By Patricia Bogumil
Editor
Village of Rochester voters will choose a new Village Board president in the April 7 election, choosing between incumbent board trustees Christopher Bennett and Edward Chart.
Both candidates hope to replace incumbent Board president Paul Beere, who is not seeking re-election.
With Beere out of town frequently in recent months, Bennett and Chart have each had a turn assuming temporary Board president duties several weeks at a time.
Information provided by each candidate follows.
• Chris Bennett said he hopes to be elected Board president because he wants people to continue living in and moving to Rochester for the same reasons he has: “low taxes and terrific municipal services, access to two excellent school districts, and the feeling of a more peaceful and laid-back way of life.”
Bennett said the most pressing issue facing the Village is ensuring it remains affordable without sacrificing services. “I believe everyone should pay taxes, but citizens should only pay what is needed to effectively run the Village, and not a dime more,” he said.
With three children at home, a house that needs a new roof and a car on its way to being replaced, Bennett said he wants every cent possible in his pocket. “My circumstances are not unique – we all live within a budget that is constructed according to our means, and government must follow suit,” he said.
As the economy continues to improve, local building should pick up and the Village needs to ensure it properly manages potential development, Bennett said.
This is an important issue, he explained, since people move to and live in Rochester for very specific reasons. “The citizens of Rochester are fiercely proud of our Village, and do not want its rural heritage compromised,” Bennett said.
Bennett noted he has held administrative and managerial positions at every stop in his career – in both military and civilian capacities – and will use that experience to continue helping Rochester run smoothly.
“I do not shrink from the responsibility of leadership, and relish the challenge.” He said he’s learned that being an elected official is a fluid process of listening, learning and leading, “and that will continue if it is my privilege to be the next President of the Village of Rochester,” Bennett said.
He pledged to make it a point to work well with people and said he takes the job seriously. “All politics and all government is local, but this position is hyper-local,” he said.
People notice when their trash is not retrieved or their roads are not plowed a lot quicker than they notice the results of what’s happening in Madison or Washington, D.C., Bennett noted.
• Ed Chart said with all his children grown and starting their own families, he has looked for other ways to contribute to the community in which he was raised.
“I have enjoyed being involved in our local government, and after serving six years as a trustee I feel I am suited and prepared to lead the Village as their next president,” he said.
Chart said he believes it is important to continue to uphold the values he and his wife grew up with and raised their family under, so that other young families can raise their children in the same way.
“I have a passion for the community and for preserving the quaintness, while supporting its continued growth and prosperity.” Chart said his natural leadership and integrity combine to make him a great candidate and an ideal Village of Rochester president.
Chart said he recognizes the importance of keeping taxes in line and maintaining a balanced budget and said there is also a need to continue the plan for updating Village roads.
“We need to put focus on the North River Road Project. It is important to ensure our sewer lines are updated and repair the infiltration that is currently happening.”
Chart also wants to enable pedestrians to enjoy the neighborhoods by putting in new, wider biking and walking lanes.
He said that to increase safety and response time for the emergency departments, the Village needs to create a uniform system of its house numbers. “I would like to make sure people are able to receive prompt services from our emergency staff and volunteers.”
Chart has lived in Rochester since age of 6. He said he cherishes the Village’s small town atmosphere in which he grew up and he pledged to continue to represent those values.
“Being raised here, I know it is important to find a balance between progress that is necessary, while still holding onto the traditions that our community is based on,” he said.
Chart said he has demonstrated successful leadership and collaboration experience, as evidenced by the new Village Hall completed on time and with energy star certification. “My dedication and commitment to ensuring the building was completed while taking community concerns into account will contribute to my success as Village President.”
Chart said people are comfortable talking to him and he is a good listener. “I am always willing to do what I can to problem solve with them and come to a reasonable solution.”
See the March 13 edition of the Waterford Post for additional biographical information on each candidate.
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