By Mary A. Crisafulli
ROXBURY - This year, Roxbury will have two seats contested: the position of superintendent of highways and the town tax collector. Incumbent Bonnie E. Walker is seeking re-election as tax collector on the democratic line against Republican challenger Marlyn L. Hamil. Incumbent Highway Superintendent Ralph J. Sprague, seeking reelection on the Democratic line, is contested by Republican candidate Austin E. Sanford. Each candidate was asked why they believe they are the best candidate for the position. Their responses are below. Sanford did not respond to phone calls by press time.
Incumbent Ralph J. Sprague, seeking election as Superintendent of Highways under the Democratic line.
I feel like I am a good candidate for election as the Town of Roxbury Highway Superintendent because I have over a decade of experience in the industry. I gained experience with road repair and maintenance, operating equipment, hauling material, and, most recently, was appointed as the Deputy Highway Superintendent four years ago. Due to the untimely passing of the most recent Highway Superintendent, Bill Sprague, in January 2025, I was appointed as acting Highway Superintendent. I am looking forward to continuing my role as the elected Highway Superintendent beginning in 2026.
Marlyn L. Hamil, seeking election as Town Tax Collector under the Republican line.
My name is Marilyn L. Hamil, and I am writing to express my interest in the upcoming Roxbury Tax Collector position. I read about the position from a Delaware County Chamber of Commerce newsletter. I’ve always wanted to do something like this, a job to help serve my community. I thought this was a great way to do that! I have years of experience with customer service, having worked in different areas of my community. Additionally, I have substantial experience in tax preparation for a local Roxbury business and in my current position at NBT Bank. I believe that experience and community familiarity will make me a great candidate for the job!
Incumbent Bonnie E. Walker, seeking re-election for a fourth term as Town Tax Collector under the Democratic line.
I have already served three terms, totaling six years. I have learned a lot and know what to do. I enjoy being with the public and helping them. I hope I always have answers to their questions. After six years, you learn a lot and you see all the different questions. You encounter all kinds of issues and learn how to solve them. And I like it, I like doing it.
I am a retired educator, so I am available during business hours, which is helpful to a lot of people.
I have lived in Roxbury for 50 years. I was a member of the school board, I'm an avid volunteer, people know who I am, and they know they can trust me.
Other seats on the ballot this year are town supervisor, town clerk, and two town council positions.
Supervisor Republican Allen Hinkley is seeking re-election for a 3rd term. Supervisors are elected to serve two-year terms. When asked what he is most proud of being a part of on the town board, Hinkley said, "I am very proud of all of our accomplishments over the last six years." He noted the team worked well together during the global pandemic, which hit just three months after taking office.
"I believe one of our biggest accomplishments was the acquisition and renovation of the new Roxbury Town Hall in the former MIDROX insurance office," said Hinkley, "This has provided much needed space and better access to the town hall." Another major accomplishment, he noted, was the town's receipt of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Grant, benefiting both hamlets, Grand Gorge and Roxbury. "I'm looking forward to seeing these projects unfold over the next few years."
"We have also worked together as a community to update and rewrite the town's Comprehensive Plan," said Hinkley, "Many thanks to the committee that has worked diligently over the last two years to develop a plan that maps the future of Roxbury for many years to come."
Town Clerk Stefani J. Albano is seeking election on the Community Party line after being appointed to fulfill the remainder of Diane Pickett's term.
Democrats Kenneth F. Davie and Deanna L. Osborn are both seeking re-election as councilmembers for a four-year term. Davie was first elected to the council in 2018. Osborn was first appointed to the board to fulfill a remaining term in 2021 and was then elected in 2022.
Justice Jerald M. Stein, appearing on the Justice For All party line, is similarly seeking re-election for a second term. Justices are elected for four-year terms.
Elections are on November 4th at the following locations, based on district: District one at the Civic Center, 60933 State Highway 30, Grand Gorge; District two, three, and four at the Town Hall, 56 Hill Crest Drive, Roxbury.
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