo” in the Third Ward
In the Third Ward, we’re seeing a return to the past rather than a step toward the future. The desire of our current board members to maintain the status quo was apparent when two current Republican trustees successfully navigated ex-trustee John Tyliszczak onto the GOP line. Because he had already secured the Democratic nomination, Tyliszczak will now appear on both major lines. When provided the opportunity to step aside to allow a Republican candidate to challenge him, Tyliszczak declined. Lifelong village resident Chris Morris is challenging Tyliszczak as an independent on the Citizens First line.
Seeking Fair Play in the Second Ward
Over in the Second Ward, past trustee Jennifer Niznik is looking to return to the board. There is a chance for real competition with Democrat Elizabeth Cummings challenging Republican Niznik. However, we’ve already seen a harvesting of early ballots handled directly by Niznik. It will be difficult for Cummings to overcome the high volume of early voter ballots that Niznik is handing in
No Contest in the First Ward
In the First Ward, past trustee and mayor Rick Cerino is running unopposed.
Why “business as usual” is a red flag
Our Village Board is failing the basics of “Financial Oversight 101.” We are currently missing three years of financial reports, and the board can’t tell us how much debt we actually owe. Despite a “wake-up call” audit from the NY State Comptroller in late 2024, it’s been business as usual.
The result? Total chaos in our departments. In just six years, we’ve seen 16 different leaders cycle through the Village Hall. When you have five treasurers, six police commissioners, and five superintendents in such a short window, the problem isn’t the employees—it’s the board.
It’s Time for a New Direction
Our village deserves a system where voters decide our representation. We shouldn’t have current trustees working to limit our choice to bring their good old boy back in the Third Ward, or a race to collect the most paper in the Second Ward. We keep repeating lackluster performance because we keep putting the same people in charge. We desperately need a change if we are going to move our village forward. We need new leaders who are willing to challenge the status quo, bring back financial oversight, and provide citizens with the transparency we deserve. It’s time for a change that finally puts the residents first.
CHOOSE PROGRESS OVER STANDSTILL ON ELECTION DAY