Newcomer unseats Long in Cortland mayoral race

The mayor-elect garnered more than five times the votes of the incumbent.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CORTLAND -- Getting ongoing projects throughout the city back on track will be the first order of business for the city's new mayor.
Political newcomer Curt Moll, chairman of the city's planning advisory board, trounced incumbent Mayor Melissa M. Long and Councilwoman Deidre Petrosky for the post.
Moll garnered more than twice the votes of Petrosky and more than five times that of Long.
Moll, retired divisional director of Electronic Data Systems for Delphi Packard Electrical Systems, believes his message of bringing a business perspective to the mayor's office resounded with voters. He also campaigned door-to-door, he said.
Moll also hopes to complete the city's five-year strategic plan, which will map out goals for the city. The process started about 14 months ago.
"This was my first time running for political office," Moll said. "It's something I wanted to do to help make the city an even better place to live."
Current projects
This summer, work to correct an improperly constructed sewer line on Fowler Street was stalled for two weeks after the contractor walked off the job. The city also is wrangling with another developer regarding what council thinks is an improperly installed drainage system in a new neighborhood.
Other recent city problems pitting Long against some council members include the firing of the former service director in September.
Long, who is in her first term as mayor and served 12 years on council, said she's not done with politics and expects to make an announcement regarding her plans within a couple weeks.
"I must applaud the Republican party because they've just gotten their first mayoral seat in the county," Long said.
The race was nonpartisan on the ballot.
Council members Diana D. Sweeney and Frank J. Stocz retained their seats, and Terry L. Tackett, manager of Cortland Sparkle, also won a spot on council.