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Four candidates are competing for two seats on Island Board

Updated: October 27, 2009, 9:36 AM /

With no challengers on the ballot, the outcome of next month’s Grand Island town justice and highway superintendent elections is a forgone conclusion.

Attorney Mark J. Frentzel is heading for a second term on the bench. James B. Tomkins will take over the helm in the Highway Department, where he has worked as deputy superintendent for the past three years.

But voters have a choice in filling two seats on the Town Board. Councilwoman Susan J. Argy is not seeking re-election.

The four-way race features one incumbent, two political newcomers and a former councilman attempting a comeback. The Town Board seats, and the others, carry a four-year term.

Incumbent Councilwoman Mary S. Cooke, a part-time middle school teacher, will appear on the Republican, Independence and Conservative lines. The four-term veteran says her experience on the board — as well as hands-on community involvement — gives her the edge over the competition.

The town’s improved bond rating — the result of conservative budgeting, and securing health care plan contributions by newer employees are among accomplishments listed by Cooke.

“Keeping Grand Island affordable while providing the best possible services” is the town’s top issue, Cooke said.

Raymond Billica, who retired in 2007 after a long career with the town’s recreation department, is running on the Republican, Independence and Working Families lines.

His candidacy has a theme: “Let’s get our town officials and our citizens working together to make Grand Island the absolute best place that it can be for everyone in our community.”

“It’s all about them, their island, their concerns, their future,” Billica added.

In his estimation, the biggest issue facing the town is maintaining or expanding the level of service while holding the tax rate steady.

Norman H. Moorhouse, who has worked for the Erie County Department of Environment & Planning since 1989, is running on the Democratic line.

He has a clear agenda for the first half of his term, including implementing term limits [two, four-year terms] and giving residents an opportunity to vote on downsizing.

“It is time for change,” said Moorhouse, who characterizes himself as “the young fresh guy with new ideas and a vision.”

“I owe nobody a thing but the people of Grand Island that vote for me and my agenda,” said Moorhouse, who’s funding his own campaign.

James R. Sharpe is seeking to return to the Town Board, running on the Democratic and Conservative lines. He previously served two terms, elected as a Republican, before he came up short in the 1997 elections.

Sharpe didn’t respond to a questionnaire seeking information about his candidacy.