The candidates for Sennett town supervisor both agree on at least one thing - the town needs to move in a new direction.

And both town board member, Jeff Herrick, the Republican and Conservative party candidate, and deputy town clerk Thomas Gray, on the Democratic and Independence party lines, believe they can achieve that goal.

Herrick, on the town board since January 2008, has not shied away from opposing town spending decisions during his term. He alone voted no on several issues, especially budget items. He wants to eliminate the town tax entirely. He also fought the current town attorneys' contract, comparing fees with surrounding towns.

Gray's interest in elected office was piqued after he was appointed deputy clerk/registrar in 2005. A 17-year Sennett resident, he grew frustrated with the town's direction after working in the town offices. Zoning issues and increasing costs led him to think he could help if elected town supervisor.

“Working in town hall and watching my town failing to live up to its standards has been incredibly difficult, which is why I am running,” he said. “Sennett is in dire need of wholesale change.”

The two candidates are seeking to replace longtime supervisor David Sikora, who chose not to seek re-election this time.

Gray said the present board is polarized between Herrick and the majority who have supported Sikora. Escalating strained relations, reliance on lawyers and outside contractors, and an antiquated set of zoning laws are negatives, he said.

Gray pledges to create “a cooperative way of governing.” His team, Jeff Gage and John O'Connell, both running for town board positions, will help him tackle issues to create positive change, he said.

An important issue for Herrick is a state Comptroller's Office decision to do a risk assessment after he asked for an audit of town finances, lawyers' bills, surplus money and town credit cards. He also said the town should settle the Bonca's Restaurant zoning dispute during the first week of January and redirect surplus money for tax reduction, investment in water projects and drainage issues..

Gray's priorities include resolving the Bonca's turmoil and improving communication with the community.

“Come the first of the year, things can be a lot different,” Gray said. “I have the time, the background and the ability to make our town a very positive place.”

Because he is retired, he feels uniquely qualified to put in the time that being supervisor demands, day or night.

Herrick wants to stop the wasting of taxpayers' money on “personal agendas” and to change the fundamental way the town does business. He wants to focus on representing taxpayers' needs for water, sewer and Internet service. Herrick also said he would change the image of Sennett as not being business friendly.

With Gray's first run for public office, he has no track record in the public eye, but he takes pride in his teaching career, retiring in 2005. He draws on 20 years as an educational consultant and grant writer, working on primary sources and historical records with the National Archives and New York State Local Government Records program. As Sennett's deputy clerk and historian, he has addressed residents' concerns and inquiries face to face.

Gray said it was difficult “watching the Bonca's mess unfold and the good name of the Town of Sennett being dragged down in the area.” His first priority as supervisor would be to quickly and legally resolve the matter.

But Gray is also eager to talk about the future, rather than dwell on the past.

“We need to move forward, pursuing grants and stimulus monies to improve infrastructure ... that are in some areas facing replacement due to age. We need to restore a positive image of the town in the surrounding area and build a strong business climate,” he said.

He said 1970s zoning codes need to be reviewed to reflect a town entering 2010, something that will take a community-wide project with input for all concerned residents.

“Unless we institute wholesale change, electing a town board with the ability to cooperate and compromise in the best interest of Sennett residents, we will face the same problems,” he said. “Sennett is ripe for change. With my opponent, there will simply be the same old conflicts.”

Herrick disagrees with those who have labeled him a troublemaker.

“I have taken an unprecedented, tough position by standing up for the taxpayers and residents of Sennett,” he said. “I will work extremely hard to get (under control) our town finances, taxes and services, along with our image, using common sense to achieve positive results. Sennett taxpayers deserve better.”

Staff writer Kathleen Barran can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or kathleen.barran@lee.net

Meet the candidates:

Sennett town supervisor

Name: Thomas E. Gray (D,I)

Age: 59

Profession: Teacher-Secondary Social Studies 33 years, retired 2005

Education: Bachelor's and master's degrees

Family status: Married 32 years, 2 children, 27 and 19

Elected office experience: None; other experience-Sennett town historian since 2004, Sennett deputy town clerk/registrar since 2005, Water Clerk since 2007

Name: Jeffery Herrick (R,C)

Age: 42

Profession: Employed by Welch-Allyn since 1987

Education: Auburn High School graduate

Family status: Married, four boys, twins 13, 8, 5

Elected office experience: Sennett town board since 2008; other experience-Sennett planning board, five years, Sennett volunteer firefighter since 2001.