OLEAN — Republican Amy Black Sherburne announced her candidacy today for Olean mayor and city Democrats have voted to cross-endorse her.
Sherburne’s announcement sets the stage for a Republican primary with Mayor Bill Aiello, who has announced he plans to seek a fourth term in November.
Sherburne made the announcement in a Facebook posting Monday morning.
“As mayor, I will tirelessly work on solutions for our most pressing matters. I will lead with dignity, respect and continue to be an advocate for our city,” she stated. “I will encourage and support the positive endeavors of our Common Council members serving on behalf of their ward. I will build relationships with department heads, knowing that budget efficiency is crucial to our city’s success.”
In her announcement, Sherburne said, “I will be fiscally responsible and transparent, mindful the decisions made today will affect our future. Most importantly, I will propose and initiate innovative ideas that will increase revenue for our city, with a focus on sustainability and sensibility for our future. I will lead Olean with an open mind to really listen to the people. It is easy to cut a ribbon, but the real work of a mayor is to cut costs and spend within our means.”
Aiello recently announced a $1 million shortfall in sales tax revenues for the fiscal year ending ending May 31 and instituted a spending and hiring freeze.
Sherburne said, “I decided many years ago to stay in Olean and continue to work for our family business, Eade’s Wallpaper Inc. For 85 years, our family contributed to Olean’s downtown, and for 35 years I am proud to say I was part of this legacy. In that time, I married my husband Bob, and together we raised our children, April, Grace, and Andrew.”
“We have enjoyed the benefit of success by working hard, and volunteering for our community. We will always be grateful for the opportunity of an amazing school district. The education starting with Ivers J. Norton, right up to the Olean High School has been stellar. I will always be an advocate for our teachers and administrators of this district. As parents or guardians, we are accustomed to the quality of education our children receive, and as mayor, I intend to celebrate it as a huge asset in the growth of Olean,” she said.
“I know what kind of life Oleanders expect, but most importantly, what they deserve. As mayor, I will advocate for every citizen of Olean to have the opportunity to live in a community that is vibrant and strong; inclusive and safe; creative and exciting; efficient and innovative. With my business experience, I know the challenges we face and the reality of the changes in today’s landscape of commerce. We will work with this, and not only meet the challenge, but exceed with investment in people! What draws people to live, work and play is a sense of belonging.”
“To build our future as a place to live, not just to work. Manufacturing jobs are needed, and this is what we have known to be successful in the past, however, we need to be diversified in our efforts to solidify our success,” Sherburne said.
“The digital revolution has reshaped the professional landscape, and remote work is continuing to rise. Olean is a prime location to capture young professionals to not only live but thrive here and bring their company with them. A growth in population will increase our housing market, add to the property and sales tax, not to mention the opportunity for industry and retail to expand to meet the needs of our citizens, without the need to give tax break incentives that historically doesn’t result in an appropriate return,” she said.
“With an increase in population, we share the expense and lower the cost of living in Olean for all. Safety will be my #1 priority. I live here too! I know the problems we face in our neighborhoods.”
“I realize the impact on quality of life, when you feel like your street is under attack by slumlords who are in the business strictly as a fast buck and not maintaining their properties. Or worse, adding to the crime in our city by zero oversight and care of those who are residing in their apartments. This must stop. Olean will not be a willing participant in adding to the bank account of landlords who are not investing in simple upkeep,” Sherburne said.
“As mayor, I will not stand for continuous violations without teeth. I will advocate for legislation that will make a difference. Our codes department is not in the business to manage a property for a landlord who does not live here.” She said, “The recent efforts to increase affordable housing have been met with strong opinions. I understand, as a resident of the city, the concerns. However, I truly believe if there are better options for housing, we will finally get a chokehold on the flow of taxpayer’s money to the wrong landlords. I see a future for our neighborhoods as they once were; a street where children can safely play, families can live, and well-maintained homes we can be proud of.”
Sherburne said she will begin circulating Republican Party designating petitions this week to challenge Aiello in the GOP mayoral primary on June 24.
