CORTLAND Mayor's opponents say they see a need for change in city operations

Recent public works projects are likely to be issues in the race for Cortland mayor.
By STEPHEN SIFF
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CORTLAND -- Mayor Melissa Long is running for re-election based on her record, against challengers who say they see too much discord during her reign.
Long, who has been mayor for four years and a councilwoman for the previous 12, is running to keep her seat against planning advisory board chairman Curt Moll and councilwoman Deidre Petrosky.
Long says that during her administration, the city has grown and, with the widening of state Route 5, undertaken the largest infrastructure project in its history.
"As I speak, we are revitalizing the 'old section' of the city with an infrastructure project of paving and sidewalks and ornamental lampposts," she says in a candidate questionnaire.
She says she wants a second term to start marketing the community and encourage commercial and industrial development.
"I love my city, and want to take the administration into the future with good planning and positive growth," Long says.
Moll's view
One of her opponents in the nonpartisan race, Curt Moll, agrees that the city needs to encourage the right kind of business growth, but says the recent public works projects have been too disruptive.
"Far too many conflicts have arisen from recent projects," he says in a questionnaire. "These projects have disrupted business and traffic far more than necessary and now are requiring extensive rework. The mayor must provide more oversight and support for city department heads to ensure better planning and less disruption with city projects."
Moll promises to work with city council to resolve conflicts and operate the city more effectively, more like a business.
"With better leadership we can have a much better city for all of us," he says.
Petrosky cites experience
Petrosky says that five years on city council have made her aware of many administrative deficiencies that need to be addressed.
These include restructuring the service department, writing job descriptions for each department head and creating a formal system for logging service and zoning complaints.
She also hopes to create a computerized map of city infrastructure, including streets, and water, sewer and storm sewer lines.
"I will accomplish these goals within a framework of responsible spending and keeping the city residents informed," she says.
As a councilwoman, she said, she initiated the biannual city newsletter and the videotaping of council meetings.