SMYRNA – Two experienced town leaders – one past, one present – are facing each other for the third time in six years this election, both seeking the Smyrna Supervisor’s position.
Incumbent James Bays (D) ended Gerald Parry Sr.’s 14-year run as Supervisor in the 2005 election with a 247-168 victory.
Two years earlier, Parry (R) had fended off Bays – who also served as Supervisor from 1988 to 1992 – by a five vote tally: 200-195.
In the third round, both men acknowledge that natural gas drilling is at the forefront of economic and political discussions in Smyrna and much of the county. They agreed separately that the resource can be overseen and utilized in a way that’s responsible and lucrative.
“As public officials, we have to recognize, within our oath of office, that it’s our job to protect the health and safety of our citizens. There are risks associated with this,” said Bays, noting hazards associated with drilling that could affectc underground water supplies. “It is also a great economic development opportunity. Not only from the standpoint of landowners, many of them farmers, who have found a second income. Which is great. There are municipal possibilities, too.”
Parry advocates for responsible drilling, and believes gas companies and government have done well to strike a balance so far.
“At this point in time natural gas exploration is a viable financial opportunity for the town and the entire county if it’s handled properly,” said Parry. “We do have to be health-minded as well as conservation-minded. I think the DEC has followed this closely, and everything I see is being handled the right way.”
While it’s critical to ensure quality standards are being met, local governments should be wary of impeding gas companies unecessarily, Parry added. “There are enough obstacles as it is,” he said.
Bays, a vocal leader on the gas issue from early on, believes there will be possibilities for creating local power generation and energy cooperatives from natural gas in the future. Such projects could offset rising fuel costs for towns like Smyrna long-term. He also wants a percentage of gas profits to come back to local governments as payment for wear and tear on infrastructure.
“We don’t want to get in the way, but we also want these gas companies to know we’re watching,” he said. “If they know we’re watching, they’ll do a better job.”
As far as challenges, dwindling sales tax revenues, rising highway costs and potential reductions in road funding from the state will likely be the greatest facing the town in 2010.
