The Town of Mendon is holding elections for the majority of its elected officials on Tuesday, November 2nd. The only three positions not appearing on the ballot will be the Town Justice position currently held by William P. Fletcher and the two Town Council positions currently held by Thomas G. Dubois and Karen R. Jenkins, 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), C (Conservative), and WFP (Working Families). 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)
Jeffery F. Klein (D)
Which party are you registered with? Democrat
How long have you lived in Mendon? 11-20 years
Bio: Endorsed by: Monroe County Police Benevolent Association, Monroe County Law Enforcement Association, and Rochester Labor Council -Navy & Navy Reserves, 1987-2009 -Served at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks -Retired Sergeant, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol, 1994-2015 -Residential Operations Manager, Veterans Outreach Center, 2018-2020 -President of Honeoye Falls-Mendon Rotary -Baseball Coach & Board Member, HFLMYB 2012-2020 -HFL Board of Education Member -Co-founder of H [Editor’s Note: Respondent exceeded 500 character limit]
Why should someone vote for you? I live a life of service above self. When COVID-19 hit our community, I stepped up to help our community when it needed it more than ever. I have proven that I will drop whatever I’m doing to help our community. 30 years in public service has taught me one thing above all others. People want to have a voice and know they are being heard. I will listen and I will always put this community first without regard to a political party. I’m asking you to do the same when you vote on November 2nd.
John D. Moffitt (R, C) – Incumbent
Which party are you registered with? Republican
How long have you lived in Mendon? 20+ years
Bio: A lifelong Mendon resident, I’m proud to serve as your Town Supervisor. I’m involved in two local businesses, Be-Mar Roller Skating & Dipper Dan. I’ve been a volunteer for HFL-Mendon Youth Baseball, serving in a variety of capacities over 40+ years, including President, but my favorite was coach. I live on Ontario St., where my family has lived for 100+ years, with my wife, Carol, who works at the Middle School. I’m honored to work each day to keep Mendon a place we’re all proud to call home.
Why should someone vote for you? As your Town Supervisor for the past 12 years, I’ve never lost focus of my top priority: Taxpayers. I’ve worked to provide tax stability, quality services, and preserve the character of our Town. In 2022, I’m proud to deliver a 10% Tax Rate Cut for Village & Town taxpayers, build a new Splash Park, and increase Library funding by 10% while overcoming pandemic revenue gaps. I will continue to keep more money in the pockets of our residents and keep our Town a great place for all families to live!
Town Clerk (Vote for one)
Michelle S. Booth (R, C)
Which party are you registered with? Republican
How long have you lived in Mendon? 11-20 years
Bio: My name is Michelle Booth. I started working, part-time for the Town of Mendon, as the Court Clerk in 2015. I became full-time a short time after, by adding the titles of, Secretary to the Assessor, Clerk to the Building Department, and Secretary for the Planning and Zoning Boards. I was born and raised in Wayland. After graduating, I obtained my Business Degree. My husband and I have lived in Honeoye Falls for about 18 years. We have four children and two grandchildren.
Why should someone vote for you? I love the small town feel here in Mendon; that people go above and beyond to help each other. We run fundraisers, meal trains, and abide by the “it takes a village” mentality. And in truth, growing up in cornfields, on softball diamonds, at school events, and of course, never missing the Mendon Fireman’s Carnival is the only home our kids’ know. I hope they grow up to be proud of it too! I plan to keep this type of culture in the office while implementing modern technology to help residents.
Town Justice (Vote for one)
Jon M. Stern (D)
Which party are you registered with? Democrat
How long have you lived in Mendon? 20+ years
Bio: Jon and Lisa have two daughters, Ava and Ella. He began his career working for the Legal Aid Society of Rochester and the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office Family Section. He entered private practice in 2005 and is presently a Partner at Kaman Berlove, litigating child custody and matrimonial actions in Family and Supreme Court. Jon is a recipient of the Michael F. Dillon award, and was the inaugural winner of the Award for Excellence in Adult Indigent Representation in Family Court.
Why should someone vote for you? People should consider voting for me because I have twenty five years of diverse relevant courtroom experience to bring to our bench. I know my way around a courtroom, and will have the courage and intelligence to decide each matter on its merits, without favor or bias. I am not a politician, and believe that our Justice Court must always remain apolitical, ensure equal protection under the law, and most importantly, preserve the Rule of Law. I am thankful for this opportunity to serve.
Cara M. Briggs (R, C, WFP) – Incumbent
Which party are you registered with? Republican
How long have you lived in Mendon? 20+ years
Bio: My husband Don and I chose Mendon as our family’s hometown and moved here 22 years ago when our youngest was 3 months old, and both our sons attended HFL from kindergarten through graduation. I have practiced law for 33 years, served as Mendon Town Justice for nearly 12 years and currently have my own law practice with a primary focus on representing parents on behalf of their children in educational matters. I have in-depth experience in both criminal and civil litigation.
Why should someone vote for you? Serving as your Town Justice is an honor that carries a solemn responsibility to firmly and fairly uphold the law and ensure that justice prevails for the parties and for the community. I take my oath of office and the confidence of the community very seriously, and I have never had a decision overturned by an appellate court. I would sincerely appreciate your vote to continue my service as Mendon Town Justice on Election Day.
Town Council (Vote for any two)
Jeffrey R. Clark (D)
Which party are you registered with? Democrat
How long have you lived in Mendon? 20+ years
Bio: I am a native New Yorker who has lived in Mendon for the last 28 years. I am married to Michele, and we have raised our 6 children here, all graduating from HFL high school, the last in 2018. I am an attorney, with current positions with both a corporation and a law firm. I was the Mendon deputy town attorney from 2015 to 2018, a position I enjoyed very much. I am on the boards of Baden Street Settlement and BOA Editions, Ltd. I am also a musician, with regular gigs at the Cottage Hotel. I run t [Editor’s Note: Respondent exceeded 500 character limit]
Why should someone vote for you? I have a great desire to share my love of this community with all by making the mechanics of local government accessible to everyone affected thereby. How revenue is raised, how services are funded, how events are planned, how decisions are made. All should be a part of our collective effort to make Mendon its best self.
David L. Cook (D)
Which party are you registered with? Democrat
How long have you lived in Mendon? 1-10 years
Bio: Kathleen and I have 4 sons. We moved to Honeoye Falls in 1987. After time abroad we moved back to Mendon. We have lived in Mendon for 7 years with family roots from the early 1800s. My life experiences as a trial lawyer and service in not-for-profit organizations have given me an understanding of how to approach challenging circumstances and achieve consensus. I pledge to you that I will work with other council members to ensure that your voices are the driving force behind our decisions.
Why should someone vote for you? If we are surrounded by others who think alike on matters of public policy there is a danger of group-think, which never results in the best policy decisions. We need bi-partnership to achieve the best results. Jeff Klein, Jeff Clark, and I are not running against anyone. We are running for greater transparency and citizen input to further the progress of Mendon. I pledge to you, that I will work with other council members to ensure that your voices are the driving force behind our decisions.
Cynthia M. Carroll (R, C) – Incumbent
Which party are you registered with? Republican
How long have you lived in Mendon? 20+ years
Bio: It is because of my belief that Mendon is a decent place to live, a safe place to raise kids, and a welcoming place to all that I look forward to remaining an integral part of maintaining the proven values of Mendon through my service.I have successfully served on the Comprehensive Plan Advisory and, Military Memorial Committees, and I serve as the Mendon Library BOT liaison. Further, I have 40 years of teaching experience and was a “Teacher of the Year” award recipient from the U of R. I have l [Editor’s Note: Respondent exceeded 500 character limit]
Why should someone vote for you? I request that Mendon residents vote for me based on my eight years of successful, dedicated service to the Town in maintaining fiscal responsibility and vital services as well as preserving Mendon’s rural character. Going forward, all residents may continue to count on me to listen to and remain responsive to their concerns. I look forward to serving all of Mendon for the next four years. Thank you for your consideration.
Brent G. Rosiek (R, C)
Which party are you registered with? Republican
How long have you lived in Mendon? 20+ years
Bio: I grew up in Mendon and am a ‘91 HF-L graduate. I chose to raise my own children here because I love the character & charm of our hometown. After getting my degree in Food Service, I worked at the Country Club of Rochester and managed a local business. With a supportive wife and 2 young kids, I made a career change. I attended RIT and became a NYS licensed Professional Engineer. I now own and operate a local engineering firm. I’ve served on the Planning Board since 2013 and as Chair for 7 years.
Why should someone vote for you? I want to serve our community and support the local businesses that make this Town an incredible place to live, work and raise a family. This mission was first instilled in me as a Troop 10 scout, then while managing a local business, and again when serving municipalities in my engineering firm. I have a strong desire to protect our environment & character from the pressures of developers, and I have the personal & professional experience to keep Mendon a beautiful place for generations to come.
Town Highway Superintendent (Vote for one)
Andrew G. Caschetta (R, C) – Incumbent
Which party are you registered with? Republican
How long have you lived in Mendon? 11-20 years
Bio: I’ve lived in Mendon for 17 years, and I take great pride in serving our community as Highway Superintendent. Taking over after the retirement of Bud Smith in 2019, I have more than 20 years of highway experience, including 6 years as Foreman and 2 years as Deputy Superintendent in Mendon. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Monroe County Highway Superintendent’s Association and earned a RoadMaster 1 Degree from the Cornell Local Road Program.
Why should someone vote for you? As Highway Superintendent, it is my top priority to ensure our Town roads are safe, well-maintained and preserved. This includes everything from routine and preventative maintenance to snow plowing. In the past 6 years, I’ve learned how to navigate NYS and Monroe County Snow & Ice Contracts, and the NYS Consolidated Highway Improvement Program. All of these programs are very important in generating revenue for our town and saving tax dollars.
Monroe County Legislature 5th District (Vote for one)
Terry Daniele (D, WFP)
Which party are you registered with? Democrat
How long have you lived in Mendon? 1-10 years
Bio: I am a life long resident of Monroe County. I have a Bachelor of Science degree from RIT in American Sign Language to English Interpreting. I am the mother of two adult children, one of whom lives here in Rochester. I am happily married to retired attorney Tony Daniele. I was the Supervisor of Interpreting Services for the West Side of Monroe County. I was also the owner of two successful small businesses. I now have a private practice as a Sign Language Interpreter. I write an article fo [Editor’s Note: Respondent exceeded 500 character limit]
Why should someone vote for you? I want to move Monroe County away from business as usual in our legislature. I pledge to work with County Executive Adam Bello to implement his Pandemic Recovery Plan. I will responsibly use the ARP funds to fight the virus; help our small businesses recover from the pandemic; get people back to work; upgrade our roads, bridges, parks and bring high speed broad band to all corners of Monroe County. I will help to bring new businesses to Monroe County and grow existing businesses to exp [Editor’s Note: Respondent exceeded 500 character limit]
Richard B. Milne (R, C)
Which party are you registered with? Republican
How long have you lived in Mendon? 20+ years
Bio: Rick Milne has spent his life dedicated to public service – and is looking forward to continuing this service in the Monroe County Legislature. Milne is beloved in the Village of Honeoye Falls and held in high regard by other elected leaders, locally and statewide – something he takes great pride in. After serving the Honeoye Falls Village Board of Trustees for five years, Rick was elected to serve as Mayor in 2005 and has served the community in this role for over a decade. Rick also was electe [Editor’s Note: Respondent exceeded 500 character limit]
Why should someone vote for you? Rick’s common ground solutions plan will see him work together with County Executive Adam Bello and all local elected officials to help make the best decisions for all people in our community. In recent years, the Monroe County Legislature has passed legislation with unanimous support over 98% of the time – Rick hopes to build on these bipartisan accomplishments and will prioritize working across party lines to find common-ground solutions that provide the best possible result for our neighbors. [Editor’s Note: Respondent exceeded 500 character limit]
