Picente, Gordon face off in Republican primary

UTICA – The primary election is right around the corner.

On Tuesday, there are races on town, city and county levels, so be sure to get out and cast your vote. Over the last several weeks, the Observer-Dispatch has highlighted many of these primaries which can be found at uticaod.com.

The Oneida County executive primary between incumbent Anthony Picente Jr. and David Gordon is highlighted today. Both candidates are running for a spot on the Republican ballot line.

Each candidate supplied biographical information, was asked the same two questions and given 85 words for each answer.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR ONEIDA COUNTY EXECUTIVE

David Gordon

Age: 36

Address: Bonnie Brae, Utica

Party affiliation: Republican

Occupation: President/CEO Partners Trust Insurance Agency Inc.

Education: New Hartford High School, 2001; Mohawk Valley Community College, 2003 -- Public Policy; Bryant and Stratton College, 2008 -- Property and Casualty

Political history: Former Oneida County legislator, 2012-2013

What would be your priorities if elected?

As the next county executive, I will introduce four consecutive county budgets that reduce property taxes by 5 percent each year, for a total of a 20-percent reduction. I will also reduce the sales tax to 8.25 percent making us competitive with our neighboring counties. Eliminating county-enforced pistol licensing laws that restrict law-abiding citizens, while also pushing for term limits for all elected representatives in county government, are necessities. I will renegotiate the Oneida deal and allocate over 5.25 million to western Oneida County.

What makes you the most qualified candidate for the job?

As a former lawmaker, I understand the challenges that face our community. As a successful business owner in the private sector, I have made significant financial opportunities from absolutely nothing. We need a pragmatic approach to governing from someone like myself who is a self-made businessman, not a career government employee. I also understand that if we do not become proactive in creating a self-sufficient economically-friendly community, we are going to continue to fail miserably. We must cut taxes and promote small business opportunities.

Anthony J. Picente Jr.

Age: 58

Address: West Oak Street, Rome

Party affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Oneida County Executive

Education: AAS Mohawk Valley Community College; BS Utica College Criminal Justice

Political history: County executive since 2007 after being appointed by Board of Legislators to fill the remaining year of Joe Griffo's term; elected in 2007; re-elected in 2011 and 2015. Previously served in county government from 1982 to 1995, the last as chief of staff to then-County Executive Ray Meier. Served in Governor George E. Pataki's administration as assistant Commissioner of Labor then vice president/regional director for ESDC from July of 1995 to December of 2006.

What would be your priorities if elected?

I plan on continuing to move our county forward in areas of economic development and tourism while increasing our efforts to lead in areas of public health and safety. We will build upon the growth at Griffiss through our UAS (drone) research and development, as well as focus in areas of cybersecurity and technology. We will build the Nexus center and attract more visitors. We will lead in the fight against opioid abuse and improve our healthcare delivery system.

What makes you the most qualified for the job?

My experience. I am proud of my public service and the positions I have held previously. In my time as county executive, the county has achieved growth and results not seen in years (along with) a smaller county government that continues to meet the needs of its people and more. (The county has) the financial strength to assist local governments in challenges such as flooding and infrastructure made possible by sound budgeting and increased credit ratings. (The county has a) stable property tax without an increase to the levy in six years.

Contact reporter Ed Harris at 315-792-5063 or follow him on Twitter (@OD_EHarris).

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