NEW BERLIN – Following the death of councilman Halys Davis in the Town of New Berlin, two candidates have decided to run for the final two years of her term: Kim Felter Canarelli and Paul Thomsen.

Canarelli is currently pursuing her bachelors degree in political science at SUNY Oneonta and has lived in New Berlin for over 14 years. Canarelli said that although she has never held political office before, she will focus all of her energy on fulfilling her duties.

Her main issue, she said, is to bring attention to the dangers of natural gas issue.

“I feel that the small towns and even the state are not prepared for the multiple levels that come with gas drilling,” she said. “It’s an issue that demands and warrants attention.”

Canarelli explained that the “multiple levels” included increased truck traffic, gas explosions, the destruction of historical land, the accessibility for emergency vehicles and a danger to communities’ water systems.

For that reason, Canarelli is running on an independent ticket called Keep Water Safe, and she hopes the issue will catch the attention of voters.