5 Questions for the Candidate
By Andrew Harris,
Candidate Intro: My name is Lance Tronetti. I am running to represent you on Cuba town council. The people of Cuba deserve bold leadership and I intend to deliver just that.
Q- What will your priority be for Cuba if elected?
If elected, my priority for the town would be making sure open meeting laws are being followed as well as having more in depth agendas posted ahead of time, especially if they contain hot button items like this past year’s 287g agreement.
Q- Describe what you think is the “net impact” of the recent Article 78 litigation regarding tax assessments ?
Everyone I know has no idea what article 78 is, so I’ll try to explain it a little before answering. Property assessments were conducted a few years ago by local tax assessors, ultimately increasing property taxes across Cuba for some. These were challenged by local groups, like The Cuba Lake Committee for Fair Assessments vs. Town of Cuba, using article 78 to challenge. CLCFA was able to get a lower court to rule the 2023 tax assessment roll null and void. However, NYS Supreme Court on 2/11/26 reversed this decision. Here, petitioners (CLCFA) “failed to submit any evidence, such as ‘a detailed, competent appraisal based on standard, accepted appraisal techniques and prepared by a qualified appraiser. I believe that if your property was recently assessed for much more than years prior, that homeowner should pay their fair share in property taxes. The people that can afford tax attorneys and independent appraisers to fight rising property taxes are mostly commercial or multi family home owners. Someone working 40 hours per week, living paycheck to paycheck will struggle with these legal hurdles, while the richest among us need only hire professionals to shoulder that responsibility. The local tax burden then falls on property owners that don’t challenge these assessments, which are mostly working class people like you and I. At a time when we’re experiencing local budget shortfalls, a tax loophole mostly benefitting the richest people here is a net negative. Article 78 may not have helped them this time at the legal finish line, but it is one of many ways the richest among us skirt paying their fair share in taxes. Sorry for the long response!
Q- Homelessness and vagrancy is a growing problem for all communities. What should Cuba be doing to keep the public safe but still provide care for those who are without housing ?
When people’s needs are met, everyone is safer. First, board members should be talking to members of these unhoused communities to see what they need to succeed. Furthermore, the board should tap state and federal officials to receive more funding for local resources needed to lift up these people. Perhaps a committee should be formed for this particular issue, since it’s becoming increasingly difficult to survive, let alone thrive across modern America.
Q- Recent tense public meetings have left some wondering; Is civility lost ? How do you plan to help bring back basic decency to local government ?
I think where there is tension, there is an opportunity for the Town Board to listen, learn, and consider. Residents have every right to come to meetings and voice concerns for what is happening in their community. If I were elected, I would do my best to ensure civility and accountability for the behavior of my fellow board members.
Q- What is your favorite thing about Cuba that is unique to the town ?
My favorite thing about Cuba is our fantastic events, festivals, and opportunities for residents and neighbors to get together and enjoy our town. From Dairy Days to the Beautification Committee to the Palmer Opera House, I see how hard the people of Cuba work to make this town a beautiful place for us all.
