President of Amherst Youth Foundation seeks seat on Town Board
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Marlette

Snyder resident and local businessman Guy R. Marlette has officially announced his candidacy for the Amherst Town Board.

Marlette said he is seeking the endorsements of the Republican, Conservative, and Independence parties in his second run for the Town Board.

In 2005, he received the fourth highest number of votes in an election that had three seats open, he said.

"I plan to run the same race - honest, and focus on the issues. I also plan to do a lot of walking," he said. "I'm confident that if I state my message and stay focused on the agenda, I should do OK."

He said one of the major issues is that the current Town Board has a lot of great ideas, but how they are implemented leaves a lot to be desired. "I try and do what is best for the town, which includes honesty and transparency in government," Marlette said.

As vice president of Buffalo based Alternative Information Systems Inc., Marlette brings business and managerial skills to his campaign.

"I want to improve the civil communication and cooperation between all members of the Amherst Town Board and use my technology background to better monitor the town's growing budget. We must stabilize town taxes through measures that actually work, not one-time quick fixes. And most importantly, we must ensure that accountability, honesty, and transparency are the guiding principles of town government," he said.

Marlette is the president of both the Amherst Youth Foundation and Amherst Drug Court Foundation. He is also director-elect for the Amherst South Rotary.

"With my wife of 25 years, Mary Ellen, and our two daughters, Sarah and Claire, I plan to run an honest campaign focusing on the future of Amherst," Marlette said. "The Town of Amherst is a great place to live and raise a family. The town's open spaces and established neighborhoods must be protected, and our quality senior, recreational, youth, and public protection services must be provided in a sound and fiscally responsible manner. I am committed to the future of Amherst."

The Town of Amherst Republican Committee will be making its endorsement decisions on Thursday.

Republican Chairman Marshall Wood said the committee will be endorsing incumbents Judge Geoff Klein for town justice and Clerk Susan Jaros. No other candidates approached the committee for these positions, he said.

The committee will also be endorsing three candidates for Town Board. Wood said five individuals have requested the endorsement.