The Town of Lima is holding elections for the majority of its elected officials on Tuesday, November 2nd. The only two positions not appearing on the ballot will be the two Town Council positions currently held by Jon Belec and Leta Button, as their terms do not expire for another two years. The chairperson of each party’s town committee asked their candidates, on behalf of The Sentinel, to answer a series of questions, which would appear in the last edition of the newspaper prior to the election. As promised, this information has also been posted online below.
Please Note: On two of the questions respondents were limited to 500 characters. A note has been made in the instances where respondents exceeded this limit. Also, the party lines that each of the candidates will appear on have been abbreviated using the following notion: D (Democrat), R (Republican), and C (Conservative). Incumbency has been denoted after the party lines. Finally, candidates appear in the same order in which they will be on the ballot.
Town Supervisor (Vote for one)
Michael J. Falk (R, C) – Incumbent
Which party are you registered with? Republican
How long have you lived in Lima? 20+ years
Bio: I am an Eagle Scout, a Desert Storm Veteran and local business owner. I hold a Bachelor’s in Electrical Technology and a Master’s in Systems Management. Currently: Commander of VFW Post 26, President of the Lima Crossroads Council, and a member of Legion Post 286, Lima Golden Agers, St. Rose Church and Lima’s German Club.
Why should someone vote for you? I have moved Lima forward removing Asbestos from the Town Hall, Installing an elevator for universal access to the Auditorium and Stage, installed safe sidewalks to connect the Dollar General to the Village sidewalk system and established late hours on Thursdays for better access to services. I have represented all of Lima on the Board of Supervisors with committee assignments on Human Services, GLOW Solid Waste, GFLRPC and LCWSA. I will continue to put Lima First!
Town Justice (Vote for any two)
Aimee Koch (D)
Which party are you registered with? Democrat
How long have you lived in Lima? 20+ years
Bio: Aimee Koch is an active member of the Lima community where she has resided with her husband Scott and children Olivia and Hayden. She was born in Olean, New York in Cattaraugus County and attended St. Bonaventure University. After completing her undergraduate degree, Aimee went on to study law at SUNY Buffalo School of Law. She is a practicing attorney with 26 years of experience in a vast range of legal areas and represents local health systems and School Districts amongst other clients. She [Editor’s Note: Respondent exceeded 500 character limit]
Why should someone vote for you? Aimee Koch is experienced and educated in the law having committed her professional life to litigation. She has represented clients in all levels of practice, including criminal and civil Courts and both New York State and Federal. She has effectively managed one of the communities oldest law firms, Osborn, Reed & Burke. Aimee is well positioned to actively protect the best interests of the community and distribute justice fairly and equally.
Harold J. Harris (R) – Incumbent
Which party are you registered with? Republican
How long have you lived in Lima? 20+ years
Bio: Harold Harris grew up between Honeoye Falls and Honeoye. Graduating from Honeoye Central. Harold followed his families tradition by obtaining his New York State Barbers license, however, Eastman Kodak became his full time job. In 1979 Harold got married and moved to Lima where he raised his family. During his life in Lima, Harold volunteered for the Lima Ambulance during which he studied and become an Emergency Medical Technician. In 1982 Town Justice Harold Hennessy retired and Harold wa [Editor’s Note: Respondent exceeded 500 character limit]
Why should someone vote for you? During my 31 years as the Lima Town Justice, I have been fair, just and ethical in holding this position. I will continue to maintain the high standards of this judicial office.
Joseph J. Schwing (R)
Which party are you registered with? Republican
How long have you lived in Lima? 20+ years
Bio: Born & raised in Buffalo where I married Stephanie in 1968. We have 4 children, 7 grands & 2 greats. I was a sailor, a soldier and worked at Erie CC, Republic Steel & became a trooper in 1978. We moved to Lima in 1978 & found it a great place to raise a family. We are active in Crossroads Church. Our roots run deep here. We love Lima. I believe service to others to be an investment in our community. In that regard I’ve been a village trustee for 14 years, helped at the food pantry, did a year wi [Editor’s Note: Respondent exceeded 500 character limit]
Why should someone vote for you? I graduated from Erie CC in Criminal Justice- 1977 & NYSP Academy – 1978. I have been thoroughly schooled in NYS law: penal, criminal procedure, vehicle & traffic & others. In both programs there has been attention given to citizen rights. For over 24 years I have applied this schooling to everyday events. I’ve prepared papers & records required for court. I’ve testified in grand jury, & town & county courts. The experiences I’ve seen are many & diverse. And have made me a wiser and more mature [Editor’s Note: Respondent exceeded 500 character limit]
Town Council (Vote for any two)
William M. Carey (R) – Incumbent
Which party are you registered with? [Editor’s Note: Candidate did not respond]
How long have you lived in Lima? [Editor’s Note: Candidate did not respond]
Bio: [Editor’s Note: Candidate did not respond]
Why should someone vote for you? [Editor’s Note: Candidate did not respond]
Mark Petroski (R)
Which party are you registered with? Republican
How long have you lived in Lima? 20+ years
Bio: 30+ year resident; previously active in youth sports, scouting, church; 3 terms on Lima Planning Board; Professional Engineer; Project Management Professional; more info at ILoveLima.com
Why should someone vote for you? I support the local farming community, diversity of opportunity, well balanced decisions by political bodies, fiscal responsibility, less government is better government, individual freedom, equal application of the law, free enterprise, freedom of speech, and the principles enshrined in the US Constitution.
Town Highway Superintendent (Vote for one)
John P. Sokolofsky (R)
Which party are you registered with? [Editor’s Note: Candidate did not respond]
How long have you lived in Lima? [Editor’s Note: Candidate did not respond]
Bio: [Editor’s Note: Candidate did not respond]
Why should someone vote for you? [Editor’s Note: Candidate did not respond]
