Johnson faces Hayes in Smithville race

SMITHVILLE – A total of 12 candidates will be on Smithville’s ballot as residents decide who will fill seven town positions on Nov.3.

In the race for town supervisor, incumbent Republican Allan Johnson is seeking his fourth two-year term in office.

“I see it as a job that needs doing and a way to contribute my efforts and abilities to the community,” said Johnson, when asked why had decided to run for an additional term.

During his six years in office, Johnson said he has kept taxes “under control,” utilized grant money to install a paved walking track and done work to the Community Center, including painting the building, making needed repairs and paving the parking lot.

“(These) accomplishments are certainly not “mine,” Johnson said. “They are the accomplishments of a hard-working and dedicated town board.”

One of the most pressing concerns for Smithville residents, according to Johnson is “New York State’s failed government and its continual solving its problems on the backs of the county and town taxpayers.”

Johnson, who has lived in the Greene / Smithville area for the last 44 years, held two other public offices prior to being elected as town supervisor in 2003. Before taking the Smithville’s top spot, he had served two terms on the Greene Central School District’s board of education, 5 years of which he spent as president of the board, as well as two terms as town justice.

Johnson is being challenged for the supervisor position by Democratic newcomer Daniel Hayes, 49.

“My town’s democratic committee asked me if I would run and I must admit I was very surprised when they did,” Hayes said, when asked what prompted his candidacy. “I actually feel quite honored that they would want me as their candidate and if elected, I will do my very best for my town.”

While Hayes admits he has never previously held political office, he has extensive experience working with community-based organizations.

“I have worked in the nonprofit sector for almost 20 years and for the last four as executive director of an award winning multi-disciplinary arts center in Cortland County,” he reported.