Two Democrats Join Fleming, Run for Kent Town Board
By Neal Rentz
Two Democrats, Nancy Sorbella and Dale Cusack, said last week they were running for the Kent Town Board.
Sorbella has lived in town for more than 25 years with her family “This is my first time running for elected office but I have always been involved in my community,” she said. “I think being a part of the town board or volunteering in any civic manner is a good way to give back and also to become aware of how local government works and to be an educated, engaged citizen.”
Sorbella said she wanted to continue the work of the current town administration and also find ways to promote recreational activities, and the “incredible arts, culture and creativity which I believe Kent is known for.”
“I am pleased with the manner with which our current town Supervisor (Maureen Fleming) is leading our town and that she is fiscally responsible, with a calm and rational demeanor which sets the tone for the entire administration,” she said. “I would work collaboratively with the administration to continue to forward the initiatives and efforts that they have been working on.
Sorbella, 54, discussed some of the issues she would work on if elected. “I am concerned also about the remediation of derelict properties. I have seen some solid efforts but not as townwide as perhaps should be,” she said. “In addition, to offsetting the tax burden with revenue projects I would like to explore grant- based programs and opportunities for our citizens to support and enhance our cultural, recreational and economic initiatives. Looking at town-owned properties and the Route 52 corridor with this in mind would be a good place to start.”
Sorbella discussed her professional background and her community involvement.
She has been a vice president of new business development for a direct marketing agency for more than 20 years.
“I am currently on the board of directors at Careers for People with Disabilities and have been a passionate board member, past president and committee chair of the SUNY Cortland Alumni Board of Trustees, my alma mater, for 18 years. As the daughter of a veteran I am a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW. Last year I was a top 40 individual fundraiser for Freezin for a Reason for Cystic Fibrosis,” Sorbella said.
Cusack said he was also running for public office for the first time. ”My primary reason for running is to start giving back to my community with all of the knowledge and experience I have gained,” he said. “I have held various leadership roles in veteran’s organizations.”
The town board needs to reduce the tax burden on local residents, Cusack said.
“I believe the most important issue facing this community is finding ways to increase revenue for the town in ways that will allow reducing property taxes for homeowners,” Cusack said. “I have seen a number of people pack up and leave the area because the taxes in other areas are a fraction of the amounts we pay here.”
Cusack is currently employed full time as a data processing development manager.
Cusack, 68, served in the US Air Force in Vietnam and Korea, when the USS Pueblo was seized. He is an active member of the American Legion, Veterans’ of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans. The organizations are active participant in programs for local youths and veterans, he said.
