Three candidates competing for a position on the Cayuga County Legislature are touting their professional and political experience as a reason why Aurelius and Fleming residents will vote for them next month.

Whether it's holding an elected office in the town of Aurelius or acting as a representative for the local teachers' union, Philip Dello Stritto, a Democrat; Paul Schenck, on the Conservative Party line; and Paul Pinckney, the Independence and Republican candidate, each believe they will bring needed experience to the position if elected on Nov. 3.

During the primary election, Pinckney edged out Schenck for the Republican Party endorsement by 12 votes.

The winner will replace Republican Ray Lockwood, who decided not to seek re-election to represent District 5, which includes Aurelius and Fleming.

While he has never been elected to public office, Fleming resident and retired teacher Dello Stritto said he believes that his service on several local boards and committees shows the support he has within the community.

That experience includes working with the state Retired Teachers' Association and the state United Teachers union.

Add in owning his own photo studio, and Dello Stritto said he has seen how issues affect people at the state and small business levels.

“I see the world through two different lenses because of my varied experience,” Dello Stritto said.

“I have worked in both the public and private sector so I have a very realistic view. People can't always have everything they want, so we have to be willing to compromise.”

With the economy pounding the county government and residents, Schenck, who has served as an Aurelius town board member and supervisor, said he believes the Legislature needs more

people like himself who have experience crafting and sticking to budgets.

Listed fifth among counties nationwide with the highest property tax burden, Cayuga County, Schenck said, needs to find ways to either improve efficiency or to make cuts that will alleviate the financial pressure placed on residents.

“Small businesses are having to make layoffs and cuts,” said Schenck, who owns a repair shop in Aurelius. “When revenue is down and state aid is down, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that cuts are needed. Businesses are doing it and the county needs to do it otherwise we keep putting the burden on the little guy.”

Pinckney, a sitting board member in Aurelius, said he believes the Cayuga Indian Nation of New York's land-into-trust application and sales tax collection issue each influence county finances.

While budget cuts are necessary, Pinckney said the continued loss of tax revenue has made the situation worse.

“The land claim affects the whole county, not just my district,” Pinckney said. “The loss of sales tax is huge and it's going to mean more property tax to make up for it, and no one wants to hear that.”

In order to alleviate the tax burden, Schenck said his leadership experience will be crucial to get people working together, especially when it comes to improving efficiency.

While most people recognize the financial obstacles the county faces, Schenck said egos and a refusal to relinquish power in order to promote teamwork can get in the way of addressing problems.

“We need to sit down with everybody and get them to realize the problems,” Schenck said. “It's not just an issue of cutting costs, the issue is getting people to release their power and work together with other people.”

If elected, Dello Stritto said one of his priorities will be to draw in more assistance for local businesses struggling to overcome a decrease in revenue.

With several businesses closing or moving out of the county, Dello Stritto said the corresponding loss in jobs and sales tax revenue adds to the county's financial woes.

“We should find relief to keep viable businesses doors open during this economic catastrophe,” Dello Stritto said. “Viable businesses are closing and its through no fault of their own, and the work is drying up with them. When a businesses' sales tax decreases, that trickles down to the residents.”

Through his own experience in town politics, Pinckney said he knows how to put in the work to get an issue addressed and how to get everyone working together toward a common goal.

With those skills in hand, Pinckney said he was prepared to help ensure legislators made the best decisions on behalf of their constituents.

“I'm a very flexible individual willing to work with the rest of the legislature,” Pinckney said. “I believe in making common sense decisions, which means doing my homework and researching the issues.”

Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net

Meet the candidates: Cayuga County Legislature District 5

Philip Dello Stritto

Age: 64

Profession: Professional photographer

Education: Bachelor's degree from Syracuse University and master's degree from SUNY Oswego

Political experience: Never held elected office. Has worked on various local campaigns

Paul Schenck

Age: 61

Profession: Owner of Schenck's Garage

Education: Graduate of Union Springs Central School and took business management classes at Auburn Community College

Political experience: Six years as a councilman and 10 years as town supervisor in Aurelius

Paul Pinckney

Age: 55

Profession: Self-employed paint contractor, cash crop farmer and owns a golf cart rental business

Education: Associate's degree in criminal justice from Cayuga Community College

Political experience:12 years as a town of Aurelius board member

Does the county need a county manager?

Philip Dello Stritto: “Yes, we need a manager. We need someone who has a proven track record and experience that we can look to.”

Paul Schenck: “We do not need a manager if we are going to have a chairman, that's a duplication of service. And if we do have a manager, they need more authority. Right now the manager has no power, they're just a figurehead.”

Paul Pinckney: “Yes, I believe in having a manager. With the size of our budget, we need someone to compile all of the information and to report it to us. We do need to tweak the job description and clarify their responsibilities. We also need to find someone with a vested interest in our community.”

Are you in favor of privatizing the Cayuga County Health Agency or the Cayuga County Nursing Home?

Dello Stritto: “No, we should not privatize them. That would be a short-term gain for a long-term loss. Once we lose control, I doubt we could ever get them back again.”

Schenck: “Selling them is a temporary fix. We need to evaluate them and find out how to make them more efficient.”

Pinckney: “Before I could make a decision I would need to do more research as a legislator to determine what the best course of action is. I won't make a decision now, but I wouldn't rule it out.”

Should the county oppose the Cayuga Indian Nation of New York's land-into-trust application and its sale of untaxed cigarettes?

Dello Stritto: “We have to pursue this, we just can't roll over. I am worried we will take too much land off the tax rolls and that will impact everyone who is left. We all have a responsibility to this county and to each other, regardless of where we come from. We have to look out for each other, we can't be selfish.”

Schenck: We need to get Congress involved. The Cayuga Nation is only getting away with what the state and federal governments let them get away with. Maybe we should consider cutting of their services if they are not going to help pay for anything.

Pinckney: “Yes, otherwise we will put more of a tax burden on the rest of our residents who are already overburdened by the economy.”