Meet the Candidates - Write-In Race in Sharon Springs

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — The election is coming up fast this next week on Tuesday, November 4th, with a write-in race for the Village of Sharon Springs, making for an interesting last couple of weeks around town.

This election cycle, there isn’t a candidate for Mayor on the ballot, making it write-in only for this integral figurehead position. The write-in candidates for Village Mayor are current Deputy Village Mayor Paul Novko and Village resident Krystina Jacquot.

There are also 2 Village Trustee positions available, and 1 vacancy, with only one candidate on the ballot: Will Kleffner, who currently serves on the Sharon Springs Zoning Board of Appeals. The other open Trustee positions would need to be filled by write-ins, with other write-in candidates that have come forward for Trustee including: Ron Ketelsen, Brooke Billinghurst, and William Barbic Jr. (aka “Bill”).

In order to paint the best picture, the candidates have prepared statements on why they should gain your vote this November 4th. Please find the following statements from our Village of Sharon Springs candidates for Mayor as well as Village Trustee:

Paul Novko for Mayor (write-in):

To the residents of Sharon Springs, My name is Paul Novko, currently the Deputy Mayor, and a write-in candidate for Mayor of Sharon Springs. I have resided since 2016 at 574 Rt 20. I own and operate Blue Star Farm & Cidery located at 582 Rt 20. I have owned a couple other businesses in the past. The first was a dairy farm located in West Laurens, NY and Novko Equipment Inc., which I started and ran concurrently at the same location. I have worked as a Professor in the Agricultural Engineering Technology Department at SUNY Cobleskill, and currently I’m employed by the AGCO Corporation as Technical Support Field Manager in the Northeast Region. Educationally, I’ve earned an Associates and Bachelors degrees from SUNY Cobleskill, in Agricultural Engineering and Agricultural Equipment Technology respectively. I also hold a Masters of Education Degree from SUNY Oswego. I was appointed as a Village Trustee in January of 2018 by our former Mayor, Doug Plummer, to fill in for a board member that moved from the area. I have served as a Trustee since that time with the exception of one year, when I was a member of the Joint Planning Board. During my time on the Board of Trustees, the Village has undertaken several infrastructure projects, namely water and sewer system improvements, some street paving, and sidewalk replacements. There are several other projects forthcoming. With that being said, I decided to run for Mayor to help the board continue with the oversight of these projects to ensure they are completed properly, without cost over runs that will negatively impact the 500 residents of Sharon Springs with an increased tax burden. We live in a small Village which currently is on a sound financial footing. As Mayor, I would like to continue the work Mayor Denise Kelly and the board has been involved in, to help keep the Village affordable, and hopefully attract new residents and help the Village grow. I would appreciate you choosing me as a write-in for Mayor on November 4, 2025. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best Regards, Paul Novko.

Krystina Jacquot for Mayor (write-in):

Howdy neighbors! I'm Krystina Jacquot and I'm running for Mayor of the Village of Sharon Springs this November. I've been a resident here with my family since 2017 and have only fallen more in love with this Village each passing year. Those of you who know me, know I'm currently the Activities Director for Marchand At Sharon Springs. I have a myriad of life experiences and skills that I have picked up from previous employment that I plan on bringing into the role of Mayor. From writing grants at a start up not for profit to balancing the books from running my own small business in the community. I also have a long history of working with and advocating for the needy and underprivileged. It is my hope that in the position of Mayor I can keep doing what I've been doing but on a grander scale. That I can keep helping the people of this Village. It is my hope to extend a hand and unite all the moving pieces that run this Village. I want to be able to get information out to the residents so they actually know what is going on where they live. I want to bring my energy, resourcefulness, and principles to this Village and make this a community we are all proud to live in.

Will Kleffner for Village Trustee (on ballot):

My name is Will Kleffner, and I’m excited to announce my candidacy for Village Trustee this November! Since moving here in 2023, my wife, Caroline, and I have been so touched by how welcoming and kind this community has been. I currently serve as Executive Director of the Cooperstown Food Pantry and on the Zoning Board of Appeals right here in Sharon Springs. Additionally, I serve on the membership and advocacy committees for the Alliance for a Hunger Free New York, as well as the advocacy committee for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. I am dedicated to making the places I live and work safe, happy, and affordable for all. As Trustee, I would like to give back to the place that’s given us so much, supporting thoughtful growth, open communication, and the unique character that makes Sharon Springs such a special place to live. It would be an honor to serve as Village Trustee, and I would be grateful for your vote on November 4th!

Ron Ketelsen for Village Trustee (write-in):

During my decade-long residence in Sharon Springs, I have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community leadership and development. I served as president of the Sharon Springs Chamber of Commerce for seven years, where I expanded membership and orchestrated numerous festivals and parades, followed by four years as President of the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce. My involvement extended to the Occupancy Tax Board and Tourism Committee for three years each, and I continue to serve as Secretary of the Joint Planning Board since 2022, Secretary of the Town Zoning Board of Appeals since 2022, and as a member of the County Planning Commission since 2023. Beyond municipal service, I have been instrumental in preserving local heritage as President of the Sharon Historical Society since 2021, successfully securing nearly $1 million in private funding to establish a historical village and acquire a building for a future museum. My dedication to understanding village governance is evidenced by my attendance at every Village Board meeting—either in person or through online replays—since 2014. This comprehensive experience across community organizations, municipal bodies, and planning commissions, combined with my deep knowledge of the challenges facing Sharon Springs, uniquely positions me to serve effectively as a Village Trustee.

Brooke Billinghurst for Village Trustee (write-in):

I’m running for Village Trustee in Sharon Springs to help preserve our unique heritage while promoting responsible growth and community engagement. As a proud resident, I am committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and maintaining the charm that makes our village special. I will work to improve infrastructure, support local businesses, and ensure that every voice is heard. Sharon Springs deserves thoughtful leadership that listens and acts with integrity. I’m ready to serve with dedication and a collaborative spirit. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote to help shape a vibrant, sustainable future for our Village.

William Barbic Jr for Village Trustee (write-in):

In a phone call, “Bill” Barbic Jr spoke about his previous role as the Town of Sharon Highway Superintendent for 20 years as well as his term as Village of Sharon Springs Trustee and term as Village Mayor. Barbic has been active with the Sharon Springs Fire Department for 53 years and counting. He mentioned he can offer his “many years of experience with money” , he knows how to “listen to people”, and can “see more big picture stuff”.

Remember to get out and vote this Tuesday, November 4th in the Sharon Community Building located at 129 Main Street, Sharon Springs, NY, 13459. Voting is open from 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Visit the Schoharie County website for more information.