2 seek Canandaigua city supervisor seat
CANANDAIGUA, NY – In addition to deciding on candidates to represent Wards 2 and 3 on Canandaigua City Council on Election Day, city residents in these wards also will be deciding between two candidates to represent the city on the Ontario County Board of Supervisors.
Incumbent Canandaigua City Supervisor Richard Russell, who is running on the Republican Party line, is facing a challenge from Nancy Yacci, who is running on the Democratic and The Chosen Spot party lines.
They are seeking a four-year term.
Wards 2 and 3 are the southeast and southwest sections of the city.
Incumbent City Supervisor David Baker, who represents Wards 1 and 4, is running unopposed.
Early voting continues until Sunday, Nov. 5; polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Each of the candidates was asked two questions. Their responses have been lightly edited.
Q: Why are you running for the office?
Rich Russell: As a 14-year member of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors, I get energized connecting residents with county services and initiatives that improve their lives.
I hope to continue my service in the coming four years.
Nancy Yacci: Service to others is part of me. Now retired, I enjoy being a grandmother to four fabulous grandchildren in the area. I have seen our city grow through the years and it is not surprising! Canandaigua is a beautiful place to live.
I want to give back to the community and make it an even better place for our future generations to live, work and prosper. I genuinely care for others, I feel that I have empathy and compassion for their concerns, and I look forward to representing the needs of our citizens at the county level.
Q: What challenges do you see facing the county over the next four years and how can you address them?
Russell: Challenges facing Ontario County government and residents in the coming four years include:
— Keeping Ontario County property taxes manageable for residents in the face of higher interest rates and program costs. Fully 90% of the proposed 2024 county budget is spending mandated by federal and state programs. Discretionary spending for some functions of emergency management services, our environmental sustainability programs and maintenance of county roads and bridges is critical. I will support appropriate grant funding and proper fiscal oversite to support their missions.
— Keeping Ontario County seniors safe, secure, and well-nourished in mind and body. Ontario County is an attractive place to retire. The Ontario County Office for the Aging staff are dedicated professionals who strive to deliver a wide range of services to our growing senior population. I will support their efforts to achieve their goals by advocating for full funding of their programs.
— Keeping Ontario County businesses and industries thriving by building appropriate infrastructure and providing targeted workforce development programs to support our major economic sectors. Healthcare, agriculture, hospitality services and advanced manufacturing drive the Ontario County economy. I will continue to work with industry and education partners to provide the resources they need to thrive.
— Planning now to close and monitor the Ontario County Landfill in 2028. I support the closing of the landfill to all waste collection at the end of the lease agreement in 2028. To be sure, there are options for attracting new development at the site. It is time to choose the best options and move forward with them.
Yacci: Proper stewardship of our natural resources is paramount to me. Our lake shows signs of stress as toxic blue green algae blooms release dangerous toxins. Thousands of people depend on our precious lake for drinking water. The lake is also an important economic engine — providing many jobs. It is one of our treasures that must be protected from human and natural challenges.
The growing mountain of refuse at our county landfill is appalling and our current path is unsustainable. With the landfill set to close in 2028, we need a plan. We must reduce our garbage, fully compost food waste and recycle more of our trash. Ontario County should be a leader in environmental management.
This past summer, Canandaigua’s Ward 2 and 3 residents suffered damages to their property as a record-breaking amount of rain fell. Experts have urged the county, town and city to work together to prepare for more extreme weather events. The design and cost to improve our infrastructure should be a team effort.
Today’s economy and workforce depend on reliable internet access. While many residents in Wards 2 and 3 have access to the internet at home, some residents must still rely on public access. All county residents need affordable high-speed internet at home.
The national housing shortage is felt in Ontario County. Residents need affordable housing and flexible public transportation that can serve the needs of our workforce and our growing senior community.
I will be the only woman on a board that desperately needs diversity. Currently there are 19 men on this board. I offer the public a different perspective. My unique set of skills, fresh outlook and background in helping families can better represent the needs of our changing demographics.
Getting to know Richard Russell
Richard Russell, 71, works as a manufacturer’s representative and has served on the Ontario County Board of Supervisors since 2009.
The father of two adult children, his spare-time activities include walking Canandaigua, shooting hoops with friends and volunteering with local organizations.
Getting to know Nancy Yacci
Nancy Yacci and husband Michael have lived on Gibson Street in the same home for over 30 years. A registered nurse and graduate of Finger Lakes Community College’s nursing program and then RIT, she began her career working at Thompson Hospital, followed by Canandaigua Medical Group and then as nurse at the Canandaigua Middle School. She is a member of the Ontario County Arts Council.
This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Who is running for supervisor seat in Canandaigua NY?
