AUBURN - The two candidates for Cayuga County Legislature's District 11 seem to agree more than they disagree.

At a Thursday candidate forum at Cayuga Community College, incumbent Democrat William Catto and Republican Linda Murphy agreed the county needs a professional manager.

“I don't believe a part-time government can oversee the management of the county,” Murphy said.

Catto, 68, of Auburn, sat on the committee that recommended a county manager to the full county Legislature, a proposal that he voted against and was eventually defeated. He said he wanted to involve the public in the decision.

“I wanted a watchdog for the county,” Catto said. “They came up with a little poodle that sits on your lap and goes 'woof, woof.' I wanted a German shepherd or a Doberman pinscher.”

Catto believes there will be another county manager proposal put before the Legislature after the Nov. 8 election. He said that issue and Emerson Park enhancements are the biggest issues facing his district.

Murphy, 55, said the biggest issue facing the district is “more open dialogue between the Legislature and the people.”

The two candidates discussed the free health insurance which is currently provided to legislators. Legislators also receive free health care for life upon retirement, if they serve for at least 10 years.

“That's an awful lot of money,” she said.

Catto said he also opposes the insurance upon retirement, but said it should be a limited plan until Medicare benefits kick in.

“That's the reason we got into fiscal problems,” he said. Catto noted that as a former county employee, he currently receives health care benefits paid by the county.

Catto, who is seeking his second term in District 11, said taxes have stabilized during his term.

“We have turned the corner in spending,” he said. “I've been preaching for progress in fiscal restraint.”

Murphy, the children's crisis coordinator for Cayuga Counseling Services, cited her experience in teamwork as a reason she should be elected.

“I have skills as a leader and a collaborator,” she said. “I work hard at finding solutions to problems. I am people- and community-oriented. I would be available to my constituents to have open dialogue.”