By Jake Palmateer
ONEONTA _ The two candidates for Oneonta town supervisor clashed in a debate Monday night that featured sparring about the handling of town finances and alleged workplace harassment.
Supervisor Robert Wood, a Democrat, is facing a challenge from town constable Anthony Natalini, a Republican. Natalini is on a leave of absence from his constabulary responsibilities while he runs for office.
The debate at Craven Lounge at Morris Hall on the State University at Oneonta campus was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Oneonta Area. It was moderated by league member Barbara Hein. The candidates were questioned by members of the live audience of about 30 people, television viewers and Daily Star Editor Sam Pollak and Gary Wickham, program director for WUOW.
Natalini and Wood differed about how best to handle the stalled Pony Farm Road bridge-replacement project, what Natalini said was workplace harassment, Wood's working relationship with other town board members and budget development.
They agreed on the need for a property revaluation, the need for development in the West End and Otsego County government taking the lead in dealing with natural-gas issues.
Both candidates said there was no interest among town residents to merge with the city. The topic of a merger arose during last week's mayoral debate when two candidates in that race said they were open to looking at the idea.
As far as I am concerned the town will never benefit, at this point, from a town-city merger," Natalini said.
Wood said the issue is not being debated within town government or with city officials.
"I have had no discussion with anyone concerning a merger," Wood said.
On financial issues, Natalini questioned Wood's approach to the budget and said he had spent money without approval from the town board.
Wood defended his use of the town's fund balance, which he said is currently $1.5 million, to offset tax increases.
Wood also said it was important for the board authorize all expenditures, but said he did allow for $1,000 to be spent on a water intended-use plan for West Oneonta that was later approved by the board.
Natalini pointed to that as an example of Wood playing "big-city politics."
However, Wood said the town was faced with a deadline to file the IUP and said the company that prepared it had agreed not to bill the town for the work if the board didn't approve it.
Wood said the town is looking at several different alternatives for the Pony Farm Bridge project, including raising the level of Pony Farm Road or repairing the existing bridge over Canadian Pacific's railroad tracks. He disputed Natalini's allegation that paperwork regarding the project had been "sitting on a desk" and was responsible for the cost estimate to not match the bids.
Wood also disputed Natalini's claim that the constables had come under workplace harassment and that was what prompted Natalini and Scott Harrington to unionize with the teamsters.
"Since we have joined the Teamsters, all harassment has stopped," Natalini said.
"I am unaware of any harassment," Wood responded.
Wood, who is in his first two-year term, defeated Republican Town Councilwoman Marie Lusins in 2007 by vote of 730 to 605.
The position of supervisor pays $11,000 annually. In addition, Wood collects a $2,500 annual stipend as the town's budget officer.
The three candidates for two town board seats also answered questions, although their session was less confrontational.
John Frisch and Scott Gravelin are seeking seats on the board, while incumbent Councilman Bill Mirabito is vying for re-election.
Town justice candidates Philip Hosley, Andrew Liddle and Bruce Smith gave statements of their qualifications and candidacy at the beginning of the program.
Election Day is next Tuesday.
