By JIM AUSTIN
Cooperstown Crier
Mayor Carol Waller made it official this
week — she will not seek a fifth term in
the annual village election in March.
Not only is she stepping down, the longtime
Republican is endorsing Democratic
Trustee and Deputy Mayor Jeff Katz as
her successor.
``I’m definitely stepping down,’’ Waller
said Monday afternoon, ``and I’m going to
support Jeff Katz for mayor. He’s dedicated,
knowledgeable and the best person for
the village and that’s what’s important to
me.
``He has in mind what’s in the best interest
of the village. We don’t always agree,
but he puts the village first,’’ she said.
Waller, 63, has spent eight years on the
board as a trustee and is finishing her
fourth two-year term as mayor. Waller
said she’s had ``a good run, but it’s time for
me step aside.’’
She said that during her tenure on the
board she has had the opportunity to meet
many interesting people and forge many
great friendships both in and outside of
politics. Working closely
with Senator James
Seward and Assemblyman
Bill Magee to represent
Cooperstown’s interests
has been particularly satisfying.
Waller said that successfully
pursuing and receiving
millions of dollars
worth of state and federal
funding for village projects have been some
the highlights, but often times it is some of
the little things that get accomplished that
mean the most.
``I’ve had lots of fun and great times. I
think 90 to 95 percent has
been good,’’ she said.
Waller, the owner of
Mohican Flowers, said her
business will keep busy
and that she is looking forward
to having more time
to spend with her grandchildren.
Katz confirmed Monday
that he does plan to run for
mayor is happy to have Waller’s endorsement.
``I’m going to run. And I’m honored she’s
going to support me,’’ he said.
Katz is finishing his fifth
year on the board and believes
he has served on just
about every board and committee
except sustainability
and sewer. Waller selected
him to serve a deputy mayor
in her final term.
He said he believes he
brings consistency and honesty
to the board and puts
the best interest of the residents
first.
The first terms of Trustees
Lynne Mebust and Eric
Hage will also expire and
their seats on the board will
be up for election. Currently,
only Mebust intends to
seek re-election.
``Most likely I will run,’’
she said Tuesday morning.
Mebust said that although
she is finishing her
first term, ``it feels like it’s
been a lot longer.’’
She said there is much
to learn during a trustee’s
first term and she has an
increased level of respect
for people in community
service.
In the village we are
lucky to have so many talented
people willing to
serve on boards and committees,
she said.
Mebust, who was instrumental
in the establishment
of paid parking for
Doubleday Field, said there
have been some challenges
during her first years on
the board. People care so
much about the village and
you hear many different
perspectives on issues, she
said.
Looking forward, she
said there seems to be a
real interest in controlling
costs and finding new
sources of revenue. Cost
cutting can only go so far
because, as evidenced by
the recent debate over police
coverage, residents
don’t want to give up services
provided by the village.
Because of that, new
revenue is likely to become
more and more important,
she said.
``I haven’t decided,’’ said
Hage, when asked if he
would seek a second term.
``It’s certainly been a great
learning experience.’’
inactive
November 12, 2009
Mayor says no to fifth term
- inactive
-
- Olympic rower launches program A two-time Olympic rower and head coach of Cooperstown Crew will be starting a new indoor rowing program in partnership with the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club.
- Autism walk to be held Saturday at Glimmerglass State Park Cooperstown will be among five sites kicking off Autism Awareness Month this Saturday.
- Shooting leaves residents dismayed Village residents are expressing shock about Friday’s shooting incident and are eager to reach an understanding of why it happened in a small, close-knit community like Cooperstown.
- Earth Festival is Saturday at MCS The Earth Festival, now in its fifth year, is an environmentally focused, interactive event featuring exhibits, workshops, vendors, food and entertainment, all with a fun, earthfriendly twist.
- Booan takes the helm as new C’town leader Joe Booan was sworn in at noon Monday and later that evening set an aggressive agenda for the village during the board of trustees’ annual reorganizational meeting.
- Shooting leaves residents dismayed: New mayor’s statement After canceling a press conference scheduled for Monday afternoon, new Mayor Joe Booan made the following statement during the village’s reorganizational meeting Monday night concerning Friday’s shooting incident.
- Hage appointed village trustee Mayor Joe Booan appointed Charles Hage to the board of trustees to fill the vacancy created when he was elected mayor.
- CCS makes more cuts to lower tax levy Last-minute changes have been made to the Cooperstown Central School proposed 2010-11 budget.
- Cuts likely at CV-S Cherry Valley-Springfield Superintendent Robert Miller says he has been losing sleep during his time preparing for the 2010-11 school budget.
- Relay for Life has new name, location The countdown is on; there are only 50 more days until this year’s local Relay for Life cancer fundraiser.
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