John Schaffer is the incumbent Vestal town supervisor and is the Conservative candidate for the office in the upcoming election. Previously elected as a Democrat, Schaffer has served three terms as town supervisor, first being elected in 2011. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Broome-Tioga BOCES school-to-careers partnership and is involved with local sports and service organizations. Questionnaire responses have been edited for clarity.

1. What motivated you to run?

I want to continue the tradition of excellence that I have established during my tenure to keep the town a desirable place to live, work, attend school and raise a family. Additionally, I am very concerned that my opponents, who are recent residents of the town, do not have the requisite connection to the community that would make them effective leaders.

2. How does your background and previous experience make you a strong candidate for this position?

I moved to Vestal 54 years ago, because I knew I wanted to raise my family here. I have worked with many local community volunteer organizations, including youth sports and Vestal service groups. In addition, my experience in the private sector as a career union man gave me the foundation and knowledge for managing diverse and complex situations. I then ran for Town Board and served for [six] years. I recognized I could do even more as Town Supervisor and have proudly served in that position for 12 years.

3. What do you believe are the biggest issues facing your constituents, and how do you plan to address them?

The biggest issues for all of us, not only in the town but statewide, are the rising costs that everyone must bear. To that end, myself and the Town Board have continually kept those principals in mind when evaluating town budgets, developments and tax burdens. Sometimes decisions are not to everyone’s liking, however each decision is made with thorough understanding of the impacts on the community and our desire to keep Vestal as the premier community in the county.

4. Many students and community members are concerned about increasing prices, including housing and household essentials. How do you plan to address these concerns?

Increasing prices and inflation are generally beyond the purview of a local government. Our job, and I think we have done it well, is to make this community the most affordable and safe for all of its residents. To do that requires hard decisions, and we have made those decisions aware of the impacts that it may have on all of our residents.

5. Why should students and young people vote for you?

Students and young people should vote for me, because a vote for me ensures that their issues and concerns will be heard and addressed. It is not to say that every wish and desire can be accommodated, but it is my commitment to make Vestal a place that people want to begin their adult lives and raise their families.