Experience Delivers Narrow Nod in Yorktown Supervisor’s Race
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
Until someone is put in a position to lead, it’s difficult to assess how that person will handle the responsibilities.
During his eight years as a councilman, Tom Diana never stood out, but he stood by his convictions and earned the trust of residents with his long family history and knowledge of the town.
Since being appointed supervisor in January when Matt Slater departed for the state Assembly, Diana, a retired police officer, has more than proven he is capable of leading Yorktown and has earned the chance to serve a full two-year term.
Diana has been a hard worker and stood tall when presented with the numerous challenges of the job. He has taken criticism for choosing the garbage hauler last year that turned out to be a bust, but he should be praised for quickly taking the steps he did to clean up the mess he was handed and finding another company to come in and settle the situation.
His opponent, Jann Mirchandani, is a first-time candidate who has given a lot of thought to many issues facing the town and presented some unique ideas, such as holding an economic summit to attract new businesses to Yorktown and creating a vacant building registry.
However, she hasn’t made a convincing case for residents to consider replacing Diana. There would definitely be a learning curve for Mirchandani.
In the Town Board race for two available seats, Councilman Ed Lachterman has made it clear that he feels he is the standout candidate – and he’s right. Running for a third four-year term, Lachterman has immersed himself in community groups and causes and has always weighed the pros and cons of an issue before making a decision. He is a valuable right-hand man to Diana.
Selecting a second candidate between Republican Patrick Murphy and Democrats Tom Marron and Steve Shaw is not nearly as clear-cut as each candidate possesses appealing qualities, even though none have any experience in local government.
Murphy, brother of former councilman and state senator Terrence Murphy, is a lifelong resident who has been involved with local groups and organizations for many years. Marron, a teacher, is a 20-year resident who simply wants to make a difference. Shaw is a five-year resident with strong opinions that would likely the stir the pot on what is now an all-GOP board, if elected.
By a slim margin over Murphy, Shaw is given the nod as someone who will keep the board in check.
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