Voters may think Jim Orman entered the Cayuga County treasurer race after it was discovered that treasurer David Farrell underbilled 31 municipalities $655,000 in health insurance costs.

But Orman said he approached the Republican committee four years ago and advised them of his intent to run for county treasurer.

“It's been on my mind for a while,” said Orman, the Republican and Conservative candidate. “Now I have the time and energy.”

Orman will face Democratic incumbent Farrell, the county treasurer for almost 30 years. But a long history does not intimidate Orman, who is confident the county wants to head in a new direction.

“I think it's painfully obvious we need a change in office,” Orman said. “I think I offer a refreshing change, an upbeat change, to the way the office does business.”

Orman said that his first action as treasurer would be to immediately request an audit of his department.

“There are many, many questions about the way the current treasurer conducts business,” Orman said. “I think we owe it to the taxpayers and to departments to come in and start from square one.”

Orman cited what he believes is Farrell's failure to clearly communicate with the Legislature as one of the major problems with the current administration.

He also criticized Farrell for the way he handled the health insurance under-billing of the towns and villages. Farrell said that he has publicly stated that he takes responsibility for a portion of the insurance debacle, though some fault also lies with Excellus and the Legislature. Currently, the towns are refusing to pay the county for the mistake made by the treasurer.

The current treasurer also expressed a desire to initiate financial review, but not solely for the treasurer's department.

“Any organization that deals with public funds should welcome the New York State Comptroller's Office to come in and review the accounting going on and come up with constructive criticism,” Farrell said. “To me, the county is remiss in not requesting more reviews.”

For Farrell, being treasurer isn't just about crunching numbers; it's about helping people.

He first realized he wanted to be in public office when he learned that the old Cayuga County Home in Sennett had been closed.

Since then, Farrell said he has strived to help the community, particularly people who are under financial stress.

He tries to make himself available to residents that call with problems and enjoys helping them solve tax concerns.

“To see these people come in here with a smile back on their face and say ‘It's all ours!' is a great accomplishment,” Farrell said.

Farrell would like to see laws changed regarding installment payment of delinquent real property taxes from the current 24-month agreement to 48 months, in part to give people a little more breathing room.

While he mostly refrained from criticizing Orman, he doesn't believe Orman has a clear view of some of the issues.

“I don't think my opponent understands the ramifications of the tax system,” Farrell said, adding that he also has experience with helping the county acquire lands and with moving businesses to, or keeping them in, Cayuga County.

Orman, the former owner of the Fargo bar and restaurant in Aurora, maintains that his past finance experience qualifies him for the job.

Orman added he offers a unique perspective, as he has worked under a county manager (and later a county executive) in Monroe County.

This will be an important attribute should the county decide to appoint or elect a county manager, he said.

Staff writer Linda Ober can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 237 or linda.ober@lee.net