CORTLAND Outcome of election is attributed to projects

The incumbent mayor got only about 11 percent of the 2,064 votes.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CORTLAND -- Even the man who defeated her at the polls last Tuesday likes Melissa Long.
All the harder to explain how the incumbent mayor of this thriving city could be defeated so resoundingly in a three-person race.
Long got 244 votes, only about 11 percent of the 2,064 cast. The winner, Curt Moll, got 1,309 votes. Councilwoman Deidre Petrosky was second with 511 votes.
"I was surprised, too," Moll said. "I think the idea of a new perspective, a change, was very important."
Not that Cortland is doing too badly. The city is growing, financially solvent and, in general, has enough money to buy the things it needs.
But residents say they are deeply dissatisfied with the way recent public-works projects have turned out.
Council is mad, too.
Problems with the projects contributed to some council members' drive to fire service director Paul Makosky this summer.
"I think the projects on Fowler Street and South High Street are what caused a lot of the problems," said resident Flo Hutton. "Those were two controversial projects."
Road problems
On Fowler Street, a contractor is now working to re-do storm sewer lines that were installed wrong the first time. The consulting firm that designed the project, Environmental Design Group, has taken responsibility for the mistake and is paying for the do-over, officials say.
Business owners along High Street were infuriated by the grade of their new driveways after an ODOT paving project this year.
One complaint -- from Wollam Chevrolet -- is unresolved.
ODOT says that the city approved its work. City council members deny that.
Some residents blame the mayor for some of the problems because she is the highest-ranking officer in the city.
"I think she got a bum rap," said resident Ken Zimmerman of Long's defeat. "I think her problems started years ago when one councilman started on her, and it hasn't stopped. I think she has done a lot of good for the city."
The councilman he referred to no longer holds office.
Moll's campaign
Moll, who is not affiliated with any political party, said that when he campaigned door-to-door, voters said they were upset about the projects and with communication from city hall. People said they were not kept informed about projects taking place on their streets.
In his campaign, Moll said he would continue to lead the city down the path it is already on.
Long said he benefited by being a political newcomer, without a record that could be held against him.
She plans to announce her candidacy for another office within a few weeks.
sinkovich@vindy.com