When former County Legislator Stephanie Polowe-Aldersley, reelected to the Irondequoit Town Board last fall, stepped down this summer to temporarily fill a vacancy representing Irondequoit’s 16th legislative district, it set in motion a special election to fill the remainder of her town board term.
Aldersley was sworn in to the County Legislature Aug. 14.
A week later, on Aug. 21, the Irondequoit Town Board voted 3 to 1, along party lines, to fill her seat through the end of the year. Businessman and community volunteer Peter Kelderhouse accepted the appointment.
This fall, Kelderhouse is running to finish Aldersley’s term, through Dec. 31, 2015. He is being challenged by Democrat Irena Skrobach-Scoglio. Coincidentally, both have been involved with the Irondequoit Public Library. She was formerly on the library’s board of trustees, and he is a co-founder and past president of the Irondequoit Library Foundation.
To help inform voters, the Post asked each of the candidates about their campaign and their reasons for running.
Their answers, in their own words, follow.
PETER W. KELDERHOUSE
What would you say are the top three issues in this year’s campaign for your office?
If letters to the editor in this publication are any indication of what’s on people’s minds, then it’s very clear that the citizens who wrote in are concerned about our local economy and the decisions and policies set forth by elected officials that affect it. Over the past few months I’ve read over 40 articles pertaining to this issue. We, the people of Irondequoit are also concerned and pay attention to matters of health and safety when it comes to our infrastructure (roads, water, sewer and the environment), our children (schooling and activities), and the care of our elderly (affordable and safe housing). Lastly, from conversations with residents I have learned that people simply want someone (proverbially) “rowing and steering the boat” who is honest and transparent, who is fair and reasonable, and who will listen ... and make subsequent decisions based on what is good for the people of Irondequoit.
What is your definition of a public servant, or your philosophy of public service, and why did you choose to seek this office?
A public servant is someone who does not necessarily think less of himself, but THINKS of HIMSELF LESS. It's about competent, caring and honest people making decisions based on what is good for all citizens. In my opinion, that’s what public service is all about. It’s people who willingly open themselves up to scrutiny, and allow themselves to be judged in the court of public opinion. We are strengthened by our supporters, and we are challenged by our critics. We need to remember to be thankful for both. Perhaps more so to those who are critical of us, because they force us to examine our motives and reasoning for the decisions we make. Our critics bring us to a place of introspection and remind us that ‘if our sky is blue ... we’re not afraid of thunder.’
When former County Legislator Stephanie Polowe-Aldersley, reelected to the Irondequoit Town Board last fall, stepped down this summer to temporarily fill a vacancy representing Irondequoit’s 16th legislative district, it set in motion a special election to fill the remainder of her town board term.
Aldersley was sworn in to the County Legislature Aug. 14.
A week later, on Aug. 21, the Irondequoit Town Board voted 3 to 1, along party lines, to fill her seat through the end of the year. Businessman and community volunteer Peter Kelderhouse accepted the appointment.
This fall, Kelderhouse is running to finish Aldersley’s term, through Dec. 31, 2015. He is being challenged by Democrat Irena Skrobach-Scoglio. Coincidentally, both have been involved with the Irondequoit Public Library. She was formerly on the library’s board of trustees, and he is a co-founder and past president of the Irondequoit Library Foundation.
To help inform voters, the Post asked each of the candidates about their campaign and their reasons for running.
Their answers, in their own words, follow.
PETER W. KELDERHOUSE
What would you say are the top three issues in this year’s campaign for your office?
If letters to the editor in this publication are any indication of what’s on people’s minds, then it’s very clear that the citizens who wrote in are concerned about our local economy and the decisions and policies set forth by elected officials that affect it. Over the past few months I’ve read over 40 articles pertaining to this issue. We, the people of Irondequoit are also concerned and pay attention to matters of health and safety when it comes to our infrastructure (roads, water, sewer and the environment), our children (schooling and activities), and the care of our elderly (affordable and safe housing). Lastly, from conversations with residents I have learned that people simply want someone (proverbially) “rowing and steering the boat” who is honest and transparent, who is fair and reasonable, and who will listen ... and make subsequent decisions based on what is good for the people of Irondequoit.
What is your definition of a public servant, or your philosophy of public service, and why did you choose to seek this office?
A public servant is someone who does not necessarily think less of himself, but THINKS of HIMSELF LESS. It's about competent, caring and honest people making decisions based on what is good for all citizens. In my opinion, that’s what public service is all about. It’s people who willingly open themselves up to scrutiny, and allow themselves to be judged in the court of public opinion. We are strengthened by our supporters, and we are challenged by our critics. We need to remember to be thankful for both. Perhaps more so to those who are critical of us, because they force us to examine our motives and reasoning for the decisions we make. Our critics bring us to a place of introspection and remind us that ‘if our sky is blue ... we’re not afraid of thunder.’
What specific experience, either professional or personal, do you have that would uniquely inform you as you tackle the duties of the elective office you are seeking?
I was one of 12 children and was raised in an orphanage called the Kingston Boys Home in downstate New York. I understand what it means to have nothing; I know what it takes to make it in the world. I value the ability to work and admire people who balance career, family and community service. My service in the Marine Corps taught me love of country, loyalty and respect. My career in the business world has taught me to weigh risks versus rewards, fairness, transparency, customer service and the notion that good business practices equal satisfied customers. Having had the privilege of filling the town board vacancy, I have learned that much of what we do involves the allocation of Irondequoit citizens’ hard-earned tax dollars. My business and personal history gives me a unique understanding that this is a responsibility that involves trust.
What do you think is the single biggest issue facing Irondequoit in the next couple of years?
In a word, “redevelopment.” We’ll need to increase our tax base to keep up with the increasing costs associated with running our town. We’ll need to reach out to small businesses that are looking to relocate or expand from their current locations. We’ll need to connect the real estate industry and the financial institutions to discuss marketing strategies. If we are to continue to hold down property taxes, continue to attract new residents and continue to deliver quality, necessary town services, the money will have to come from our tax base. I believe that equitable agreements between the business sector and local government will allow Irondequoit to continue to grow and prosper.
IRENA SKROBACH-SCOGLIO
What would you say are the top three issues in this year’s campaign for your office?
The top three issues are the I-Square Project, lack of activity at Medley Centre, and taxes. I ardently support progressive development, particularly economic development in all areas of our town. Irondequoit needs to have open communication with all parties involved, in the form of public forums with information exchange, dialogue, and collaboration to build consensus and reach agreement. In addition, the town needs to supply clear and current information for developers that provide guidance, understanding and outlines expectations when doing business in Irondequoit. We need to be fair and consistent. The way Irondequoit does business and the process of how we do business is the root issue and it needs to be addressed so as to not handicap us now or in the future. Instituting these processes ensure the brighter and more successful Irondequoit we all hope for.
What is your definition of a public servant, or your philosophy of public service, and why did you choose to seek this office?
A public servant is elected or appointed to a position to serve, make sound decisions and protect the best interests of their community. A public servant acts as a trustee and trusted voice for the community at large. They must possess a high level of integrity, strong work ethic, well developed problem solving skills, a desire to continually gain knowledge on various subjects, and strong communication and collaboration skills. I believe in the voice of the people and am dedicated to being a public servant that will educate, embrace and empower all residents to be active in and work in concert to achieve common goals that determine their future. To accomplish this, I would ensure that the town frequently updates its website; I will advocate to have workshops televised and I will schedule informal meetings in the community on a monthly basis. I believe government should be responsive to and reflective of the residents.
What specific work experience, either professional or personal, do you have that would uniquely inform you as you tackle the duties of the elective office you are seeking?
I hold a bachelor’s of science in speech-language pathology and audiology from the University of Albany and have done graduate work at Nazareth College. My educational background and work experiences both in the public and private sectors focused on communication that included performing assessments, evaluating data, developing goals and plan of action, assessing outcomes, writing reports, and developing marketing and outreach strategies. I also developed annual budgets and performed financial oversight functions and I understand that we have to be the stewards of cost efficiencies. Additionally, we have heard complaints of nonresponsiveness from the current board. One of my first priorities would be to open channels of communication to provide information, facilitate public input and feedback, and establish more transparency and accountability.
What do you think is the single biggest issue facing Irondequoit in the next couple of years?
Economic development is the biggest issue facing Irondequoit. It is crucial to our future. It is imperative that we have a favorable business climate to keep our current businesses here and bring new commercial interests to town. Businesses form the backbone of our community and we need more entrepreneurs like them as well as national businesses to invest in our community. To achieve that, we must market our resources in people, education, and amenities. Also, we must encourage innovative, creative development and redevelopment projects.
