Village elections on March 18
By Lisa Sanford, pictured is Beers and Recktenwald
While the monthly meeting of the Canisteo Village Board was mostly ‘business as usual,’ the first order of business recognized the decades-long tenure of Trustee Jack Beers, whose service on the village board spanned 21 years. Mayor Monica Recktenwald, also stepping down after eight years on the job, presented Beers with a plaque of recognition lauding his guidance, leadership and commitment.
Routine department and status reports were given, including continued planning for selection of a village flag and maintenance for the Canisteo Living Sign. A grant of laptop and large screen television to be used for remote safety learning at the village hall was announced by the mayor. This grant was awarded by the village’s workman’s compensation provider PERMA (Public Employee Risk Management Association).
A brief public comment session brought interaction from the full house including thanks expressed to the fire and ambulance crew for quick and compassionate service, and to Mayor Recktenwald and Trustee Beers for all they have done for the Canisteo Fire Department. Several questions were posed regarding the addition of K-9 Smitty to the village police force. The mayor responded that acquisition and training costs were raised through benefit profits by a free-standing club. No up front costs were borne by the village. Once Smitty is certified the village will pay insurance costs. Asked about possible loss of police coverage on training days, the mayor emphasized that Smitty’s handler will remain within the county and available at those times. She also noted that further donations for Smitty can be made by contacting Sergeant James Giglio at the Canisteo Village Police Department.
New business included setting special meetings for March 25, 2025 at 6:00 to review the tentative 2025 budget, and April 8 at 6:15 for presentation of the 2025-26 fiscal year budget. In addition, the board approved costs sponsoring the Canisteo-Greenwood high school Art Club as they create a mural on the back of the downtown marquee. The board also approved a resolution to maintain new lighting along state routes 36 and 248.
Village elections are set for Tuesday, March 18 with mayoral candidates Fred Thompson (Republican) and Richard McInroy (Choice) vying for a two-year term, and two trustee positions with James Dineen (Republican), Robert Hammond (Republican) and Carrie McCourt (Valley Independents) on the ballot.
