Democrats victorious in town of Dryden general election

Democrats pulled off impressive victories in the town of Dryden’s general election last Tuesday.

Jason Leifer will begin his fifth term as the Dryden town supervisor. Christina Dravis and Spring Buck were elected to their first terms on the town board after being temporary fill-ins this year.

Leifer, who tallied 2,143 votes, defeated Republican opponent Tom Corey by 1,364 votes (779).

“It’s good,” Leifer said. “It just shows [that] the voters in Dryden like what we’re doing as the town board, and they want us to keep going. It’s a nice vindication of what we’ve been presenting to the town.”

Leifer noted that he is looking forward to continuing the work for the Dryden Rail Trail and Dryden Fiber projects, as well as infrastructure projects in the hamlet of Varna. He is also hoping to complete the replacement process of the Freese Road bridge in Varna.

Other projects for Leifer include a redesign for the town’s website to make it more user-friendly, expanding the town newsletter and continuing development of a recreation area behind the town hall.

“We’re hoping to work towards all of that in the future,” Leifer said.

Dravis tallied 2,166 votes, while Buck brought in 2,086 votes. Republican challengers Lawrence Lyon and Ronald Szymanski reeled in 758 votes and 768 votes, respectively.

“It’s been a wonderful experience, and I was hopeful to stay on. I’m thrilled to have that opportunity to do so,” Buck said.

Leifer said Dravis’ and Buck’s victories are a “good reflection” of what they have been doing so far on the town board.

“I’m glad because they do the work,” Leifer said. “It’s always good to have people interested in how things operate and how we can make it better. They’re good partners to have there.”

Bambi Avery, who ran unopposed, will continue as town clerk. She had 2,960 votes on election night.

“She’s the best town clerk around,” Leifer said.

Democrat Christopher Clauson was reelected as town justice. Clauson finished with 2,353 votes, beating Republican opponent Henry Kramer by 1,784 votes.

Dravis replaced the late Jim Skaley on the town board, and Buck took the seat that was previously held by Loren Spurling. Spurling is now the town’s deputy clerk.

Buck and Dravis will be part of a town board that also includes Deputy Supervisor Dan Lamb and Leonardo Vargas-Mendez.

“It’s humbling and exciting,” Buck said. “It’s a real honor to represent people in my community. I feel honored to have the opportunity.”

A native of Washington, D.C., Buck moved to Tompkins County with her family when she was 10 years old.

Buck is currently an associate director of Facilities Management Logistics at Cornell University. She was previously a member of the county’s environmental management council.

Buck brings a plethora of expertise and passions to the town board, including facilities management, financial management, contractual management and sustainability and environmental conservation. She is also a supporter of small businesses.

When it comes to work already being done on various projects in town, Buck said she is looking forward to supporting them.

“I’m really impressed with what’s already there,” Buck said. “I want to help move those forward.”

Buck has a few ideas for the town board, including options for walkable space and community space, with the possibility of connecting the Dryden Rail Trail to a sidewalk and space for children to play.

“Continuing those efforts and keeping those things in mind and looking over our long-term plans, it’s important to not lose sight of those needs,” Buck said.

Dravis could not be reached for comment.

Dryden Dispatch appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

Holiday wreath fundraiser to benefit Dryden school trip

The Dryden Central School District is holding a holiday wreath fundraiser to benefit a Class of 2028 trip to Hershey Park next summer.

The 22-inch wreaths will come from Hunts Tree Farm in Trumansburg. Wreaths will be distributed Nov. 27.

The cost for a wreath is $25. Checks can be made payable to the Class of 2028.

To purchase a wreath or request further information, email Lori Smith at lsmith1@dryden.k12.ny.us.

Southworth Library holding a musical class

A free musical class will be held at Southworth Library in the village of Dryden this month and December.

The class is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 18 and Dec. 2. The music will be provided by Miss Angie to get children moving and grooving.

To register for the class, go to southworthlibrary.org.

Books & Brew meets Nov. 30

Books & Brew, a local book club for adults, will meet Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. at Hopshire Farm and Brewery in the village of Freeville.

The theme for November is prize-winning books. Individuals are encouraged to read a book that received an award.

Suggestions for books are on display at the Southworth Library at 24 W. Main St. in the village of Dryden.