Thomas C. Lathrop
4426 Lathrop Drive, Marcellus
Background Town councilman, highway superintendent, town supervisor
Occupation US Marine Corps (M48 tank Battalion); construction (buildings, roads and bridges)
Endorsed by Republicans, Independents
Given the current economy and budget crises at the state and county levels, which areas of the budget do you feel the town could cut back to alleviate the pressure on taxpayers? I would propose to reduce the amount we set aside each year to put in the truck reserve fund. In some cases these reserve savings are built up over several years for future equipment purchases. This would directly ease the burden on taxpayers during this economic budget crisis. This could be done with no impact on the operations of the various depts. and those reserve funds could be restored in better times if needed. Worst case scenario would be that a purchase of equipment could be delayed or in an emergency we always have the option of short term borrowing as needed. It’s not like we don’t already have some money in those reserve accounts. In what ways do you think the town could consolidate services with villages, neighboring towns or the county to increase efficiency and keep costs down? Ever since I can remember, we have explored ways to consolidate services, increase efficiency and work to keep costs to a minimum. It is my opinion that the town of Marcellus is very frugal with our tax dollars. For the past 30 years that I have been involved in town government we have always tried to justify the services we provide to the cost associated to provide them. Every year we have tried to trim the budget to keep costs down. We have trimmed and consolidated to the point where any more cost savings will have to come from cutting services and salaries. The town of Marcellus is in good shape financially and our budgets have remained fairly stable year after year. Town taxes are stable compared with state, county and school taxes. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment thus far in your position?
My greatest accomplishment has been to do my best to represent the people that have elected me over and over again for the past 30 years. Future accomplishments could be infrastructure improvements, more efficient town offices and budget oversight. My greatest accomplishments have been improved town roads, updated equipment, shared services, park and recreation, consolidation of town offices, water and sewer districts and continued budget oversight of all departments. I would like to take credit for the stimulus money we received toward the Limeledge Water District but it was a case of being in the right place at the right time. We had a shovel- ready project already in progress. What specific projects or goals are you most interested in completing or pursuing in your next term? My next term, if elected, would allow me to see that the two water districts presently under construction will be completed and those residents now without water will have clean running water and improved fire protection. Another project that I would be involved in is the renovations of the old restrooms in the park. We expect that a community development grant will fund that project. I also hope to be part of the solution to resolve the space and code issues at the Town Offices. I will continue working to hold the line on taxes by being diligent about budget oversight.