Published: October 26, 2007 04:10 pm            

ELECTION 2007: Candidates pleased with performance, chances

It’s shaping up to be a tight race as more political signs mushroom on and off the Island across the 10th legislative district.

“I’m making 200 more signs,” said Rus Thompson, who’s looking to unseat first-term legislator Michele Iannello.

Thompson and Iannello joined Town Supervisor Peter McMahon and longtime councilwoman Mary Cooke for a question and answer session at the Golden Age Center last Thursday.

“I thought it went very well,” said McMahon. “It was civil and professional,” he said. “But I don’t think there were any startling revelations.”

Cooke said this could be an unpredictable election because only one local race is on the ballot.

Four other races — two council seats, town clerk and a judge’s post — are uncontested.

She said top Island issues include taxes and spending as well as the defining of the character of Grand Island and what it means to quality of life here.

Supervisor McMahon’s top issues are similar.

“Undoubtedly, planned growth is the most important issue,” he said. “Getting it at the right level so we can absorb it.”

“And in the next 10 years, our ability to maintain the suburban/rural atmosphere that residents like and want,” said McMahon.

“And keeping our taxes down and making sure we are as efficient as we can be,” he said.

“Not only Grand Island, but for all the communities,” McMahon said.

Regarding the 10th District, Thompson said the reception to his answers at the forum was “fabulous.”

“I had a bunch of e-mails waiting for me when I got home,” he said.

Both Iannello and Thompson support removal of the Grand Island Bridges tolls.

Iannello calls it a “double tax” and says, “I’ve gone on record as being against it.”

For his part, Thompson said his crusade against the tolls is not over.

“As soon as I get the full FOIL request back,” Thompson said of the pending information regarding toll finances, “I’ll be holding another press conference."

        

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