McNabb, Brower help Democrats keep two council seats

By Shane M. Liebler / The Citizen

Wednesday, November 7, 2007 11:13 AM EST

AUBURN - Democrats handily retained two Auburn City Council seats up for election Tuesday.
Incumbent Thomas McNabb and newcomer Gilda Brower posted unofficial tallies of 4,150 and 3,352 votes, respectively.

Independent Peter Kotzer came in third with 1,196 votes.

Regardless of who wins the tight mayoral race between Democrat Michael Quill and incumbent Republican Timothy Lattimore, McNabb said the Democratic majority will work to reverse the recent exodus of city officials.

“We're going to bring civility to city hall,” McNabb said. “We've got great people in the organization that are walking out the door.

“We can't afford to lose any more department heads,” he said. “We've got to have a workable team.”

Quill would play a key role on that team, McNabb said.

As of Tuesday night, Quill led Lattimore by only 42 votes with some 500 absentee ballots outstanding.

“We've got to have a fresh approach, some new leadership,” McNabb said. “We're looking to move the city forward on a number of issues. Everything we've done in the past, we've got to find new, more efficient ways to do things,” he said.

Brower hoped to grab the torch for ongoing projects like the biodigester that would produce earth-friendly energy for the technology park.

“That is wonderful work and no matter who's sitting on the council or what the political affiliation, that has to be done,” she said.

Brower will join McNabb, Republican Matthew Smith and Democrat William Graney on the council.

“I'm looking forward to doing a lot of research and pursuit of a lot of cost-saving and environmentally wise endeavors,” Brower said, adding public awareness of social justice issues and keeping property tax under control are also high priorities.

Both Democratic candidates were pleased with the show of support from voters.

“It's a gift,” Brower said. “I'm really looking forward to this.”

Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net

Auburn City Council breakdown

Existing members - Three Democrats and two Republicans

As a result of election - Three Democrats, one Republican and one undecided seat, with the Democratic candidate leading.

The Citizens' Say

Post your comment - click here

There are 4 comment(s)

Jimmy Crack Corn wrote on Nov 7, 2007 9:58 PM:

" Wow- the voters have spoken and we continue to have people complaining about candidates and the process. I too am surprised that there weren't more candidates for Council this year, especially since just 15 or so years ago there was an abundance of people interested in the opportunity to serve. This lack of interest means there are even more opportunities to seek elected office and work as a "change agent" in city government. To those who have "big ideas" and are critical of the elected officials who stick their necks out over and over again; your time is now. Circulate petitions, get on the ballot, put your name on lawn signs and give it a whirl. I, too, am critical of government but I don't feel the need to attack, attack, and attack our elected officials. Give them a break. "

zapped wrote on Nov 7, 2007 6:25 PM:

" The Good Ole Boys are alive and well in Auburn. However, much of the SHAME should go to Cherl Heary. Shame on the Republicans for not putting up a candidate for the Council race. Had the Republican Party put up a candidate for Council, the Mayor may have had a healthy lead in this race. But alas, instead we have inept leaders telling the public that for one reason or another, the Republican Party couldn't find a candidate. HOG WASH! Cherl Heary allowed this fiasco to fester and lo and behold, we have the Mayor fighting for his political career. Mason, Lacey, Hunter, McNabb, and the rest of the old party boss's know how to manipulate the system. This lesson was demonstrated last night on Lattimore and was demonstrated through out the campaign on Dempsey. Isn't it a shame that the majority of eligible voters chose to sit home and allow this travesty to happen. Auburn is on the verge of collapse, and Quill doesnt have the know how or the skill to lead her. If he wins this election it will be four years of turmoil. Wait and see "

I live here wrote on Nov 7, 2007 4:00 PM:

" Several comments: Ms. Brower needs to do more than research now as an elected official. These items have been in the works for years. They aren't new. As a member of the community you should be up to speed already. Secondly, the proposed 2008 County Budget is seeking a new Economic Development position in Lynch's Planning Dept. Let's hope the position is filled with a qualified, quality individual who will actually do something, give a ROI for the taxpayer $$$ being spent. Not collect a paycheck and deliver nothing. This department on a City and County level are truly lacking personnel who understand the meaning of Economic Development or Planning. "

omg wrote on Nov 7, 2007 3:24 PM:

" "We've got to have a fresh approach & new leadership" says McNabb...He means, "We're back to the good old boys running the show again...Joker, Jacobs & Lacey." Having McNabb on council has everything to do with old ways & backroom politics.And Brower working on projects like the biodigester which she knows NOTHING about.The good old boys will take all the credit for the work Tim has laid out & worked on tirelessly.It is nauseating.They'll get department heads back like Cindy Aikman who couldn't name 3 accomplishments in argument for her job & Steve Lynch earning his fat salary with nothing to show for it.No one even missed him or noticed he left!God help us if baldy pulls this off. "

REGISTRATION IS FREE.
Registered users sign in here:
*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login?
(requires cookies)
 
Unregistered users can register here:

Do not use usernames or passwords from your financial accounts!

Note: Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required!

*Create a Member ID:
*Choose a password:
*Re-enter password:
*E-mail Address:
*Year of Birth:
 

(children under 13 cannot register)

First Name:
Last Name:
Company:
Home Phone:
Business Phone:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
 
E-Citizen
E-Edition
Wheels Etc.
Find a vehicle
Hot Jobs
Find a Job
Homes Etc.
Find a Home
TV Week
Find a program
Search Classifieds
Find, Buy
Place a Classified Ad
Sell
Skaneateles Journal
The Journal
New! Best Bridal
Here comes the bride. . .
Liven Up the Holidays
Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-laaaaaa
Logo HereNew! Off the Menu
Good Eatin'!
Newspaper Ads
See it again
CNY Boats Etc.
Achors aweigh!
Sections
Special Sections

Top Jobs

The Citizen Copyright ©2009
A division of Lee Publications, Inc.
25 Dill Street
Auburn, NY 13021

Contact Us

Add to My Yahoo!